ARTISTIC apprenticeships

Artistic Administration 2 positions. Supervised by the Director of Artistic Administration and Artistic Operations Supervisor, apprentices will primarily assist in the clerical and operational duties supporting our Guest Artists, Resident Artist Program (RAP), and Youth and Local Chorus. These positions work collaboratively with staff, artists, visiting industry professionals, and parents/guardians.  Shared duties include: coordinating logistics for ancillary and off-site performances/events, including the RAP Industry Auditions, liaising with industry professionals to book travel and process ticket requests, assisting with artistic planning, liaising with music staff, assisting the Director of Artistic Administration with artist relations duties, and managing wellness checks and backstage duty. Apprentices will be responsible for child wrangling and serve as the primary contact during the youth opera. Successful candidates possess a sound sense of judgment, strong organizational skills, initiative, remain composed under pressure, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Strong editing skills and proficiency in Google and the Microsoft Office suite are strongly recommended. Knowledge of opera or classical repertoire, and previous experience working with children, is a plus. A driver’s license with a clean driving record is required. May 18 – August 21, 2026.

Music Library 1 position. Primary duties include: marking of piano/vocal (P/V) scores and orchestral parts for changes to cuts, and string bowings; notating changes using both hand and computerized engraving techniques, helping maintain a collection of circulating P/Vs, arias, excerpts, and anthologies. Position works closely with the Music Librarian and orchestra personnel. Candidates should be able to read a full score, be familiar with marking string bowings, have exceptional attention to detail, possess excellent penmanship, and be able to work independently. A driver’s license with a clean driving record is required. May 18 – August 21, 2026.

Music Operations 2 positions. Supervised by the Music Operations Director, orchestra operations apprentices are primarily responsible for the set-up and tear-down of rehearsal rooms and the orchestra pit for every orchestral service. Guided by the collective bargaining agreement between AFM Local 380-443 and Glimmerglass, apprentices are also responsible for the secure transportation of instruments and strict adherence to all written company policies and CBA work rules. Attendance at all orchestra rehearsals and performances is required. General administrative and run-out performance duties within the artistic department may also be assigned. A background in music and/or music ensemble logistics is preferred. These positions work closely with orchestra members, conductors, and the stage operations team. Successful candidates will be highly organized, reliable, and have strong interpersonal skills. These positions require heavy lifting (+50 lbs.) and manual labor on a nearly daily basis, but they also require meticulous care to protect Glimmerglass and orchestra-owned instrumental assets. Work is scheduled primarily on weekends and evenings in the summer season, specifically catered to the orchestra schedule. A driver’s license with a clean driving record is required. May 25 – August 21, 2026.

Company ADMINISTRATION apprenticeships

Box Office 2 positions. Assist with ticket sales, patron services, and preparation of income reports, as well as offer support to the coordination of Group experiences. Work will take place both in the downtown Box Office building and on-campus ticket kiosk. This position will perform the majority of their work seated at a computer and will interact with both company members and patrons repeatedly. Successful candidates have excellent attention to detail, good organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, confidence in phone conversations, as well as strong computer literacy. Knowledge of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is desirable but not required.  June 8 – August 17, 2026.

Communications 2 positions. Under the supervision of the Director of Communications and working with all members of the Communications team, work on marketing, communications, and public relations activities, including (but not limited to) the preparation and development of press materials, working with members of the media and general public, and supporting the Audience Services/Press Desk at all performances, brainstorming and drafting social media content, drafting e-commerce copy,  assisting in the Gift Shop, and assisting with Groups experiences. Excellent writing and proofreading skills, strong research skills, and a congenial public manner are appreciated. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Google Suite, Canva, Marketing/PR Automation, and Email Software, and POS systems is helpful but not required. Moves equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. A driver’s license with a clean driving record is preferred. Portfolio Required. June 1 – August 23, 2026.

Company Management 5 positions. Assist the department responsible for the housing, transportation, and other practical concerns of singers, directors, designers, and general personnel. This position will spend the majority of time in the field transporting staff and artists, as well as responding to housing concerns and developments. Staggered scheduling and an on-call phone number will be essential in order to cover all day parts. Candidates will spend a significant amount of time in a stationary position at a desk or in a vehicle. Operates as part of a 9-person team, but will have many tasks that require independence. Will need to respond positively and tactfully to a variety of logistical arrangements. Problem-solving skills, flexibility, and quick decision-making are desired. A driver’s license with a clean driving record is required.  May 9 – August 26, 2026. 

