Employment

Join The Glimmerglass Festival team

The Glimmerglass Festival offers a wide array of exhilarating employment opportunities in Cooperstown, NY; Full-Time Employment for those looking to invest in a company that will invest in them; Summer Seasonal Employment for industry professionals looking for engaging and rewarding summer work; and Part-Time Local Seasonal Employment for locals looking to take advantage of the busy Cooperstown summer, and get involved with the performing arts! We have summer seasonal positions that need to be filled in our Artistic Offices, our Administration Departments, and in a wide variety of Production and Technical teams. Altogether, the Glimmerglass Festival employs over 400 people during the summer, the vast majority coming in from outside the immediate area to work with us.

The Glimmerglass Festival continues to be one of the country’s leading arts organizations known for high-quality performances, a fast-paced work environment, and engaging opportunities for employees and patrons alike. Our productions and work travel nationally and internationally, as we produce, perform, and rent the vast majority of our productions.

For both Year-Round Employment and Summer Seasonal Employment, it is strongly recommended that applicants have previous experience with fast-paced repertory theater, large-scale professional theater, or other-industry experience in the field of your application (ex: Contractor Electrician interested in Theatrical Electrical work). For those interested in entering the industry and working at The Glimmerglass Festival with fewer credits or experience in their desired field, we highly recommend applying for our Apprenticeship Program, which hosts over 50 individuals each summer, in almost every department and team throughout the company!

Employees during the Festival Season have access to the Glimmerglass Festival Wellness Program, which includes a partnership with a local private medical provider, Glimmerglass Medical & Wellness LLC. During the Festival Season, this Wellness Program consists of priority reduced-cost convenient care with Glimmerglass Medical & Wellness LLC, no-cost weekly fitness classes, and no-cost weekly general wellness newsletters.

Updated: March 13, 2026

The Glimmerglass Festival seeks an Assistant Music Operations Manager for its 2026 Season.

The Assistant Music Operations Manager works as a member of the Artistic team; they report to the Music Operations Manager, and work alongside the artistic and production staff. The primary responsibilities of the position will include assisting the Music Operations Manager with adherence and application of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and planning and executing the logistics of managing a professional pit orchestra. Duties include, but are not limited to, enforcing CBA work rules during rehearsal and performance services, facilitating communication between orchestra members and management staff, scheduling and execution of instrument and equipment moves, and setting up/changing over pit layouts. The position also assists in supervising apprentices. Successful candidates will be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and unshakable in high-pressure situations. Knowledge of orchestral instruments and previous experience working with orchestral musicians is a plus. Must be willing to abide by The Glimmerglass Festival’s current and potential future health & safety policies.

This position runs from May 18 through August 21, 2026. $18.50/hr. Eligible for overtime. Housing provided; a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and access to a vehicle are required.

The hiring process is highly competitive; some positions are filled as early as January. Early applications are encouraged. All positions will be posted for two weeks prior to the start of the interview process and applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. This job was posted on January 21, 2026.

To apply, please prepare a Cover Letter and Resume (including three references) in a single PDF document. Submit and complete the application process by clicking HERE, or by going to our Glimmerglass Website Employment Page, and filling out the Employment Application Form.

The Glimmerglass Festival seeks an Assistant Technical Director (ATD) of Stage Operations for its 2026 Summer Festival season.

The ATD of Stage Operations works as a member of the four-person Technical Direction team and as the Department Manager of a fourteen-person Stage Operations team; they report to the Technical Director and work alongside two Assistant Stage Operations Managers, six Stage Operations Staff, and five Stage Operations Apprentices.

The ATD of Stage Operations plans and supervises the execution of scenic changeovers, and load-ins/load-outs of the four mainstage productions, a children’s opera, and other events occurring on the main stage. Assists in conjunction with the ATD of Rigging in the planning and execution of rigging changeovers. Schedules scenic and prop run crews and changeovers, including coordinating rehearsal halls runs with appropriate scenic and prop elements. Assists in supervising the TD Apprentice. Archives productions for future rentals. Maintains stage and storage areas, including the warehouse, with special attention given to future rentals. Attends some technical rehearsals and acts as a show supervisor when needed. Schedule is highly variable, often working nights and weekends.

