Administrative Internship Program - 2025 Festival Season
DESCRIPTION
Interested in a career in the arts? Want to learn about producing a world-class opera festival? Opera Theatre’s seasonal administrative internships offer hands-on experience collaborating to produce a world-class opera festival, as well as the opportunity to develop a wide variety of skills crucial in today’s arts and non-profit landscape.
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is accepting applications for its Administrative Intern Program for the 2025 Festival Season, featuring Die Fledermaus, This House, Don Pasquale, and A Midnight Summer’s Dream.
Opera Theatre is known as a center for training young professionals in all aspects of opera, including arts administration. OTSL’s Administrative Internship Program offers direct, on-the-job experience for those interested in careers in arts administration and management. Past interns have gone on to enjoy careers at Opera Theatre, the Metropolitan Opera, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the St. Louis Art Museum, the American Repertory Theater, San Diego Symphony, and other arts organizations across the country.
Opera Theatre’s administrative internships offer hands-on experience collaborating to produce a world-class opera festival, as well as the opportunity to develop a wide variety of skills crucial in today’s arts and non-profit landscape. In addition to working on projects that are integral to the success of the Festival Season, interns are encouraged to learn from and about roles across the entire company, and are invited to attend additional lectures, recitals, rehearsals, and performances. The program also includes educational sessions specifically for the interns, designed to further the professional growth of the program participants.
We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment and strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, women, individuals with disabilities, and others who have been historically excluded to apply. We welcome and value the unique perspectives and experiences that all candidates bring to our team!
Internship Guidelines
If interested, applicants can and are encouraged to apply for more than one position!
Applicants must be 18+ and authorized to work in the U.S. (some positions may have additional requirements as detailed)
All internships are paid hourly at the rate of $15.00 an hour, and overtime at 1.5x for any hours over 40 per week.
Dates and hours for each position vary, but most are from late April/early May – early July. Hours may include some nights and weekends (see individual position descriptions).
Limited shared housing available.
A basic familiarity with opera and classical music is a great help, however it is not required!
Note: While the majority of our interns are college students or recent college graduates, this is not required. Any qualified applicants will be considered!
INTERN POSITIONS AVAILABLE:
Artistic Administration Intern
Patron Services Intern
Events Intern
Digital Marketing Intern
Finance Intern
Graphic Design Intern
Press & Communications Intern
Social Media Intern
Production Intern
TO APPLY:
Applicants will be required to submit:
Their contact information
2 references – names and contact information
Resume (as a PDF)
Brief personal statement, of no more than 250 words, that communicates why you are interested in the internship, and what unique skills and/or experience you will bring to the role.
Some positions ask for additional work samples or writing samples
Application and Selection Timeline:
Application Period: December 2024 – March 2025
Interviews and Selection: February – March 2025
POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
Artistic Administration Intern
Dates of Employment: Late April – Early July 2025
Supervisor: Associate Director of Artistic Operations
Works closely with: Director of Artistic Administration; Company Manager; Artistic Assistant
Hours: Approximately 30–40 hours per week
The Artistic Administration Intern is an essential support member of the Artistic department during the Festival Season, providing administrative support in the areas of artistic planning and artist services to the team and Opera Theatre’s singers, directors, designers, and music staff. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting with logistics such as housing and transportation, scheduling, coordinating auditions, and music library cataloguing.
The Artistic Administration Intern must be able to interact with artists and patrons in a variety of settings and have strong organizational and communication skills. They should have a basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and an ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. An interest in classical music and an ability to read music is preferred but not required.
This position requires that the candidate have their own car (company mileage is reimbursed) and be able to work some evenings and weekends. Candidates must be able to move equipment and supplies weighing up to 35 lbs.
Patron Services Intern
Dates of Employment: Early May – Early July 2025
Supervisor: Senior Manager of Donor Engagement
Works closely with: Director of Development & Campaign Strategy; Deputy Director of Development, Institutional Giving & Events; Data Assistant;
Hours: Approximately 35-40 hours per week
The Patron Services Intern will gain first-hand patron interaction and Tessitura database experience by leading welcome efforts for special guests during Opera Theatre’s Festival Season. Special guests include out-of-town patrons, supporters, artists, press, and industry colleagues. Responsibilities include gathering and tracking visitor data from various departments, coordinating the preparation and volunteer-led delivery of welcome baskets, preparing and circulating a daily “scope list” of special guests and visitors, serving as a concierge to welcome and support season guests, and assisting with the coordination of seasonal volunteer activities. This is a detail-oriented position that requires excellent organization and communication skills. Strong candidates are self-motivated, balance multiple responsibilities effectively, and interact positively with artists, donors, volunteers, board members, and staff in a range of professional and social situations. Availability for night and weekend performances is required. Basic knowledge of Excel preferred. An interest in opera and classical music is helpful but not required.