Development 3 positions. Assist with the administration and execution of summer fundraising projects and events, and long-range projects, such as the annual fund campaign and, potentially, grant preparation. General development administration tasks will include prospect research, analysis of prospective donors, and the subsequent one-on-one engagement of selected patrons. Interaction with patrons is a major component of this Apprenticeship, including face-to-face, written, and phone communication with donors. In addition to the overarching development tasks, each Apprentice will have one of three distinct, summer-long roles: 1) Operations, 2) Sponsorship Pairings, or 3) Events. Successful Apprentices have excellent verbal and written communication skills, are flexible in a fast-paced environment, and work successfully as an individual and as part of a team. A musical background is not required, but knowledge of and appreciation for the arts is preferable. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs.  June 1 – August 21, 2026.

Front of House  1 position. Assist the House Manager with the management of the theater and secondary venues to ensure audience comfort and safety. Assist with soliciting, scheduling, and training volunteer ushers. Provide support to Box Office, Patron Services, Group Sales, and Events as needed. A successful candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  This position has workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. May 25 – August 21, 2026.

General Administration 1 position. Provide administrative support, including receiving, sorting, and distributing incoming mail and packages to the appropriate departments. Assist with routine administrative duties, including filing, data entry, and coordinating office operations and procedures to ensure efficiency and compliance with company policies. Perform other administrative duties as assigned to support the team. Qualifications include: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of individuals. Excellent computer literacy, proficient in standard software applications (e.g., Google Suite). Ability to lift up to 25 lbs comfortably. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Flexibility and willingness to learn and adapt to new tasks. A driver’s license with a clean record is required. Some weekend and evening work may be required in accordance with the season production schedule to provide on-site patron transport using golf carts. May 11 – August 22, 2026.

Information Technologies  1 position. Assist with the installation, update, and support of Windows/Apple software and hardware; function as Help Desk support, respond to end-user requests via phone, in person, and electronically; track changes and support calls; map network drives and printers, monitor and document systems and network status; run preventative maintenance and assist as needed on major projects.  Knowledge of MS Office 2019, as well as Windows, Linux, and Mac OS is desirable. Lifts and carries 40lbs. There is occasional local travel between remote offices and properties; a driver’s license with a clean driving record is required. May 4 – August 21, 2026.

Operations Management 1 position. Maintain, update, and digitally distribute the weekly event calendar. Assist with the planning and coordination of daily activities, including scheduling, task assignments, and resource management. Coordinate catering services and rental equipment (tents, tables, chairs, linens). Oversee set-up and tear-down of event spaces. Provide oversight during events, resolving operational issues, and addressing patron concerns. Manage Intermission Club events, ensuring smooth execution and guest satisfaction.. Contribute to “Front of House” activities, ensuring patron comfort and safety. Oversee on-site patron transport using golf carts. Assist with routine administrative duties, including filing, data entry, and scheduling. Weekends and evenings are required in accordance with the season production schedule. Qualifications include: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of individuals. Excellent computer literacy, proficient in standard software applications (e.g., Google Suite).  Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Flexibility and willingness to learn and adapt to new tasks. A driver’s license with a clean record is a plus. June 1 – August 23, 2026.

Updated: December 8, 2025

PRODUCTION apprenticeships

Audio/Video Engineering 2 positions. 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. Completing pre-show checklists, troubleshooting equipment, fulfilling assigned run-crew duties, and helping to facilitate company concerts, lectures, and additional programming will be part of the daily responsibilities of this position. Much of the work this position performs routinely is at height, on ladders, or in lifts; involves lifting equipment to elevated positions; and may require occasional use of power tools for custom projects. Experience with sound, video, intercom, and computer systems desired; Previous experience with analog and digital sound systems, analog video, intercom, Dante audio interface, and QLab would be beneficial. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs or ladders. May 18 – August 23, 2026.

Costume Administration 1 position. Assist Production Management in facilitating costume department accounting and reconciling all purchases/shipping/returns, distributing information to the Costume Shops, processing occasional fitting photos, purchasing and distribution of Costume Shop/Craft Shop supplies, as well as assisting in the execution of Orientations, Seminars, and Crew Meals. Much of the work this position performs routinely involves lifting equipment, boxes, and costumes to elevated positions. A working knowledge of computers, Google Drive, and Word/Excel, some understanding of costume shop terminology, and experience in administrative organization are desired. Requires organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; a valid driver’s license with a clean record is required. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. May 11 – August 23, 2026.

