Founded in 1920, Cincinnati Opera is one of the oldest and most highly regarded opera companies in the United States. Known for its longstanding partnership with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, a roster of world-class singers, and its spectacular performance venue, Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati Opera has received numerous accolades and awards, including a recent nomination for the prestigious International Opera Award. Cincinnati Opera offers a primary season of performances from June through August (paid attendance 17,000-20,000), plus a host of events through the year, including educational programming, small-scale public performances, recitals, and fundraisers.
The following descriptions are meant to give an overview of positions and are not a complete list of all duties and responsibilities.
All interns will be responsible for their own housing. Reliable transportation to and from central office and company events is required.
Applications will close at 11:59 PM on Sunday, January 12, 2025. All applications should include a cover letter and resume. Please be able to provide references upon request.
The production internships are intended for those wishing to pursue a career in these areas. The administrative internships offer college students an opportunity to learn about an arts non-profit.
Hours & compensation:
- Interns are paid at a rate of $11.00 per hour and are eligible for overtime.
- Work hours vary by internship type:
- Administrative internship hours are generally 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend hours.
- Production internship hours vary, with a minimum of 40 hours per week.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment:
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may need to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
- In order to engage and represent the organization, the employee must be able to work evenings, weekends, and travel locally.
- The positions require work in an office setting. Production positions may require work in a warehouse setting and/or backstage theatrical setting
Dates listed are subject to change.
2025 Summer Internships Available
Company Management Internship
Date range: May 5 – August 6, 2025
Qualifications:
- Valid driver’s license and excellent driving record.
- Age 21+.
- Experience with Microsoft Office preferred.
- Experience with Tessitura software a plus.
Responsibilities:
Assist the Artistic and Rehearsal Departments with:
- General clerical and logistical support for Artistic and Rehearsal Departments;
- Providing/coordinating artist transportation and housing;
- Assembling welcome packets for artists and seasonal staff;
- Assisting with the coordination and distribution of company schedules;
- Assisting with organizing costume fittings for principal artists, chorus, and supers;
- Assisting with the communication of the daily schedule to artists and production staff;
- Running errands for the artistic and rehearsal departments;
- Coordinating comp ticket needs;
- Composing and collecting paperwork for distribution (schedules, contact sheets, handbooks, etc.);
- Assisting with coordination of volunteers for light walking;
- Participating in production meetings;
- Assisting with tracking of payroll, petty cash, and check requests;
- Assembling and organizing season archive artistic information;
- Ordering and maintaining office supplies for rehearsal and artistic staff;
- Managing artist hospitality off-site and in-house;
- Other duties as assigned.
Producing Internship
Date range: May 19, 2025 – August 1, 2025
Qualifications:
- Valid driver’s license and excellent driving record.
- Age 21+ preferred.
- Experience with Microsoft Office preferred.
- Ability to read music preferred.
Responsibilities:
Assist the Production and Rehearsal Departments with:
- General, clerical, and logistical support for the Production and Rehearsal Departments;
- General support and hospitality for union costume and stage crews;
- Producing Opera Insights;
- Possibility of participating in a seasonal intern-led event pending final season programming;
- Assist in departmental finance tracking and reconciliation;
- Creating and distributing paperwork and rehearsal notes;
- Assembling and organizing season archive production information;
- Assisting with the coordination and distribution of company schedules;
- Assisting with the communication of the daily schedule to artists and production staff;
- Attending rehearsals and performances;
- Participating in production meetings;
- Running general errands;
- Other duties as assigned.
Directing Internships
1 position available.
Date range: June 18 – July 27, 2025
Qualifications
- Ability to read music required.
Responsibilities:
Assist AGMA Stage Directors and Assistant Directors with:
- Initial setup of the rehearsal space (floor taping, room layout and organization);
- Assisting with Meet & Greets and concept talks as needed;
- Taking rehearsal notes and blocking;
- Walking roles if a performer is not present;
- Attending to the needs of the director or assistant director;
- Light walking as needed;
- Attending production meetings;
- Distributing the director’s notes to the supers;
- Support and organization of children in the cast;
- Assisting the Artistic Department as needed during performances;
- Other duties as assigned.
Stage Management Internships
2-3 positions available. Each intern will be assigned to one production; dates will vary but all will fall between the range below.
Date range: May 24, 2025–July 27, 2025
Qualifications
- Ability to read music required.
