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Seasonal Production Staff Positions

2024 Seasonal Production Positions

Our Production Staff is comprised of experienced designers, technicians and craftspeople from regional theatres, opera companies and universities from around the world. Over 60% of our staff are former Santa Fe Opera technical apprentices. Staff compensation varies depending on the responsibilities of the position and the experience of the applicant. Staff housing is arranged by the Opera and a small housing deduction is deducted weekly from your base pay. All staff receive financial assistance towards the cost of travel to and from Santa Fe.

Working alongside our professional staff are apprentice technicians from colleges and theatre conservatories across the country. The Apprentice Program for Theatre Technicians, established in 1965, is an intermediate to advanced training program. The program offers instruction and practical experience in stage operations, properties, audio/video, costumes, production/music services, wigs and makeup, electrics and scenic art. Apprentices receive an hourly wage plus applicable overtime, and financial assistance with the cost of travel to and from Santa Fe. Apprentice housing is located in Opera-owned apartments in downtown Santa Fe, and a small housing deduction is deducted weekly from their base pay.

The festival season schedule is very demanding and challenging, but is also very rewarding. Due to the outdoor setting of our venue, technical rehearsals must begin after sunset, and therefore extend late into the night.

In addition to the daily work responsibilities, throughout the summer season we offer Director and Designer presentations, master classes, specialty workshops, and resume and portfolio reviews. Once all of the season’s repertory productions have opened, technical apprentices participate in the production of two fully staged opera scenes programs featuring Santa Fe Opera’s apprentice singers. We also host a Portfolio Fair at which seasonal employees can share their work with fellow employees, designers, industry professionals and other invited guests. Those participating in the Portfolio Fair should arrive at the beginning of the summer with a fully prepared portfolio, as there is very limited time to work on it once you arrive.

If you are looking for information about our Technical Apprentice Program, please visit the following page:

Technical Apprentice Application Information

Audio & Video

Introduction

Department staff and apprentice’s set-up, operate, maintain and repair equipment used to support the rehearsals and production of a five opera repertory season. Familiarity with equipment such as wired/wireless microphones, speakers, digital mixers, intercom systems, video cameras, video monitors, recording equipment, computers & networking, terminating wires and cables is required. Earliest start date is May 20, 2024.

Audio/Video Director, Assistant Audio/Video Director, ELS Administrator, Audio/Video Engineer, Audio/Video and ELS Technician (2)

Costume Shop

Introduction

The Santa Fe Opera Costume Shop is a highly collaborative team of talented professionals and apprentices. The shop celebrates the contributions of each individual and the strength created through the combined efforts of the team. We recognize that our work is physically and mentally challenging and are fueled by collective creativity and a desire to execute at a high standard. Average number of hours worked weekly varies by position and throughout the season (40-65 hours/week).

9 to 14 weeks of costume construction, paint/dye or crafts. Start dates vary beginning in early May.

Staff (49) – 5 Draper/Tailors, 10 First Hands/Tailor Assistants, 5 Costume Design Assistants, 10 Stitchers, 1 Millinery Head, 1 Millinery Assistant, 1 Crafts Head, 2 Crafts Assistants, 1 Head Dyer/Painter, 2 Dye Assistants, 1 Shop Assistant/Shopper, 1 Wardrobe Supervisor, 3 Wardrobe Leads

First time Costume applicants must also submit a hand sewing sample which includes examples of the following: cross stitch (herringbone/catch-stitch), whip stitch (hemming stitch), slip stitch, hook and eye, a 4-hole button sewn with thread shank, and a snap. Front/back images of this sewing sample should be emailed to prodjobs@santafeopera.org

First Hand/Tailor Assistant

The First Hand/Tailor Assistant assists the Draper/Tailor in the production/refurbishment/alteration of new and existing costumes for a 5-production repertory season. Responsibilities include: measuring artists and assist in fitting new and existing costumes, taking notes for the Draper/Tailor as needed; fabric cutting according to Draper/Tailor direction; preparing/supervising Stitchers, Apprentices and Volunteers in the construction/finishing/alteration/labeling of assigned costumes; attending dress rehearsals as needed; monitoring team safety and morale; and maintaining excellence of product. Applicants should have training in costume technology, or comparable professional experience and minimum 2 years assisting at the academic or professional level. Start date varies beginning in May. The First Hand position is a mid-level and above staff position with hourly rates starting at $18.55 per hour depending on experience, with overtime potential.

Crafts Assistant

The Crafts Assistant assists in the construction/fitting/alteration of costume craft items, including but not limited to: armor, masks, footwear, belts, bags, and jewelry for a 5-production repertory season. Responsibilities include: developing/fitting craft pieces according to designer specification and Crafts Head direction; cutting/construction/alteration/finishing on assigned craft items; assisting in supervising Apprentice Crafts crew and Volunteers; attending dress rehearsals as needed; monitoring team safety and morale; and maintaining excellence of product. Applicants should have training in costume technology, or comparable professional experience and minimum 2 year crafts experience at the academic or professional level. The Crafts Assistant position is a mid-level and above staff position with hourly rate starting at $18.55 per hour depending on experience, with overtime potential.