Some of the work this position performs 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 running shows and knowledge of safe stage practices are required. Ideal candidates will have worked in a repertory setting, be organized, and have basic AutoCAD knowledge. Experience leading a large and diverse crew and being part of a team is essential. The responsibilities of this position require the employee to be physically present on campus to complete the tasks assigned. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs or ladders. Additional training, workshops, and seminars may be provided during the season.

This is a seasonal position; employees who work well within the team are often asked to return for subsequent seasons. Commitment to safe work habits and shop practices is essential. Must be willing to abide by Glimmerglass Festival’s current and potential future health and wellness policies.

This position runs from April 20 to August 23, 2026. $23.00/Hr. Housing provided. Includes a Preseason Payment of $1000.00 to cover time spent hiring the Stage Operations Department and for attendance of any preseason meetings that you are available for, and a travel reimbursement up to $200.00.

The hiring process is highly competitive; some positions are filled as early as January. Early applications are encouraged. All positions will be posted for two weeks prior to the start of the interview process and applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. This job was posted on November 12, 2025. 

To apply, please prepare a one page Cover Letter and a one page Resume (including three references and a link to portfolio) in a single PDF document. Submit and complete the application process by clicking HERE, or by going to our Glimmerglass Website Employment Page, and filling out the Employment Application Form.

The Glimmerglass Festival seeks Concession Staff for its 2026 Season.

Concession Staff work as members of the Operations team and report to the Hospitality Manager. The primary responsibilities of this position include providing excellent guest service while working in a fast-paced concessions environment during performances and events.

Duties include, but are not limited to, serving food, beverages, and desserts to patrons; operating point-of-sale systems and handling cash, debit, and credit card transactions; greeting guests and taking orders; preparing bills and processing payments; and making change accurately. Additional responsibilities include replenishing food at serving stations, stocking and restocking items as needed, assisting with inventory control and product ordering, and maintaining cleanliness of counters, equipment, and dishes.

Concession Staff are responsible for ensuring all sanitation procedures are followed in accordance with local licensing and health regulations. Successful candidates will be friendly, reliable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment.

This position runs from mid-June through late August 2026. Compensation is $16.00/hour, with eligibility for overtime.

The hiring process is highly competitive; some positions are filled as early as January. Early applications are encouraged. All positions will be posted for two weeks prior to the start of the interview process and applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.

To apply, please prepare a cover letter and resume (including three references) as a single PDF document. Submit and complete the application process by clicking HERE, or by visiting the Glimmerglass Festival Employment Page and completing the Employment Application Form.

The Glimmerglass Festival seeks Costume Floor Managers for its 2026 Festival Season. 

The Costume Floor Manager works as a member of a 30-person Costume Shop; they report to the Costume Director, and work alongside another Costume Floor Manager, a Costume Administrator, Drapers, First Hands, Stitchers, Stitcher Apprentices, and Costume Administration and Design Apprentices. 

The primary goals of the position will include Costume Shop set up, upkeep, and breakdown, creating appropriate Production Books before each Draper’s arrival, facilitating appropriate paperwork, assisting in Designer/Draper/Costume Director communication, reassigning and balancing employees in Costume Shop and Crafts projects, distribute applicable rehearsal notes to staff, supervise the pulling of rehearsal costumes, managing and purchasing supplies/equipment; coordinating orders with the Costume Administration for the costume shops, facilitate the scheduling of fittings with the Artistic Department, oversee fitting room preparedness, assisting in fittings, assisting in pulling/restocking/organizing inventory in Costume Storage, acting as a direct liaison between Wardrobe and the Costume Shop, on call for dress rehearsals, coordinate and complete Season Costume Archives, and lead Costume space shutdowns at the conclusion of the season. 

Some of the work this position performs routinely involves moving equipment, boxes, and costumes to elevated positions. The ability to drive with a clean license, a working knowledge of computers/word/excel/Google Drive, an understanding of costume shop terminology and construction, and general theater knowledge is very helpful to success in this position. 

Some projects will be worked on independently, while other projects will require working in a group setting. The responsibilities of this position require the employee to be physically present on campus to complete the tasks assigned. This position frequents offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. Additional training and workshops are provided during the season. 

This is a seasonal position; employees who work well within the team are often asked to return for subsequent seasons. Commitment to safe work habits and shop practices is essential. Must be willing to abide by Glimmerglass Festival’s current and potential future health and wellness policies.

This position runs from April 27 to August 23, 2026. $24.50/Hr. Includes Housing and a Travel Reimbursement of $200.00. 