Responsibilities:
Assist AGMA Stage Management teams with:
- Pre-production paperwork, rehearsal planning, and room set-up;
- Running studio rehearsals, onstage technical rehearsals, and performances;
- Updating running lists and cue sheets for rehearsal and performances;
- Tracking sign-in sheets for chorus and supers;
- Distributing necessary paperwork to production staff and department heads;
- Providing general clerical work for stage management department;
- Organizing and maintaining stage and rehearsal supplies;
- Running errands for the Stage Management department;
- Assisting the Rehearsal Department as needed;
- Possibility of participating in seasonal intern-led event pending final season programming;
- Other duties as assigned.
Scenic & Props Internship
Date range: May 12, 2025–July 27, 2025
Qualifications:
- Most work takes place at Cincinnati Opera's warehouse, which is an approximately 20-minute drive from Music Hall; a reliable vehicle for transportation to and from Music Hall and the warehouse is required.
- Practical experience in scenic painting is required.
Responsibilities:
Assist Scenic and Prop Staff with the following:
- Assisting with scenic artistry and touchup work;
- Painting and carving scenery as needed;
- Painting and dressing props as needed;
- Research for scenic and props details - locally and on the web;
- Providing paint samples;
- Shopping for general supplies;
- Cleaning and maintaining the workspace;
- Assisting guest designers as needed;
- Communicating artistic requests to props crew;
- Note taking during onstage rehearsals and production meetings;
- Archival paperwork as needed;
- General errands for scenic and props staff;
- Possibility of participating in seasonal intern-led event pending final season programming;
- Other duties as assigned.
Lighting Internships
2 positions available.
Date range: May 27, 2025–August 1, 2025
Qualifications:
- Experience with Vectorworks, Lightwright, and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to read music is highly recommended.
Responsibilities:
Assist the Lighting Director and Associate Lighting Designer with the following tasks:
- Production notes and assignments as well as assisting in calling focus;
- Creation of follow spot sheets and follow spot instruction during rehearsal;
- Tracking and coordination of cue placements with stage management and other departments;
- Tracking of lighting & electric expenditures;
- Coordination of lighting meetings and schedules;
- Management of inventory and tracking of rented items to ensure accurate returns;
- Creation and maintenance of lighting plots and running paperwork;
- Management of lighting materials archives;
- Communication of lighting requests to crew & staff;
- Possibility of participating in seasonal intern-led event pending final season programming;
- Other duties as assigned.
Hair & Make-up Internship
Date range: May 27, 2025–July 30, 2025
Qualifications:
- Experience applying theatrical makeup and wigs and ventilating.
Responsibilities:
Assist the Wig and Makeup Designer with the following tasks:
- Coordination of the design and application of wigs and make-up for all productions;
- Application of chorus and supers wigs and make-up;
- Organization of supplies;
- Maintenance of work spaces;
- Wig creation and maintenance;
- Paperwork as assigned;
- Possibility of participating in seasonal intern-led event pending final season programming;
- Other duties as assigned.
Costume Internship
Date range: May 19, 2025–August 1, 2025
Qualifications:
- Most work takes place at Music Hall, with occasional trips to Cincinnati Opera’s warehouse, which is an approximately 20-minute drive from Music Hall; a reliable vehicle for transportation to and from Music Hall and the warehouse is required.
Responsibilities:
Assist Costume Director & Union Costume Shop with the following tasks:
- Gathering & distributing of Artists measurements;
- Scheduling of fittings with Rehearsal Department & Costume Shop Manager;
- Union approved duties before/during fittings (sign-ins, notes, etc.);
- Research for Costume & Wardrobe items - locally and on the web;
- Assist with pack in/pack outs per the Costume Shop Managers approval;
- Tracking and coding of wardrobe purchases and returns;
- Union approved assistance with getting prepared for costume fittings;
- Assisting guest designers as needed;
- Communicating artistic requests to Costume Shop (rehearsal pieces);
- Attendance of rehearsals & production meetings;
- Archival paperwork as needed;
- General errands & shopping for Costume Shop;
- Possibility of participating in seasonal intern-led event pending final season programming;
- Other duties as assigned.
Community Engagement and Education Internship
Date range: May 5, 2025–August 9, 2025
Qualifications:
- Valid driver’s license, excellent driving record, and vehicle.
- Experience with Microsoft Office preferred.
- Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud a plus.
