Patternmaker
This position is full-time exempt, with direct reporting to the Costume Director. The Atlanta Ballet Costume Shop is a six-person shop (Costume Director, Patternmaker, Construction Supervisor, 2 Costume Technicians, and a Wardrobe/Shoe Manager) that provides support for six shows a season consisting of The Nutcracker, story ballets, and mixed reps, and additional community engagement performances. Work involves new builds with designers and choreographers as well as remounts of existing and rented productions. This is a year-round position (with the option for a three-month hiatus for summer work if desired, dependent on season workload) for a patternmaker/draper.
Position Summary
The Patternmaker (Cutter/Draper) works in tandem with the Construction Supervisor between them they are responsible for all facets of the construction process for the creation of costumes. Performs fittings, alterations, and refurbishment of existing costumes for the production season, including maintenance of pulled or rented clothing items.
Principal Duties
- Develop patterns and construction methods for garments to realize the Costume Designer's vision.
- Measure and maintain up to date dancer measurements.
- Determine yardage for fabric, trims, and supplies for the costume.
- Create patterns, principally by flat patternmaking and occasionally draping.
- Fitting new and existing costumes to dancers.
- Cut fabric based on a pattern.
- Construct and alter costumes as needed.
- Work in conjunction with the Construction Supervisor to supervise the work of the Costume Technicians.
- Work with the Construction Supervisor to maintain the excellence of the product.
- Work with the Construction Supervisor to train personnel as necessary.
- Complete assigned costumes with high quality within tight timelines and budgets.
Experience / Skills:
- The ability to communicate well with dancers, coworkers, and additional ballet staff.
- The willingness and desire to learn and teach new methods.
- Advanced knowledge of sewing and textiles required, stretch garments is a plus.
- Knowledge of machinery used in costume construction.
- Demonstrated supervisory experience and leadership in a professional theater setting.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Good organizational skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- The ability to follow precise directions.
- The ability to work positively and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be able to stand for extended periods; lift up to 50 lbs. and be able to kneel and/or stoop for short periods and engage in repetitive motions. Must have the demonstrated ability to collaborate and contribute to a highly productive team environment.
Compensation and Benefits
Atlanta Ballet provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with a salary estimated in the range of $45,000 to $51,000. Employee benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays; health, long-term disability, and life insurance; and a voluntary 403(b) retirement plan.
Covid-19 Precautions
Candidates must be fully vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19.
Applications and Inquiries
Please contact HRinfo@atlantaballet.com for inquires and to submit a cover letter and resume for consideration.
Atlanta Ballet’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals are to more fully reflect the diversity of its community; for performances to attract and resonate with Atlanta’s diverse communities; for everyone who works at Atlanta Ballet to feel valued for the contributions and competencies; and for everyone in the Atlanta Ballet community to have a sense of belonging, regardless of race, color, gender, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, religion or sexual orientation.