Stage Management Intern / Production Assistant

Reports to: Production Stage Manager 

Summer Work Schedule: Tuesday-Sunday during Festival Season (May 26 - August 2)  

Application Deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis through February 27, 2026 or until filled.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Stage Management Intern / Production Assistant is a learning-focused, hands-on position within a professional opera festival environment. Working under the supervision of the Production Stage Manager, the intern will gain practical experience supporting rehearsals and performances while receiving mentorship and training tailored to their individual strengths and areas for growth. While the Stage Management team operates under AGMA agreements, this internship position itself is not an AGMA-covered role. This position is designed for individuals with prior live theater experience in any capacity who are seeking to deepen their understanding of stage management practices in a professional opera setting. 

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Observe and assist the Production Stage Manager, Stage Managers, Assistant Stage Managers, and Assistant Directors during rehearsals and performances. 


• Support rehearsal and performance operations, including room setup, attendance tracking, prop tracking, and backstage coordination. 


• Learn professional rehearsal room and backstage protocols specific to opera and union (AGMA, IATSE, & AFM) repertory festival format. 


• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of stage management paperwork, schedules, and daily reports. 


• Observe technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, Sitzprobes, and performances, gaining exposure to all production departments. 


• Support communication between stage management, artistic staff, performers, and technical teams. 


• Participate in feedback and mentorship sessions, taking on increased responsibility as skills develop. 


• Assist with special events, concerts, or additional productions as assigned, with an emphasis on educational growth. 

TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS

A successful candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in stage management, opera, or live performance production, along with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. They should be eager to learn, open to feedback, and able to adapt in a fast-paced festival environment. Clear and respectful communication, a collaborative attitude, and the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure are essential. Candidates must be reliable, punctual, and comfortable working varied hours, including evenings and weekends. A positive attitude, respect for artists and production staff, and the ability to follow direction while gradually taking initiative as skills develop are key to success in this role. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated interest in stage management, opera, theater, or live performance production 


• Prior experience working on a live theater production in any capacity (performance, technical, production, or administrative) 


• Stage management experience helpful but not required 


• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills 


• Willingness to learn and work in a professional rehearsal and performance environment 


• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a production team 


• Availability for the full duration of the festival, including evenings and weekends 


• Physical ability to navigate backstage areas and assist with production needs 


• Current enrollment in, or recent completion of, an undergraduate or graduate program in theater, music, arts administration, or a related field preferred but not required 

COMPENSATION

For this role, Central City Opera can provide a fee of $900.00 per week for ten (10) weeks. Dates of work are May 26 through August 2, 2026. Exact dates can be flexible for the right candidate. 

In addition, CCOHA will provide rent-free housing accommodations and a prepaid, round-trip air coach ticket, or its cash-equivalent, for transportation from city of residence or engagement en route and return to city of residence.  

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

CCO is committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable work environment. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values, and we are currently working to expand our capacities in these areas with a company-wide understanding that this is an ongoing process that must be embedded into the fabric of the organization. We encourage candidates who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, otherwise-abled, and other underrepresented identities to apply. All applications will receive consideration for employment.