Orchestra Pit Assistants

5 May - 30 August 2026

We are currently recruiting for Pit Assistants to assist the Pit Manager with the day to day requirements of the Orchestra pit. The main focus will be on changeovers of orchestra layout between rehearsals and performances whilst facilitating a comfortable and safe working environment for musicians. You will also be required to move orchestral instruments for and during rehearsals and performances.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Assist in setting orchestra pit for rehearsals and performances moving chairs music stands and instruments
• Assisting with moving pianos and other keyboard instruments
• Assisting in assuring a safe working environment for visiting orchestras
• Working with the Manager on show duty when required

Knowledge Skills and Experience

Essential

• The ability to lift and move heavy items
• To follow instructions swiftly and accurately
• Able to provide quick simple and safe solutions to problems that arise
• An understanding of musical instruments and their roles within an orchestra
• Ability to react quickly to situations to be reliable and resilient to perform consistently under pressure and to respond positively to changing circumstances
• The ability to demonstrate and communicate enthusiasm and professionalism in all aspects of the job
• To be physically active for long periods of time in the support of musicians and technical staff

Desirable

• Due to the variable shift patterns your own transport will be required
• An understanding of noise at work regulations
• A basic understanding of power tools and hand tools
• Enthusiasm for theatre and live performance

Hours of Work

The contractual hours of work are 35 hours per week with varying shifts between 8:00 and 22:30 over 5 days. A schedule of shifts will be available in advance.

Salary andBenefits

We can offer a rate of pay of 516.42per week this is inclusive of overtime for additional hours worked during busier periods.

We offer 6.6 weeks holiday inclusive of bank holidays per annum pro rata.

We can offer a beautiful working environment and the chance to see world-class opera.

We also offer :

• Subsidised dining at our onsite restaurants
• Discount at the Glyndebourne shop
• Staff events
• Corporate Gym memberships
• Free Pilates and Zumba classes
• Free tea and coffee
• Free on-site parking
• An onsite Physiotherapist
• Cost price electric car charging
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Long service awards
• Discount at various highstreet retailers through the Glyndebourne benefits hub

How to Apply

Glyndebourne is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity. We promote equality diversity and inclusion in our workplace and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for vacancies including ethnically diverse and disabled candidates who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

Please apply by clicking Apply Now; to submit your application.Candidates must be able to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.

Glyndebourne commits to protecting your privacy. We will only use information about you in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and other relevant legislation and regulations. Please see more information in our Company Privacy Notice on our website.

Applications will be reviewed as they arrive but are to be received no later than Friday 20February 2026. Interviews will take place w/c 9th March.

As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. If relevant to you please inform us of this in your covering letter. If you have any questions in relation to this or if you would like this advert sent to you in a larger or dyslexia friendly font then please contact a member of the HR team at.

The Glyndebourne Festival (running from May to August) features a programme of six operas in its 1200-seat opera house attracting audiences from around the world. The Autumn Season (October to December) extends Glyndebournes reach offering audiences the opportunity to experience fresh perspectives and new works in a dynamic and exploratory setting. Together the Festival and Autumn Season welcome over 125000 attendees annually with many more engaging through online streaming and other digital platforms.

Remaining financially independent since its inception Glyndebourne is a registered charity that relies on box office income memberships and donations to fund its operations. Committed to artistic excellence audience development and accessibility Glyndebourne continues to expand the reach and appreciation of opera for all.