Festival Operations & Administration Internship
DESCRIPTION
Status: Seasonal; Curricular Internship may be considered
Reports to: Festival Hall/House Manager and Company Manager
Travel & Housing: Travel/Travel Stipend for students outside Denver Metro area & Housing will be provided by Central City Opera House Association.
Location: Central City, CO, with occasional work at the Wheat Ridge office.
Work Schedule: Approximately May 19 - August 17, 2025, 6 days per week with 7-12 hour shifts, or split-shifts that vary on balance with the unique operational needs of a summer festival and a typical 40-hour work week.
Compensation: $14.81/Hour
Application: Apply HERE directly, or visit our website for all available positions: Careers & Auditions - Central City Opera. Candidates are encouraged to apply by March 28 for consideration in initial rounds of interviews. Position(s) will remain open until filled.
POSITION SUMMARY
This internship is a robust and dynamic seasonal opportunity offering immersive, rotational training in arts administration, opera house and festival management, operations, and patron services. Interns will gain hands-on experience across multiple areas, including venue operations, historic preservation, event planning, hospitality and customer service experience, and front-of-house venue services, while contributing to the overall success of Central City Opera’s festival season. The role requires versatility, leadership and team mindset, problem-solving, and exceptional customer service skills, as well as participation in the rich history of a 93-year-old organization through traditions like learning and performing the beloved usher song before each performance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
General Operations
• Assist with preparation and maintenance of company housing and contents, checking and tracking appliance inventories and functionality, inspecting spaces, including moving furniture when necessary.
• Check in and check out Festival personnel from company and/or assigned housing.
• Support festival operations by preparing rehearsal and performance spaces, completing front-of-house tasks, and addressing logistical needs.
• Perform daily tasks such as light janitorial duties for rehearsal and performance spaces, emptying trash, watering gardens, and setting up/taking down spaces according to event/rehearsal/performance requirements.
• Operate company vehicles for errands, interoffice mail pickup/drop-off, grocery store runs, and airport transportation (if over 22 years old).
• Coordinate cast and crew meals, pick up and deliver on time.
• Fulfill Usher duties, including greeting patrons, checking tickets, distributing programs, assisting with seating, performing the traditional Usher Song before shows, and ensuring the venue is clean and ready for performances.
• SAFETY TRAINING: Learn safety protocols for campus venue and medical emergencies as determined by CCO Management.
Administrative Support
• Provide administrative support to departments such as development, marketing, and community engagement.
• Manage campus communication and reception desk duties, including answering phones, assisting with office equipment, distributing information via email and/or posting flyers.
• Assist in creating daily intern schedules and usher assignments.
• Organize and maintain files, ensure mail pickups and package notifications.
• Assist with music library tasks.
• Prepare small venue programs and manage season program book inventory and storage.
• Support gift shop operations and inventory management as assigned.
Opera House & Festival Management
• Serve as Usher, Assistant House Manager or House Manager as assigned for performances, addressing patron needs and ensuring smooth audience experience.
• Discern and deploy safety protocols as required on campus and during performances.
• Be on-call to resolve issues in company housing, such as appliance malfunctions, pest removal, and key retrieval.
• Respond to patron and artist inquiries promptly and ensure smooth operations during performances.
• Set up and clean/tidy performance venues and front-of-house spaces, including posting signage and preparing patron areas.
QUALIFICATIONS
• 21 years old or older preferred, possessing and/or willing to obtain safety certifications as required.
• Valid driver’s license is encouraged.
• Strong communication, organizational, teamwork and leadership skills.
• Enthusiasm for the arts, culture, and event management, with a particular appreciation for opera.
• Ability to multitask, take initiative, and maintain a professional attitude in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable working long hours, including physically demanding tasks such as moving equipment and traversing Central City’s steep terrain multiple times daily, including traversing steep hills, unpaved areas, and tight corners.
DESIRED SKILLS
• CCO will provide access to training materials and cover expenses of certification/qualification required to complete work duties including TIPS training, Health and Safety Manager certification, AND Emergency certifications on a case-by-case basis.
• Customer service experience with the ability to remain positive under pressure.
• Leadership and delegation skills with experience managing peers and working effectively and collegially with others as a member of a team.
• Knowledge of operatic repertoire and a willingness to learn and share Central City Opera’s history a plus.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, patrons, vendors.
• Receptiveness to constructive feedback and a collaborative mindset.
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations and handle emergencies effectively.
• Demonstrates motivation, punctuality, discernment, and ability to task and multi-task under direction.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Central City Opera is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and identities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and underrepresented groups, to apply. All applications will be considered equally.
Desired Start Date: May 19, 2025
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $14 - $15 Hourly
HOW TO APPLY
HOW TO APPLY
Submit a resume and cover letter to Central City Opera through the provided application portal HERE.
Application Deadline: March 28, 2025
Application Email/Link: centralcityopera.bamboohr.com/careers/56?source=aWQ9Mjg%3D