This summer (June–August 2025), Bard SummerScape returns with a vibrant season of dance, theater, opera, music, and the beloved Spiegeltent. Presented by the Fisher Center at Bard, this celebrated multi-arts festival takes place in person on Bard’s idyllic 1,000-acre campus, featuring performances in the stunning Frank Gehry-designed performing arts center.

First Hands are part of the costume shop team in the Production Department and will support the execution of costuming elements and needs for the SummerScape Opera. First Hands assist in the pattern creation and construction of specific costumes as designed by the Costume Designer. They report to the Costume Supervisor and work closely with other production team members and costume designers.

This is a seasonal position from June 6 through August 17, non-exempt (overtime eligible), paid hourly at a rate range of $20-22/hr depending on experience. Hours will average 35–40 hours/week, with the potential for overtime.

Local residence is required during the dates listed above; campus housing will be provided free of charge if needed, including a single bedroom and shared amenities based on availability. Employees will have access to three (3) meals per weekday and two (2) meals per weekend day on campus during the residency period. Should campus dining agreements or options change from the time of the agreement, an equivalent per diem will be provided. PLEASE NOTE: Room and board may differ for current Bard College students.

Job Responsibilities:

Assist the Draper in the creation of patterns

Supervise Stitchers on alteration of rented built and purchased costume pieces

Cut fabric based on patterns supplied by Draper

Advises Stitchers on methodologies for made-to-order garments and fitting alterations

Attends fittings to assist Draper

Prepare alterations from fittings for Stitchers

Duties as assigned by the Draper and the Costume Supervisor

Company-Wide Responsibilities:

The Fisher Center is currently undergoing an organization-wide process of change toward becoming an anti-racist, multicultural institution. All on staff are expected to:

Commit to anti-racism and inclusivity at the Fisher Center. This includes participating in any trainings when scheduled, supporting departmental, company-wide, and cross-departmental collaboration in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and furthering your own independent journey with anti-racism

Contribute in meaningful ways to the organizational culture

High school diploma or equivalent

Demonstrated experience in machine and hand-sewing techniques

Basic pattern drafting skills

Basic knowledge of costume and fashion history, as well as fabric types and their uses for the stage

Excellent time management skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to sit and stand for long periods

Ability to move and lift objects up to 50 lbs.

Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays, as set by production schedule

Successful candidates possess strong communication skills and keen attention to detail, are collaborative and self-motivated, and bring a positive, can-do attitude

Prior backstage costume-related experience

Extended periods of standing and sitting

May handle dyes, natural and synthetic fibers, and materials including but not limited to feathers, furs, leather and more

Complete the application form here: https://near.tl/sm/bK6s5iSZ-

For any access-related requests, questions, or issues with the application form, please contact [email protected].

Bard College is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. Bard is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.

The Fisher Center develops, produces, and presents performing arts across disciplines through new productions and context-rich programs that challenge and inspire. As a premier professional performing arts center and a hub for research and education, the Fisher Center supports artists, students, and audiences in the development and examination of artistic ideas, offering perspectives from the past and present, as well as visions of the future. The Fisher Center demonstrates Bard’s commitment to the performing arts as a cultural and educational necessity. Home is the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, designed by Frank Gehry and located on the Bard College campus in New York’s Hudson Valley. The Fisher Center offers outstanding programs to many communities, including the students and faculty of Bard College and audiences in the Hudson Valley, New York City, across the country, and around the world. Building on a 165-year history as a competitive and innovative undergraduate institution, Bard is committed to enriching culture, public life, and democratic discourse by training tomorrow’s thought leaders. Learn more about the Fisher Center, its programs, and its values at fishercenter.bard.edu/about.

Founded in 1860, Bard College is a four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences located 90 miles north of New York City. With the addition of the Montgomery Place estate, Bard’s campus consists of nearly 1,000 park-like acres in the Hudson River Valley. It offers bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, and bachelor of music degrees, with majors in nearly 40 academic programs, graduate degrees in 11 programs, nine early colleges, and numerous dual-degree programs nationally and internationally. Building on its 165-year history as a competitive and innovative undergraduate institution, Bard College has expanded its mission as a private institution acting in the public interest across the country and around the world to meet broader student needs and increase access to liberal education. The undergraduate program at our main campus in upstate New York has a reputation for scholarly excellence, a focus on the arts, and civic engagement. Bard is committed to enriching culture, public life, and democratic discourse by training tomorrow’s thought leaders. For more information about Bard College, visit bard.edu.