The hiring process is highly competitive; some positions are filled as early as November. Early applications are encouraged. All positions will be posted for two weeks prior to the start of the interview process and applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. This job was posted on November 12, 2025.   

To apply, please prepare a Cover Letter and Resume (including three references) in a single PDF document. Submit and complete the application process by clicking HERE, or by going to our Glimmerglass Website Employment Page, and filling out the Employment Application Form.  

The Glimmerglass Festival seeks a Costume Shopper for its 2026 Summer Festival Summer Season. 

The Shopper works as a member of a 30-person Costume Shop; they report to the Costume Director, and work alongside Costume Floor Managers, a Costume Administrator, and a Costume Administrative Apprentice. The primary goals of the position will include communicating with the Costume Designers and Costume Management/Administration to execute all aspects of purchasing including but not limited to: online ordering and area shopping for the Costume Designers, Assistant Designers, Costume Director, Costume Floor Manager, Crafts Manager; Organize electronic records of all orders and the status thereof; Check in all incoming orders and distribute accordingly or contact appropriate staff that orders have arrived; Manage system to notify Designers, Assistant Designers, Floor Manager and Crafts Manager of order status; Assist in pulling/restocking/ items in Costume Storage as assigned; Assist with Tax Refund collection; Assist with the setup and breakdown of the Costume Office; and may be asked to assist minorly in the Costume Shop. 

Much of the work this position performs involves remaining in a stationary position during the shift; and involves moving boxes of supplies. The ability to drive with a clean license, a working knowledge of computers and Word/Excel/Google Drive, some understanding of costume shop terminology, and experience in administrative organization are desired. A successful candidate will promote a positive work environment. 

Some projects will be worked on independently, while other projects will require working in a group setting. The responsibilities of this position require the employee to be physically present on campus to complete the tasks assigned. Additional training and workshops may be provided during the season. 

This is a seasonal position; employees who work well within the team are often asked to return for subsequent seasons. Commitment to safe work habits and shop practices is essential. Must be willing to abide by Glimmerglass Festival’s current and potential future health and wellness policies.

This position runs from May 11 to August 23, 2026. $17.60/Hr. Housing provided.

The hiring process is highly competitive; some positions are filled as early as November. Early applications are encouraged. All positions will be posted for two weeks prior to the start of the interview process and applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. This job was posted on November 12, 2025.   

To apply, please prepare a Cover Letter and Resume (including three references) in a single PDF document. Submit and complete the application process by clicking HERE, or by going to our Glimmerglass Website Employment Page, and filling out the Employment Application Form.

The Glimmerglass Festival seeks Facilities Staff for its 2026 Season.

Facilities Staff work as members of the Operations team and report to the Facilities Supervisor. The primary responsibilities of this position include assisting with the maintenance and upkeep of Festival facilities and properties. This work takes place both indoors and outdoors across the Glimmerglass campus.

Duties include, but are not limited to, performing general maintenance tasks; assisting with repairs and upkeep of buildings and grounds; supporting operational needs across the campus; and helping ensure Festival facilities are safe, clean, and functioning properly throughout the season. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record are preferred.

This position requires standing, walking, and bending for extended periods. Candidates must be able to push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds.

This position runs from March/April through October 2026. Compensation will be determined based on education and work experience, with wages starting at $16.00/hour, and eligibility for overtime.

The Glimmerglass Festival seeks to hire individuals of all backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. Developing and investing in our employees is a priority in creating an environment that fosters company-wide success. The Festival aims to employ individuals at varying stages of their careers who wish to work for a leading arts organization that values professional and personal growth through collaboration and a shared commitment to creating work of the highest quality. To learn more about the initiatives and actions we are taking to support these goals, please visit our website HERE.

The Glimmerglass Festival is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, genetic data, or any other legally protected status.

The hiring process is highly competitive. All positions will be posted for two weeks prior to the start of the interview process, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This job was posted on January 23, 2026.

To apply, please prepare a one-page cover letter and resume (including three references) in a single PDF document. Submit and complete the application process by clicking HERE, or by visiting the Glimmerglass Festival Employment Page and completing the Employment Application Form.

The Glimmerglass Festival seeks a Scenic Carpenter for its 2026 Summer Festival Season. 

The Scenic Carpenter works as a member of a nine-person carpentry crew. The Scenic Carpenter reports to the Head Carpenter and Associate Technical Director of Scenery and works alongside other Scenic Carpenters and two Scenic Carpentry Apprentices. 