Events Intern
Dates of Employment: Early May – Early July 2025
Supervisor: Deputy Director of Development, Institutional Giving & Events
Works closely with: Director of Development & Campaign Strategy; Senior Manager of Donor Engagement; Events Coordinator; Data Assistant
Hours: Approximately 35-40 hours per week
The Events Intern assists with Opera Theatre's Festival Season donor events, including 20-30 dinners and receptions for patrons, as well as a gala benefit (pending start date). This position requires a self-motivated individual, comfortable interacting with a range of personalities including donors, volunteers, and staff in both professional and social situations.
Work hours are based on the events scheduled each week, including evenings and weekends. Most events take place in the evening, outdoors under an event tent in the David W. Mesker Festival Gardens. A general workday may look like office work in the afternoon followed by an event in the evening. On non-event days, the Events Intern will work in the office. The Events Intern will be trained in Tessitura (Opera Theatre's development and box office software) and Asana (Opera Theatre’s project management app).
Success in this position looks like creating a warm and welcoming experience for event guests, well-maintained guest records and the timely delivery of event materials, and clear communication with Development team members.
Digital Marketing Intern
Dates of Employment: Late April – Early July 2025
Supervisor: Web & E-Marketing Manager
Works closely with: Director of Marketing & Public Relations; Graphic Designer & Brand Manager, Social Media & Content Strategy Manager; Box Office staff
Hours: Approximately 35-40 hours per week
The Digital Marketing Intern plays a crucial role in the creation, routing, editing, and execution of OTSL’s e-marketing strategies across email and website. Reporting to the Web & E-Marketing Manager, this intern’s responsibilities may include but are not limited to: copywriting and layout of marketing emails, design of new pages for the OTSL website, design of digital programs in OTSL’s official app, brainstorming and executing a calendar of push notifications to further customer engagement with the app, routing proofs of all e-marketing materials cross-departmentally, and incorporating edits upon request.
Applicants should be excellent writers who also possess a strong grasp of digital marketing technologies. Experience with graphic design and/or email marketing for professional brands preferred. The successful applicant will show a high level of initiative and organization. This position will be wonderful experience for a quick learner and organized worker who seeks professional mentorship and can work independently on several projects at once.
The Digital Marketing Intern must have their own transportation (company mileage is reimbursed) and must be willing to work some evenings and weekends.
In addition to your resume, please submit a PDF or link (if applicable) to any previous writing or digital marketing samples.
Finance Intern
Dates of Employment: Mid-May - Mid July 2025
Supervisor: Senior Accountant
Works closely with: Director of Administration & Finance; Controller; Payroll & Benefits Administrator; Accounting Clerk
Hours: Approximately 35–40 hours per week
The Finance Intern is an essential member of OTSL’s Administration & Finance department, working directly with the Controller and the Accounting Manager to support the organization’s financial operations. Responsibilities include assisting with cash management and tracking across the Festival Season, working in the company’s accounting software, collaborating on data entry projects, maintaining financial records, and other administrative projects.
This position will be trained in the Abila MIP accounting software and will work with several members of the Administration & Finance department on projects across the length of the internship.
This position will be wonderful experience for a quick learner who is detail-oriented and organized; who seeks professional mentorship; and who can work independently. This position requires a working knowledge of Microsoft Word & Excel, and availability some evenings and weekends during late May/June.
Graphic Design Intern
Dates of Employment: Late March – Early July 2025
Supervisor: Graphic Design & Brand Manager
Works closely with: Director of Marketing & Public Relations; Social Media & Content Strategy Manager; Communications Manager; Web & E-marketing Manager
Hours: Approximately 35-40 hours per week (varies)
The Graphic Design Intern will play a crucial role in branding and marketing Opera Theatre’s 2025 Festival Season, collaborating with seasoned professionals to translate concepts into visually compelling designs using Adobe Creative Suite and contributing to diverse projects across digital and print platforms. Tasks may include but are not limited to creating direct mail collateral, digital and print advertising, education camp collateral, social media visuals, and editing production and event photography. This intern will also participate in the final stages of designing and packaging Opera Theatre’s annual 160+ page program book, which is distributed for free to audiences throughout the season. Additionally, this role provides the unique opportunity to work under the mentorship of a full-time Graphic Designer and Brand Manager. In conjunction with other Marketing & PR colleagues, the intern may also contribute to event planning and staffing. This internship offers a rich learning experience in a dynamic creative environment.
Applicants should be aspiring creatives with previous design experience. Experience using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign strongly preferred. The successful applicant will also show a high level of timeliness and organization. This position will be a wonderful experience for a quick learner who seeks professional mentorship and can work independently on several projects at once.
The Graphic Design Intern must have their own transportation (company mileage is reimbursed) and must be willing to work some evenings and weekends.
In addition to your resume, please submit a PDF or link (if applicable) to any previous design samples or a current portfolio.
