Stitcher - Costume Shop (Temporary)

New York City Ballet is one of the foremost dance companies in the world, with a roster of spectacular dancers and an unparalleled repertory. Founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, New York City Ballet quickly became world-renowned for its athletic and contemporary style. Widely acknowledged for its enduring contributions to dance, New York City Ballet is committed to promoting creative excellence and nurturing a new generation of dancers and choreographers. The School of American Ballet is the official training academy of the New York City Ballet.

The Stitcher (Temporary) position is a key member of the costume shop team, responsible for constructing new garments, and altering existing costumes for dance productions. This role requires exceptional technical skill, precision, and the ability to work in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Construct, alter, and finish costumes using expert hand‑sewing and machine‑sewing techniques.


• Execute dressmaking, tailoring, draping, and detailed alterations as assigned by shop management.


• Build and modify garments using a variety of delicate and performance‑specific fabrics including stretch materials, chiffon, organza, tulle, mesh, and specialty fabrics.


• Press and steam fabrics as required.


• Support fittings by preparing garments and performing accurate adjustments.


• Collaborate closely with shop management to ensure costume integrity.


• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workstation in compliance with shop procedures.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Expert proficiency in both machine and hand sewing.
  


• Advanced skills in costume construction; experience with ballet costumes and working with specialized performance fabrics (stretch, chiffon, organza, tulle).
  


• Knowledge of industrial machines e.g., Straight stitch, Merrow, etc.
  


• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team‑oriented environment.


• Strong organization and time‑management skills, with the ability to meet tight production schedules.


• At least 2 years of professional costume shop experience in dance, or other performance‑based environments.
  


• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs., sit or stand for long periods, and perform repetitive motions common to sewing tasks.

EEO Statement

New York City Ballet is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship status, disability, pregnancy, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military status or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, unemployment status, familial status, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to extent required by applicable law, credit history or any other characteristic protected by law.

Statement of Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

New York City Ballet, one of the foremost ballet companies in the world, pursues the highest levels of artistic excellence and innovation. Therefore, we seek to attract, retain, and cultivate the most talented dancers, musicians, designers, stage technicians, and arts administrators. To this end, we are deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values diversity, inclusion, and equity. We are inspired by our founders, George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, who envisioned an authentically American expression of ballet with a company that reflects the rich cultural diversity of this nation. In pursuit of their vision, we are committed to educating, developing, and supporting an organization that embodies diversity in its many forms.