Administrative Internship Program 2026 Festival Season

Want to learn what it takes to run a world class opera festival Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is looking for motivated individuals to join our Administrative Internship Program for the 2026 Festival Season featuring The Pirates of Penzance The Light in the Piazza A Streetcar Named Desire and Romeo & Juliet.

OTSL Interns support day-to-day operations contribute to meaningful projects and gain real-world skills in arts administration. Youll collaborate with professionals across departments attend company events recitals rehearsals performances and build valuable connections in the arts industry. The program also includes educational sessions specifically for the interns designed to further the professional growth of the program participants.

Opera Theatre is known as a center for training young professionals in all aspects of opera. OTSLs 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.

Were seeking organized curious and enthusiastic individuals who want to grow their skills and learn how creativity meets administration in a professional setting. No opera experience required - just a great attitude and a love for the arts! 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

• Education Intern

• Finance Intern

• Graphic Design Intern

• Press & Communications 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 2025 - March 2026

• Interviews and Selection: February - March 2026

POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

Artistic Administration Intern

Dates of Employment: Late April - Early July 2026

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 Theatres 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 2026

Supervisor: Senior Manager of Donor Engagement

Works closely with: Director of Development & Campaign Strategy; Deputy Director of Development Individual Giving; 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 Theatres 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 2026

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 Theatres 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 Theatres development and box office software) and Asana (Opera Theatres 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.

Education Intern

Dates of Employment: Early May - late June 2026

Supervisor:Senior Manager of Education & Engagement

Works closely with:Director of Education & Engagement; Teaching Artist Coordinator

Hours:Approximately 30-40 hours per week

The Education Intern will perform administrative duties that support the education departments season activities for young people and adults. This individual will work collaboratively with staff volunteers artists students teachers and constituents assisting with programming including the Bayer Fund Artists-in-Training program SIng Out! Camp for High School Vocalists Opera Explorers Art Sings Teachers Workshop Docent Presentations and other seasonal activities.

The ideal candidate should have completed or be currently pursuing a degree in music theater arts management and/or education. Extraordinary attention to detail ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously strong people skills and excellent oral and written skills are required. Previous experience in coordinating and/or implementing programs is helpful and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is necessary. Knowledge of singing and opera repertoire is preferred but not required.

Finance Intern

Dates of Employment: Mid-May - Early July 2026

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 OTSLs Administration & Finance department working directly with the Controller and the Accounting Manager to support the organizations financial operations. Responsibilities include assisting with cash management and tracking across the Festival Season working in the companys 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 2026

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 Theatres 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 Theatres 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 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 - July 3 2026

Supervisor(s): Director of Marketing & PR

Works closely with: Communications Manager Web & E-Marketing Manager Company Manager Artistic Scheduler Box Office Staff

Hours: Approximately 35-40 hours per week

The Press & Communications Intern plays an important role in supporting Opera Theatres press and storytelling efforts during the Festival Season. Duties include but are not limited to copywriting and proofreading marketing collateral creating blog content for OTSLs website monitoring stories surrounding OTSLs Festival Season staffing the theaters press desk prior to performances maintaining the companys 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 OTSLs 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 enjoys meeting and talking to new people. 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: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tue: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wed: 1-5 p.m. 6-8 p.m.

Thu: 1-5 p.m. 6-8 p.m.

Fri: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sat: 6-8 p.m.

In addition to your resume please submit at least one professional or academic writing sample (PDF or link).

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 2025 OTSL has presented 45 world premieres which may be the highest percentage of new work in the repertory of any American addition to the spring Festival Season OTSL operates year-round education and community programs serving nearly 17000 local children and adults.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has a year-round artistic and administrative staff of approximately 45 which grows to nearly 500 during the Festival Season. Several hundred volunteer members of the Opera Theatre Guild provide support for all aspects of Opera Theatres work and advocate for the company throughout the greater St. Louis community. The companys annual budget size is approximately $12 million; contributed revenue represents more than 50% of 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 or

Required Experience:

Intern