Costume Crafts 2 positions. Assist with craft work, including dyeing, distressing, jewelry construction and modification, leatherwork, stitching, painting, dying, labeling, shoe/boot modification, fabric and garment aging, and millinery/footwear construction and modification of costumes for four productions. Requires theatrical sewing skills and skill in one or more crafts areas. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. Portfolio required. May 18 – July 19 (1 position) or August 2 (1 position), 2026.

Costume Design 1 position. Assist Costume Design teams from fitting set-up to opening, which includes paperwork updates and design/shop communication. Assisting in the purchasing process from helping with sourcing, getting arrived items to fitting spaces, and working with the Shopper on returns/exchanges. Fittings assisted by note-taking and processing of fitting photos. All these lead to assisting in the continual updates of our piece lists, as they are the basis for other documentation. Requires attention to detail and the ability to work as part of a collaborative team. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. Portfolio required. May 18 – August 9, 2026.

Costume Stitcher 4 positions. Assist with the construction and/or alteration of costumes by hand and with a machine for four productions while working on a team within the Costume Shop structure. Besides sewing this also includes prepping fabrics, quick rigging and the finishing work on garments.  Requires sewing skills and costume/clothing construction experience. Portfolio required. May 18 – July 12 (2 positions) or July 19 (2 positions), 2026.

Dramaturgy/Titles 1 position. Assist the Dramaturgy/Titles team with programming supertitles for the season’s productions, calling supertitles for rehearsals and performances, and creating written content to support current and future seasons. Suitable candidates will read music very well; be intellectually curious with good research skills; possess typing, proofreading, and organizational skills; and demonstrate excellent attention to detail and professionalism. Opera knowledge and familiarity with Microsoft PowerPoint are pluses. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. June 1 – August 18, 2026.

Electrics 3 positions. Assist with installing, circuiting, and focusing 500+ unit plot; perform daily changeovers, which include cabling and focusing lighting instruments; work on practical lighting projects which often include LED soldering and wiring; run productions either as a spotlight operator or potentially as an additional deck electrician; and strike all lighting equipment at the end of the season. Much of the work this position performs routinely is at height, on ladders, or in lifts; involves lifting equipment to elevated positions; and may require occasional use of power tools for custom projects. Requires thorough experience with stage electrics, including intelligent lighting, networking, and set electrics. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs or ladders. This is a large crew, and a team-oriented attitude is essential. May 18 – August 23, 2026.

Hair & Makeup 2 positions. Assist with daily maintenance of wigs; pre-performance application of make-up, wigs, and hairstyling for singers; and backstage quick changes. Ventilating experience is necessary, and a congenial and artist-oriented personality is essential. A successful candidate will have broad knowledge and experience working with all hair types and skin tones, ventilating, foundation building, and show running experience. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. Portfolio required. May 26 – August 17, 2026.

Lighting Supervision  1 position. Will work closely with the Lighting Supervisors and Lighting Director to document, archive, and maintain 2 of 4 operas in repertory. In addition, will act as the second assistant on two operas. Must be familiar with Vectorworks, Lightwright, Microsoft Excel, and basic electrical knowledge. May 11 – August 18, 2026.

Production Administration 1 position. Assist Production Administration/Management and Production Department Managers with office routines, scheduling, interdepartmental communication, shopping, purchasing, reconciling, budget tracking, employee timesheet administration, mail distribution, and item returns; provide staff support including safety program implementation, union contract execution, and production rental communication, as well as assisting in the execution of Orientations, Seminars, and Crew Meals. Requires organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; basic knowledge of production procedures and terminology; A working knowledge of computers, Google Drive, and Word/Excel; and a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. Much of the work this position performs involves remaining in a stationary position during the shift, and involves moving boxes of supplies up to 50 pounds to elevated positions. Should feel comfortable working in a busy office setting. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. May 4 – August 23, 2026. 

Properties 1 position. Assist with the construction and procurement of props for mainstage productions and other events. Basic woodworking skills are required as well as skills in one or more of the following areas: sewing, soft goods, crafts, sculpting, painting, or metalworking. No run crew. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. Portfolio required.  May 4 – July 26, 2026.

Properties Paint 1 position. Assist with the painting of props for mainstage productions and other events. May assist the scenic artists at times. Requires the ability to replicate scenic treatments through instruction from the Scenic Charge and/or references from designers. Some work this position performs is on ladders or in lifts; involves lifting equipment to elevated positions; and may require occasional use of power tools for custom projects. No run crew. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. Portfolio required.  May 4 – August 9, 2026.

