Internships

2009 Glimmerglass Interns
A great place to start a career, Glimmerglass Opera offers internships in production, administration and artistic administration. Our well-known internship program provides the opportunity for young professionals and students to experience first-hand the fast-paced world of repertory opera.
As an intern with Glimmerglass, you experience a unique combination of practical, work and educational programs, each designed to further your professional growth.
Interns work directly with noted professionals under the guidance of supervisors and staff from many of the best theaters, opera companies and schools in the nation. Interns are engaged for a period of 7 - 18 weeks, with some positions beginning as early as April. Weekly stipend and housing are included.
View and print a color copy of the Glimmerglass Intern Brochure. For a black and white version, click here.
Available Internships
Application Information
To apply for a Glimmerglass Opera internship, please submit the following, postmarked by March 1, 2010. Early response is strongly encouraged. Some positions are filled as early as January. Applications will be considered until all positions are filled.
Cover letter
- Indicate three choices of internships in order of preference.
- Note earliest date available and latest departure date.
Resume
- Include current and permanent addresses, telephone number, e-mail address, education (post high school), work and internship experience (with dates).
Two References
- Indicate your relationship to each reference, their telephone numbers and e-mail addresses.
- Scenic Design, Paints, Prop Construction and Photography applicants, please send examples of your work. CD or online portfolio is preferred.
Send applications to:
intern_info@glimmerglass.org
OR
Intern Search Department D
Glimmerglass Opera
P.O. Box 191
Cooperstown, NY 13326
Production Internships
Audio/Video Engineering 2 positions. June 1-Aug 26. Assist with installation, use and maintenance of in-house audio & video monitoring/playback systems, a large wired and wireless intercom system and a computer-controlled projection system for projected titles. Requires experience with sound, video, intercom and computer systems.
Carpentry/Rigging 2 positions. Mid May-July 24. Assist carpentry and rigging staff with construction and modifications to scenery; installation of hanging scenery and lighting equipment; load-ins and some changeovers. No run crew. Requires the ability to read drawings , good stage carpentry skills and basic knowledge of single purchase counterweight systems. Welding experience preferred.
Costume Crafts 1 position. Mid May-July 24. Assist with craft work including dyeing, distressing, millinery and footwear of costumes for three operas. Requires theatrical sewing skills and skill in one or more crafts areas. Professional experience desirable.
Costume Stitcher 2 positions. Late May-mid July. Assist with construction and/or alteration of costumes for three operas. Requires theatrical sewing skills and academic shop experience. Professional experience desirable.
Electrics 4 positions. Late May-Aug 28. Assist with installing, circuiting and focusing 500+ unit plot; perform daily changeovers; run productions; and strike. Requires thorough experience with stage electrics. This is a large crew and a team-oriented attitude is essential.
Production Administration 1 position. Mid May- Aug 28. Assist production management and production department heads with office routines, scheduling, shopping, purchasing and budget tracking and staff support including safety program implementation and crew meals. Requires organizational, communication and interpersonal skills; basic knowledge of production procedures and terminology; computer literacy; and valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Scene Design 1 position. May 24-July 24. Assist scenic designer during technical rehearsal process with notes, research and drafting. Also assist in prop or paint shop as needed. Requires attention to detail and the ability to work as part of a collaborative team. PhotoShop and AutoCAD skills are desirable, but not required. Experience with professional designers preferred.
Scenic Painting 1 position. Mid May-July 24. Assist with scenery, prop painting and touch-ups. Excellent drawing, good layout, mixing and scenic craft skills are required. No run crew.
Stage Management 2 positions May 24-Aug 24. Assist with setting up and maintaining rehearsal halls; coordinating with shop heads and designers; overseeing and supervising the work of production rehearsal and run crews; and creating production books, scores, and inventories. Interns do not call shows, but must be absolutely comfortable reading opera scores, detail oriented, calm under pressure and have considerable academic stage management experience.
Stage Operations 4 positions. Late May-Aug 28. Install repertory scenery; run deck, rail and properties; perform daily scenery changeovers; build, install, and maintain rehearsal scenery and properties; and strike scenery at the end of the season. Some interns may have performance opportunities as supernumeraries. The position requires a basic familiarity with stage procedures and is an excellent introduction to most aspects of production. This is a large crew and a team-oriented attitude is essential.