The primary goals of the position will include assisting with the construction of four mainstage productions and a youth opera; assisting with initial load-ins of all productions and rarely joining a tight timeline changeover; there may be some general carpentry projects around campus as well during downtime. 

Much of the work this position performs routinely is at height, on ladders, or in lifts; involves lifting equipment to elevated positions; and requires frequent use of power tools for projects. Basic wood construction, metalworking, and welding knowledge are needed to find success in the position. 

Some projects will be worked on independently, while other projects will require working in a group setting. The responsibilities of this position require the employee to be physically present on campus to complete the tasks assigned. This position has offices or workspaces that require the employee to climb flights of stairs. Additional training, workshops, and seminars may be provided during the season. 

This is a seasonal position; employees who work well within the team are often asked to return for subsequent seasons. Commitment to safe work habits and shop practices is essential. Must be willing to abide by Glimmerglass Festival’s current and potential future health and wellness policies.

This position runs May 4 to August 23, 2026. $18.00/Hr. Housing provided.

The hiring process is highly competitive; some positions are filled as early as January. Early applications are encouraged. All positions will be posted for two weeks prior to the start of the interview process and applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. This job was posted on December 1, 2025.

The Glimmerglass Festival seeks a Scheduling Manager for its 2026 Summer Festival Season.

The Scheduling Manager works as a member of the Artistic team; they report to the Director of Artistic Administration, and work alongside the Director of the Resident Artists Program, Production Stage Manager, and artistic and production staff. The primary responsibilities of the position will include maintaining and communicating the daily and weekly schedule for The Glimmerglass Festival during the festival season, including rehearsals, performances, coachings, fittings, auditions, previews and all artist activities, as well as gathering information and processes scheduling requests from multiple departments. Prior experience and knowledge in production administration in a performing arts organization or similar position is preferred.

Additional qualifications for consideration include proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and general office equipment; A high level of accuracy and attention to detail while complying with – and diplomatically compelling others to comply with – strict deadlines; Ability to collect, interpret, and incorporate information from a number of sources; make and communicate recommendations related to scheduling and company priorities; exercise independent judgment; establish and maintain working relationships with a variety of individuals and groups; remain professional and efficient under pressure; effectively diffuse potentially volatile situations. This is a seasonal position; employees that work well within the team are often asked to return for subsequent seasons. Commitment to safe work habits and shop practices is essential. Must be willing to abide by Glimmerglass Festival’s current and potential future health and wellness  policies.

This position runs May 18 to August 17, 2026. $1,199.10 Wk. Exempt. Housing provided.

The hiring process is highly competitive; some positions are filled as early as January. Early applications are encouraged. All positions will be posted for two weeks prior to the start of the interview process and applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. This job was posted on January 21, 2026. 

To apply, please prepare a one page Cover Letter and a one page Resume (including three references) in a single PDF document. Submit and complete the application process by clicking HERE, or by going to our Glimmerglass Website Employment Page, and filling out the Employment Application Form.

 

Glimmerglass Employment Application Form

When you link to our Employment Application form, you will be prompted by Google to sign in. You will be able to use a non-Google email to complete the sign-in process.

For further information, email the Hiring Search Department at hiring@glimmerglass.org.  

No phone calls, please.

More positions may be added; please check back for updated information. Please note: All company members will be required to follow all safety, health, and wellness policies and procedures. To apply, please prepare your one-page Resume and one-page Cover Letter in a single PDF file and complete the Glimmerglass Employment Application Form by clicking the button below. Some positions (Carpentry, Costumes, Costume Crafts, Design, Hair & Makeup, Paints, Props, and Photography) may require examples of your previous work- please include either a link to your digital portfolio/webpage or images with descriptions on additional pages at the end of your PDF submission. An online portfolio is preferred. 

The Glimmerglass Festival seeks to hire persons of all backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. Developing and investing in our employees is our highest priority to achieve an environment that fosters company-wide success. The Festival aims to employ individuals at varying stages of their careers, who have a desire to work for a leading arts organization that values professional and personal growth through collaboration and commitment to creating the highest quality product possible. Click here to learn more about the initiatives and actions we are taking to make progress in these areas.

The Glimmerglass Festival is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, genetic data or any other legally protected status.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Updated: March 13, 2026

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