Costume Assistant

The Canadian Opera Company is now accepting applications for the position of Costume Assistant. This is a contract position within our Costume department between the dates of July 20 to October 19, 2026. Additional opportunities may arise in future seasons, depending on operational needs. 

PURPOSE OF ROLE

The Canadian Opera Company is in the midst of an exciting new chapter of artistic ambition and creative evolution. As the company prepares for its 2026/2027 season, the Canadian Opera Company is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Costume Assistant to support costume production ahead of the company’s 2026/2027 season. 

The Costume department plays a vital role in bringing each production to life, translating bold creative visions into the richly detailed work seen onstage. Working alongside a passionate team of craftspeople, artists, and production staff, the Costume Assistant will contribute directly to the creation and realization of world-class opera productions.

This is an opportunity to be part of the collaborative process where performances first take shape: supporting fittings, preparing costumes for the stage, and helping ensure artists feel confident, supported, and performance-ready. 

Reporting to the Production department’s Head of Costumes, the ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a fast-paced creative environment, working closely with production crews, wardrobe staff, and artists in to ensure that costumes are produced, altered, maintained, and production-ready throughout rehearsals and performances. 

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Learn the requirements and design of each production and work closely with the Supervisors to organize costumes for chorus, dancers, and supernumeraries 
• Collect and assign shoes, accessories, and laundry 
• Alter Costumes both before and after fittings
• Run chorus and super fittings in a respectful and efficient manner 
• Keep accurate notes for alterations, running, and packing out of the show 
• Inventory, label, and prepare costumes for the theatre
• Liaise with IATSE Crew at the theatre
• Execute notes from rehearsals
• Assist in load outs and the maintenance of costume storage
• Work within deadlines 
• Follow all Health and Safety practices 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary diploma in theatre and/or fashion 
• Knowledge of garment construction, sewing, and alterations 
• Excellent interpersonal skills. This position requires interacting with artists in intimate settings, as well as communicating with IATSE colleagues 
• Theatre experience 
• Strong organizational skills. This position requires the ability to take artistic direction and follow the priorities set by the Costume Supervisor and the Head of Costumes while completing their work 
• General knowledge in Microsoft Office 
• Willingness and availability to work evenings and weekends as required 

ABOUT THE CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY
Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. General Director David C. Ferguson joined the company in 2024, forming a leadership team alongside Artistic Director Roberto Mauro and Music Director Johannes Debus. Recently, Ian Derrer was appointed the next General Director of the company, slated to begin his term in July 2026. The COC enjoys a loyal audience, including a dedicated base of subscribers, and has an international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation. Its diverse repertoire includes new commissions and productions, local and international collaborations with leading opera companies and festivals, and attracts the world’s foremost Canadian and international artists. The company is an incubator for the future of the art form, nurturing Canada’s new wave of opera performers and creators with customized training and support. The COC’s purpose-built opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, is hailed internationally as one of the finest in the world.

As Canada's largest opera company, the COC deeply values equity and diversity across all levels of the organization and believes in fostering an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that fully supports our team’s personal and collective success. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects our community, our city, and our country and, in turn, the COC welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and abilities who share and embrace these values of anti-racism and inclusion.

The COC is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in all parts of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

To be considered for this role, applications must be received by June 8, 2026