Press & Communications Intern
Dates of Employment: Late April – Early July 2025
Supervisor: Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Works with: Communications Manager; Social Media & Content Strategy Manager; Web & E-marketing Manager; Box Office staff
Hours: Approximately 35–40 hours per week
The Press and Communications Intern will play an important role in supporting Opera Theatre’s press and storytelling efforts during the Festival Season. Duties include but are not limited to copywriting and proofreading marketing collateral, creating blog content for OTSL’s website, monitoring stories surrounding OTSL’s Festival Season, staffing the theater’s press desk prior to performances, maintaining the company’s press archives, helping coordinate media interviews, distributing artist media alerts, sending weekly press updates to OTSL staff, and helping to ensure that positive press coverage is published across OTSL’s email, app, and social channels.
The Press & Communications Intern will be an exceptional writer and proofreader who possesses extremely high attention to detail and a working knowledge of Microsoft Word. The successful applicant will have a team player attitude, be a quick learner who can work independently on several projects at once in a fast-paced environment and enjoy people-oriented work. Experience/interest in classical music is a plus but not required.
The Press & Communications Intern must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed. Due to the nature of press activities around a performing arts festival, this internship requires the flexibility to accommodate many evening and weekend hours with an ever-evolving weekly schedule. We ask applicants to take this into consideration when applying — one example of a possible weekly schedule is below:
· Mon: 9am-5pm
· Tue: 9am-5pm
· Wed: 1pm-5pm, 6pm-8pm
· Thu: 1pm-5pm, 6pm-8pm
· Fri: 9am-5pm
· Sat: 6pm-8pm
In addition to your resume, please submit at least one professional or academic writing sample (PDF or link).
Social Media Intern
Dates of Employment: Late April - Early July 2025
Supervisor: Social Media & Content Strategy Manager
Works closely with: Director of Marketing & PR, Graphic Designer & Brand Manager, Web & E-Marketing Manager, Box Office Staff
Hours: Approximately 35-40 hours per week
The Social Media Intern plays a crucial role in creating content and maintaining a vibrant and welcoming brand identity for Opera Theatre across all its social media platforms. Reporting to the Social Media & Content Strategy Manager, this intern’s responsibilities may include but are not limited to: brainstorming and creation of social media posts, daily monitoring of social media engagement, providing timely and friendly responses to social media comments and inquiries, planning and executing social media influencer events during the season, the capture and editing of backstage and experiential photo and video content, and basic photo manipulation and graphic design necessary to aid in the execution of the aforementioned tasks.
Applicants should possess a strong grasp of digital marketing technologies. Experience with graphic design and/or social media management for professional brands preferred. The successful applicant will also show a high level of initiative and organization. This position will be wonderful experience for a quick learner and organized worker who seeks professional mentorship and can work independently on several projects at once.
The Social Media Intern must have their own transportation (company mileage is reimbursed) and must be willing to work some evenings and weekends.
In addition to your resume, please submit a PDF or link (if applicable) to any previous writing, design, or digital marketing samples.
Production Intern
Dates of Employment: Mid-April - Late June 2025
Supervisor: Production Manager
Works closely with: Production and Operations departments
Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week
The Production Intern assists the Production Manager and the Production Administrator with the organization and operations of the Production and Operations departments to facilitate a successful Festival Season. Responsibilities include assisting with inter/intra department communications; research; department paperwork and data entry (e.g. welcome letters, PO tracking); collecting and reviewing time sheets; reviewing and posting schedules; department events (e.g. crew meals, education events).
Ideal candidates might be 3rd or 4th year students in a college technical theatre program, or a student in a theatre emphasis MFA program. Strong organizational skills, and a working knowledge of MS Office, particularly Excel and mail merge, is required.
This position requires that the candidate have a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle (company mileage is reimbursed). Candidates must be able to move equipment weighting up to 60–70 lbs.
About Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization known for innovative productions featuring outstanding young artists. The company offers a festival opera season each spring which attracts ticket buyers from zip codes throughout the metropolitan area, as well as visitors from nearly 50 states and multiple countries. As of 2024, OTSL has presented 41 world premieres, which may be the highest percentage of new work in the repertory of any American company. In addition to the spring Festival Season, OTSL operates year-round education and community programs serving nearly 17,000 local children and adults.
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has a year-round artistic and administrative staff of approximately 45, which grows to more than 500 during the Festival Season. Several hundred volunteer members of the Opera Theatre Guild provide support for all aspects of Opera Theatre’s work and advocate for the company throughout the greater St. Louis community. The company’s annual budget size is approximately $12 million; contributed revenue represents more than 50% of the budget.
At Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, we value equity, diversity, and mutual respect. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with disabilities, and others who have been historically excluded to apply. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
OTSL will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion or belief; national, social, or ethnic origin; age; sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression; physical, mental, or sensory disability; family or parental status; genetic information or characteristics; protected veteran status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. OTSL will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact (314) 963-4233 or tbennett@opera-stl.org.
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $15 - $15 Hourly
HOW TO APPLY
Application Email/Link: recruiting.myapps.paychex.com/appone/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=6600410