Wardrobe 3 positions. June 7-Aug 28. Maintain large repertory costume inventory, dress principals and chorus, and assist with backstage quick changes. Interns also assist in costume shop for the first 2-3 weeks of the contract period and need basic theatrical sewing skills. A congenial and artist-oriented personality is essential.
Administration Internships
Accounting/Finance 1 position. Early May-late Aug. Assist Accounting/Finance Department with accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll. Participate in preparation of month-end financial reports, as well as general finance office administration. Accounting or business administration focus preferred. Requires strong computer skills including spreadsheet experience. Excellent filing skills a must.
Box Office 4 positions. Mid May-late Aug. Assist with ticket, group and special events sales; patron services; preparation of income reports; and gathering marketing data. Must be dedicated, enjoy assisting people, have excellent phone and personal manner, have customer service experience and be computer literate.
Development 2 positions. Early May-late Aug. Assist with administration and smooth execution of multiple summer fundraising programs including patron management, events, prospect research, VIP ticketing and accommodations, proposal writing (corporate and foundation) and office administration. Host donors at all pre-performance picnics, performances, VIP intermission clubs and post-performance activities. Successful interns will be energetic, fast-working, highly computer literate and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
General Administration 1 position. Late May-late Aug. Assist Office Manager in daily operations of administrative office. Duties include coordination of communication center; mail processing and distribution; reception duties, shipping and receiving; and assisting other administrative departments with special projects. Must have valid driver's license with clean record, congenial personality, excellent phone manner, and sense of humor. Knowledge of Microsoft Office helpful.
Housing and Transportation 3 positions. Early May-late Aug. Assist in department responsible for the housing, transportation, and other practical concerns of singers, directors, designers and general personnel. Must be able to deal positively and tactfully with a variety of logistical arrangements vital to the company. Must be computer literate, team-oriented, flexible and energetic. Driver's license with clean driving record required.
Marketing 1 position. Early June-late Aug. Assist the Marketing Department with preparation and distribution of season promotions, research and analysis of ticket sales data. Staff the audience services desk at all performances. Must have a close attention to detail, congenial public manner and computer skills in Microsoft Office programs.
Photography 1 position. Early June-late Aug. Assist company photographer and public relations department to produce publicity and archival photographs of the season's productions and events; maintain photo files; help staff audience services desk as needed. Proof of excellent photography skills and knowledge of PhotoShop required. Must have strong communication skills, be computer literate and possess a valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
Public Relations 1 position. Early June-late Aug. Assist with preparation and distribution of press materials; dealings with members of the media and the general public; maintaining social media networks; and providing blog copy. Staff the audience services/press desk at all performances. Must have an excellent attention to detail, good writing and proofreading skills, congenial public manner and computer skills in Microsoft Office programs. Driver’s license with clean driving record required.
Artistic Administration Internships
Artistic administration internships also offer the opportunity to perform as a member of the Glimmerglass Opera Chorus, if interested.
Artistic Administration 1 position. Mid May-late Aug. Assist Artistic Operations staff with copying, filing, data entry and artist management; coordinate and process VIP ticket requests for the Artistic Department. Assist music, scheduling administration and Young American Artists Program to schedule auditions for members of the Young American Artists Program and assist visiting masterclass teachers. Must possess sound judgment, initiative, excellent organizational and communication skills and the ability to remain composed under pressure. Editing and computer skills desired.
The Doris P. Shields Artistic Administration Intern is sponsored by the Glimmerglass Opera Guild.
Music 2 positions. Early June-late Aug. Assist Music Manager and Librarian with researching, copying and distributing music; locating, hiring and transporting instruments requiring heavy lifting; rehearsal room and orchestra pit set-up; and attendance at orchestra rehearsals and performances. Must be reliable and flexible, with good interpersonal and organizational skills and a background in music. Driver’s license with clean driving record required.
Young American Artists Program Administration 2 positions. Mid May-late Aug. Live at Young Artists' residence. Assist with residence management; liaise with master class and audition personnel; schedule and provide transportation for Young Artists; produce programs and publicity materials for recitals and concerts; and act as liaison between Young Artists and the Director of Artistic Operations. Must possess excellent multi-tasking skills and the ability to remain composed under pressure. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills allied with flexibility, reliability, and discretion. Computer literacy and valid driver’s license with a clean driving record required. Publishing/editing computer skills also desired.