Responsibilities:
- Work with the Community Engagement and Education team to execute community-based events, such as Opera Goes to Church and Temple, Sensory-Friendly programs, Community Open Dress Rehearsal, CO in Concert, Opera & Yoga, etc.;
- Assisting with the execution of summer Education programs;
- Writing articles, reports, and data summaries for community engagement and education program activity;
- Work with production and artistic teams to coordinate logistics for “Opera Insights” pre-show lectures;
- Research, develop, and produce opera production themed content for the Community Open Dress Rehearsal youth activity program book;
- Collect and organize content (artists bios, photos, choir rosters, translations, etc.) for Opera Goes to Church and Temple program books;
- Assisting with details/logistics of events and activities connected to the season
- Assisting with details/logistics of the preparation of Education program for the 2024-2025 School Year;
- Assisting with the capture of CEE programs via video and photo, including uploading and organizing media files;
- Running department errands;
- Other duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Interest in supporting Cincinnati Opera’s mission and vision;
- Excellent writing, organization, teamwork, and communication skills;
- Comfort in working with various members of the community;
- Comfort in working with school-aged students and in school settings;
- Comfort in working with religious organizations and in houses of worship settings;
- Strong work ethic that demonstrates initiative and creative thinking;
- Ability to manage multiple competing deadlines;
- Interest in opera, classical music, performing arts, or nonprofit operations preferred but not required.
Philanthropy and Administrative Internship
Two positions available.
Date range: May 5, 2025–August 8, 2025
Responsibilities:
- Manage all RSVP lists for philanthropy events and major donor parking;
- Provide staff support at the Major Donor parking lot for all performances and special events;
- Provide general clerical, database, and correspondence support;
- Assist with mailings;
- Assist with details and logistics of all philanthropy events connected to the Summer Festival season;
- Run department errands for supplies, etc.;
- Answer the office’s main phone line and direct calls as needed;
- Order, set up, and tear down of in-season staff meals;
- Assist with merchandise ordering and inventory, and staff the Bravo Shop (CO Gift Shop) on all performance evenings;
- Set up and tear-down for all Board and Guild meetings;
- Other duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Strong computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel are required);
- Outstanding organizational and communication skills, including being comfortable interacting with the public.
Communications Internship
Date range: May 5, 2025–August 9, 2025
Responsibilities:
- Working with the Director of Communications to promote Cincinnati Opera’s 2025 season, including mainstage performances and special events;
- Assisting with promotional tactics and projects, including (but not limited to) partnerships with key local vendors and community partners;
- Writing press releases, conducting interviews, coordinating stories with local media, and assisting with digital communications;
- Escorting artists and journalists to interviews and events;
- Representing Cincinnati Opera at performances, special events, and promotional opportunities;
- Greeting and working with media onsite before, during, and after performances;
- Updating and maintaining media databases and files;
- Assisting with the distribution of promotional materials in the community;
- Providing administrative support to the marketing and communications departments, including occasional errands;
- Possibility of assisting with seasonal intern-led event pending final season programming;
- Other duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Interest in supporting Cincinnati Opera’s mission and vision;
- Excellent writing, organization, and communication skills;
- Comfort in working with various members of the public, including (but not limited to) media, staff, board, donors, artists, audience members, and community partners;
- Experience with standard desktop and cloud computing platforms, including MS Office, Box, and Photoshop;
- Experience with social media platforms;
- Experience with web content management and email marketing systems;
- Strong work ethic that demonstrates initiative and creative thinking;
- Ability to manage multiple competing deadlines;
- Interest in opera, classical music, performing arts, or nonprofit operations preferred but not required.
Marketing Internship
Date range: May 5, 2025–August 9, 2025
Responsibilities:
- Working with the Director of Marketing to promote Cincinnati Opera’s 2025 season, including mainstage performances and special events;
- Developing content for Cincinnati Opera’s social media platforms, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and LinkedIn;
- Copywriting for social media and email marketing;
- Assisting with in-house photography, video, and video editing for social media needs;
- Building and sending promotional emails in WordFly;
- Maintaining and updating Cincinnati Opera’s website to ensure relevancy and accuracy;
- Managing the distribution of promotional materials in the community, including posters in neighboring businesses and working with Cincinnati Opera’s staff and volunteers to distribute materials in other Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky neighborhoods;
- Representing Cincinnati Opera at performances and special events;
- Providing administrative support to the marketing department, including occasional errands;
- Adherence to all policies, rules, licensing, permissions, etc., related to photo and video content collection and distribution;
- Other duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Interest in supporting Cincinnati Opera’s mission and vision;
- Experience with social media platforms, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter;
- Excellent writing, organization, and communication skills;
- Comfort in working with various members of the public, including, but not limited to, staff, board, donors, artists, audience members, and community partners;
- Experience with web content management and email marketing systems is a plus;
- Eye for good design; photo and video skills are a plus;
- Strong work ethic that demonstrates initiative and creative thinking;
- Ability to manage multiple competing deadlines;
- Interest in opera, classical music, performing arts, or nonprofit operations preferred but not required.
Cincinnati Opera is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to promoting the growth of a diverse and inclusive workplace.