Safety 1 position. Assist in maintaining an excellent company safety culture and safe working environment; assist the Safety Department in ensuring compliance with regulatory OSHA requirements; promote a safe work environment daily; conduct safety observation reports regularly; assist in Orientation set-up and execution; assist in outside training set-up and execution; will help to implement all Health and Wellness Compliance Policies as outlined by Glimmerglass Festival; collect and maintain required documents per company requirements; investigate, document, and respond to incidents; assist with compliance documentation; and assist in purchasing/tracking and restocking PPE, First Aid, and other equipment. This role will routinely handle sensitive information related to employee incidents, health and safety records, and company compliance. Maintaining strict confidentiality and exercising discretion with all protected information is required. Much of the work this position performs involves remaining in a stationary position during the shift, and involves moving boxes of supplies. Knowledge and experience within production and theatre operations are helpful. Requires organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; basic knowledge of production procedures and terminology; working knowledge of computers, Google Drive, and Word/Excel; and a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. Projects will be coordinated with all Festival Employees (400+), patrons who visit the campus, and will be a highly collaborative position. Much of the work this position performs involves remaining in a stationary position during the shift, and involves moving boxes of supplies. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. May 4 – August 23, 2026.

Scene Design 1 position. Assist scenic designers during the technical rehearsal process with notes, research, and drafting. Also assist in prop or paint shops as needed. Requires attention to detail and the ability to work as part of a collaborative team. Photoshop skills are desirable. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. Portfolio required.  May 11 – August 9, 2026.

Scenic Art 2 positions. Assist with painting hard and soft scenery, prop painting, and touch-ups. Much of the work this position performs routinely is at height, on ladders, or in lifts; involves moving equipment to elevated positions; and may involve the use of power tools for specific projects. A strong foundation in drawing, color mixing, and teamwork is required. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs or steps with uneven ground. No run crew. Portfolio required. May 11 – August 2, 2026.

Scenic Carpentry 1 position. Assist carpentry with construction and modifications to scenery; initial installation of scenery; load-ins and some changeovers. No run crew. Requires the ability to read construction drawings, good stage carpentry skills in both wood and metal fabrication, and basic knowledge of single-purchase counterweight rigging systems. MIG welding experience is required. Some of the work this position performs is at height, on ladders, or in lifts; involves moving equipment/supplies up to 50 pounds to elevated positions; and requires the use of power tools for projects. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. May 4 – August 23, 2026. 

Stage Management 2 positions. Assist the stage management team with prep and running rehearsals of four productions; run rehearsals and performances for ancillary shows and concerts as assigned. Requires organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, ability to read music, and previous stage management experience, with a preference for those with an interest in opera. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. May 18 – August 17, 2026. 

Stage Operations 5 positions. Assist with the installation of repertory scenery; assist with various scenic department notes or build projects before the performance season; run deck, rail, and properties during performances; perform daily scenery changeovers; install and maintain rehearsal scenery and properties; and strike scenery at the end of the season. Basic familiarity with stage procedures and intro carpentry/rigging experience preferred. The position is an excellent introduction to most aspects of production. This is a large crew, and a team-oriented attitude is essential. Some of the work this position performs may be at height, on ladders, or in lifts; frequently involves moving equipment/supplies up to 50 pounds to elevated positions; and may require occasional use of power tools for custom projects. May 4 – August 23, 2026.

Technical Direction 1 position. Assist the Technical Director and Assistant Technical Directors with shop management, drafting, budgeting, and technical rehearsal supervision. Oversees the technical design, build, and tech process for the youth opera as well as the company holiday parade float. Works in the technical direction office on drafting projects, purchasing shop needs, and assisting with material transfers. AUTOCAD experience required. 3D preferred. Knowledge of Microsoft Office is required. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. May 4 – August 23, 2026.

Wardrobe 3 positions. Assist in maintaining a large-scale, five production repertory costume inventory; assist in the dressing of principals and chorus during preshow, with backstage quick changes during performances; and maintain the costume design vision through garment repairs and appropriate cleaning over the course of the season. Apprentices are also given the opportunity to work in the costume shop and/or crafts shop for the first weeks of the contract period, and need basic theatrical sewing skills. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. A congenial and artist-oriented personality is essential. June 8 – August 23, 2026.

Updated: December 8, 2025