Senior Stitcher

The Royal New Zealand Ballet is a company of dynamic dancers from diverse backgrounds and presents a repertoire of classic and contemporary works across Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.   Unique chance to join our close-knit costume team and make a genuine impact on Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural community. Founded in 1953, the Royal New Zealand Ballet is New Zealand’s national ballet company. The RNZB is based in Wellington and tours throughout New Zealand and internationally, presenting at least 70 performances a year. The company’s annual subscription season takes classical and contemporary ballets to theatres in nine main centres, while Tutus on Tour takes small-scale works to more than a dozen regional centres. The RNZB is funded through the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Manatū Taonga, and through ticket sales, sponsorship, grants and personal donations.

In the role you will undertake industrial, domestic sewing and hand sewing for costume creation and manufacture, assistance during fittings, photoshoots as needed and alteration of costumes.

Occasional touring with the company may be required to undertake washing, drying, maintenance of costumes and dressing dancers. 

Key Areas of Responsibilities are

Costume Creation and Manufacture

•       Perform industrial, domestic sewing and hand sewing.

•       Assists with pattern making.

•       Assists with production process of garments/costumes.

•       Pattern alteration as needed.

•       Assists with fittings as needed.

•       Assists with photoshoots as required.

•       Alterations of garments and costumes as required.

•       Travel maybe required.

Health and Safety 

•       Comply with all RNZB health and safety policies and procedures and keep the workroom free of hazards.

•       Always observe best practice standards in the workroom, particularly in relation to use of machinery and the technical construction of costumes.

Other  

•       Undertake any other reasonable requests made by Head of Costume, Costume/Workroom Manager or Senior Costumier. 

•       Liaise with other RNZB Departments as required to ensure good communication and effectiveness across the organisation.  

About you

•       Minimum of 5 years previous experience in stitching and costume construction.

•       Minimum of 5 years previous experience in a professional costume workroom.

•       Pattern making experience.

•       Proven competence in industrial and domestic machines.

•       Excellence in hand sewing.

•       Ability to construct a garment from start to finish.

•       Ability to alter a wide range of garments or costumes.

What we offer

•       Be part of a globally recognised arts organisation, making a significant impact on Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural community.

•       Ticket perks to our performances.

•       Flexible working environment.

•       Discounted gym membership.

•       Investment in your personal career development and training.

•       Occasional opportunity to travel within New Zealand.