Wardrobe Lead

The Wardrobe Lead assists the Wardrobe Supervisor in the organization, maintenance and running of a 5-production repertory season. Responsibilities include: setting up dressing rooms; assisting in labeling costume pieces; assisting in creating dressing sheets and show tracking paperwork; cleaning/washing/pressing/steaming of finished costumes; repairing costumes; repairing costumes; checking-in costume pieces; assisting in supervising Wardrobe Crew during the tech and run of the shows; assisting artists in dressing at top of show and throughout performance; assisting in quick changes; executing show changeovers; and maintain excellence of product. Applicants should have advanced wardrobe experience or similar experience in other theatrical venues. Start date is end of May. The Wardrobe Assistant position is a mid-level and above staff position with hourly rates starting at $16.00 per hour depending on experience, with overtime potential.

Lighting & Electrics

Introduction

ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED FOR THE 2024 SEASON

10 weeks of hang, trial focus, practical construction, and technical and dress rehearsals. 4 weeks of daily repertory focus and running shows. Start dates vary from May 22, 2023.

Positions Available: Staff (10) – 3 Lighting Supervisors, 1 Head Electrician, 1 Assistant Head Electrician, 2 Staff Electricians, 1 Lighting Programmer, 1 Video Programmer – Disguise Software, 1 Video Technician

Production & Music Services

Introduction

ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED FOR THE 2024 SEASON

14 weeks of supporting performances, onstage rehearsals, orchestra rehearsals and general notes. This position overlaps with several areas of production, i.e.: stage, props, and scenic art. Excellent position for someone interested in theatre production. Heavy lifting and physical stamina required.

Positions Available: Production and Music Services Supervisor (1), Assistant Production and Music Services Supervisor (1)

Supervision of a crew of 5 apprentices. Duties include (but are not limited to) developing, implementing, and tracking all orchestra set-ups and strikes. With the apprentice crew, these individuals work in the orchestra pit as well as the rehearsal hall to ensure readiness of equipment for music staff and instrumentalists at all on-stage rehearsals and performances. Regular heavy lifting of music stands, percussion, harps, and other large musical instruments up and down stairs and into/out of the pit is required. This crew serves as the stage crew at daily staging rehearsals onstage, cleaning, mopping, setting scenery and conducting scene changes as needed. Organization and accuracy in paperwork is a must. Previous experience with musical ensembles is required. Start dates is May 20th, 2024.

Properties Department

Introduction

ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED FOR THE 2024 SEASON

2 to 16 weeks in construction and finishing of furniture, stage dressing and prop elements. Run staff and apprentices support technical and dress rehearsals and repertory performances. Earliest start date for Properties is February 12, 2024 (most start May 13, 2024).

Positions Available: Staff (16) – 1 Lead Crafts Artisan, 2 Crafts Artisan, 2 Crafts Journeyperson, 3 Carpenter, 1 Carpenter Journeyperson, 3 Run Crew Chiefs, 1 Prop Paint Charge, 1 Prop Painter Staff or Journeyperson, 1 Prop Buyer/Shopper, 1 Prop Run Crew Administrator.

Safety Department

Introduction

ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED FOR THE 2024 SEASON

14 to 16 weeks. Duties include supporting existing safety program and COVID safety protocols; maintaining first aid kits; accident & injury reporting and follow up; on-call to support injuries and transportation for workers comp care; maintaining safety equipment inventory; planning and execution of crew meals during late-night technical rehearsals; monitoring known hazards, including wildfire smoke; supporting safety training/education onsite. Previous training/experience in first aid and CPR a plus. Earliest start date is the beginning of May 2024.

Scenic Art Department

Introduction

ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED FOR THE 2024 SEASON

12-20 weeks of scenic painting, sculpture, texture, and other finish work. You must submit a portfolio to be considered for a position in this department. Staff positions require 3 years of professional experience. Earliest start date for Scenic Art Staff is March 11, 2024.

Positions Available: Staff (4)

These positions require the applicant to have at least three years professional experience. Responsibilities include painting and finishing of all scenic elements including covering, priming, texture work, sculpting and applying scenic details. Candidates must have the ability to mix and match colors and knowledge of scenic materials and tools, and craft skills. Start date is mid-March 2024. The Staff Scenic Art positions vary from entry level thru senior level. The rates for these positions are as follows: Rates for these positions start at $21.00 per hour, depending on experience, with overtime potential.

 

Stage Department

Introduction

ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED FOR THE 2024 SEASON

15 weeks of technical and dress rehearsals, work notes, repertory scenic changes and show run crew. Heavy lifting and physical stamina required

Wigs & Makeup

Introduction

ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED FOR THE 2024 SEASON

8 weeks of construction of new wigs and accessories, and dressing of existing pieces. 4 weeks of wig maintenance and makeup for repertory performances. Earliest start date is June 3, 2024. The Wig & Makeup Staff position is a mid-level and above staff position with hourly rate starting at $21.63 per hour depending on experience, with overtime potential.

Positions Available: Staff (4)

 

 

Apply Now

The Production Department Application process for the 2024 Season is now available.

The deadline for applications is March 24, 2024.

Please follow the instructions below:

  1. Submit an Application Form using the link below.
  2. Email a copy of your current resume to prodjobs@santafeopera.org

If you have any questions, you may email prodjobs@santafeopera.org.

Application Form – Apply Now