Plácido Domingo Intern/Apprentice Program

Launched in 2003, the Intern/Apprentice Program offers an opportunity to potential arts administrators to gain indepth knowledge about the performing arts through hands-on experience.  The Program is dedicated to providing on-the-job training and career guidance for students and young professionals pursuing careers in arts administration or opera production.

Benefits include: opportunities to attend WNO rehearsals and performances (based on availability), assistance in fulfilling college credit requirements,  weekly symposia led by WNO staff members, career counseling and an ongoing evaluation process.

Internship Sessions:

Interns are expected to commit to a regular schedule consisting of full-time or part-time hours.  Interns may receive a small stipend to help defray transportation costs depending on the number of hours worked in a week.

Fall Session: (late August through December) Application Deadline: July 15

Spring Session: (Mid January through May) Application Deadline: January 1

Summer Session: (May through August) Application Deadline: March 15 

Administrative internships are available in the following departments:

Apprenticeship Sessions:

Apprentices are expected to maintain a full-time schedule (40 hours/week) and schedules will be determined based on the rehearsal and performance schedule and/or the needs of the department.  Applicants should be pursuing a Bachelor's degree in their respective field.  A stipend of $1,000/month is provided and college credit is available, if applicable.

Fall Session: (August through December) Application Deadline: June 15

Spring Session: (Mid January through May) Application Deadline: December 1

Apprenticeships are available in the following areas:

• Costumes
• Education
• Productions
• Stage Management
• Young Artists

How to Apply

Please submit your complete application to:

A complete application will include:

• Letter of Intent outlining your reasons for applying, your qualifications, and your professional goals;

• Resume that includes relevant job/volunteer experience, course work, and skills;

• Completed WNO Intern/Apprentice Form

Internship Program Descriptions

These descriptions are just brief overviews, some duties the intern will perform are not listed in this brief description.

Artistic Administration

The Artistic Administration Department of Washington National Opera is responsible for planning, managing, and coordinating the artistic activities of the organization, including season planning and coordinating solo artist and orchestra arrangements.

Intern Responsibilities: Provide assistance to Artistic Administration department in all areas including visa applications, audition preparation, contracts and AGMA contacts, and special projects as needed.

Qualifications: College student or recent college grad with an interest in arts administration. Knowledge of a foreign language would be preferable. A minimum of one-year experience in an arts organization preferred.

The Development Departments of Washington National Opera is responsible for the financial development of the organization, including all contributed income, planned giving, prospect research, and donor cultivation.  

Intern Responsibilities: Assist in day-to-day operations of the Development Department, and provide support for special projects and events.

Qualifications: Candidate should possess an interest in Arts Administration, particularly development and fundraising and must be available to work some evenings and weekends.  Experience with an arts organization is a plus.

The Finance Department of Washington National Opera is responsible for the day-to-day and long-term financial tasks and planning for the organization as a whole.

Intern Responsibilities: Provide assistance to the Finance and Administration Department in all areas including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, accounting, budget management, and research.

Qualifications: College or graduate student with a background in finance and/or accounting. Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and Internet Explorer required. Knowledge of Microsoft Solomon or other accounting software is a plus.

Intern Responsibilities: Provide assistance in the following areas: Preparation of printed materials, advertising layout and design, electronic filing and image storing, and the design for Internet promotion and Washington National Opera website.

Qualifications: Candidate must possess at least an intermediate skill level in the following software applications: InDesign, Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator. Proficiency in PC platforms desired. Candidates must provide portfolio for consideration.

The Marketing Department of Washington National Opera is responsible for overseeing the organization's marketing, sales, and promotions strategies.

Intern Responsibilities: Provide assistance to the Marketing Department in all areas including marketing, publications, copywriting, website, emails and online presence, by providing general departmental support.

Qualifications: College or graduate student, or recent graduate with an interest in marketing, advertising, and promotions. Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and Internet Explorer required.  Knowledge of HTML and graphic design is a plus, but not required.

The Public Relations Department of Washington National Opera is responsible for representing all facets of WNO to the media and the general public.

Intern Responsibilities: Provide assistance to the PR Department in all areas including press kits, press releases, artist files, archive management and special projects as needed.

Qualifications: College student or recent college graduate with strong writing skills and an interest in PR.  Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel as well as an interest or background in the arts required.

The Special Events Department is responsible for fundraising, cultivating and donor benefit events.

Intern Responsibilities: Assist in day-to-day operations of the Special Events Department and provide support for special projects and events.

Qualifications: Candidate should possess an interest in Arts Administration, particularly Development, Fundraising and Event Planning and must be available to work some evenings and weekends.  Experience with an arts organization is a plus.

Intern Responsibilities: Provide assistance to the Young Artist Program in all areas, including scheduling rehearsals and performances, planning performance venues and personnel, travel arrangements and visa applications, and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications: Should have a degree or equivalent experience in arts administration. Computer skills, including Microsoft Office, organizational skills, and attention to detail required. 

Apprenticeship Program Descriptions

These descriptions are just brief overviews, some duties the intern will perform are not listed in this brief description.

Costumes

The Costume Studio is responsible for the costume planning, production, fitting, and construction for all costumes related to the opera repertoire. Apprenticeships are available in the following categories: Costume Construction, Costume Crafts, and Costume Coordinating.

Responsibilities: In addition, the apprentice will gain hands on experience coordinating costumes for the Young Artist Program performances.

Qualifications: Construction apprentices should have a degree or equivalent experience in theatrical costuming or clothing and textiles. Crafts apprentices should have a degree in Theater or Fine Arts plus coursework or equivalent experience in Costume Crafts. Coordinator apprentices should have a degree in costume design plus computer proficiency. All apprentices must be willing to keep a flexible schedule.

Using opera as the greatest multi-dimensional art form, the mission of WNO's Education and Community Programs is to be a resource for families in the surrounding communities, to help prepare their children for the creativity required of the 21^st century economy, and to develop future practitioners of the art form.

Responsibilities:Provide assistance and project management to the Education Department including seasonal programs and special projects.

< span>Qualifications: Recent college graduate or graduate student with some background in the arts (not necessarily music or Opera) and work with or interested in kids or community development. Fluent in Mac software, especially Final Cut Express, is preferred.

The Production Apprentice will support the Production Director and Staff routine day-to-day operations and procedures, such as Chorus, Dancer, Supers, Production Staff payroll procedures, Sign In sheet processing, data entry, check distribution, Rehearsal information & attendance tracking in WNO databases, and vendor invoice processing. Additionally they will be assigned with various tasks and projects.

Responsibilities: Assist Staff with future season planning, including research & consolidation of production facts from WNO & other presenters information; assist Staff with annual Chorus auditions & contracting, including assistance with appointments & audition cards, audition monitoring, updates to Chorus database, contract preparation & processing; assist Staff with data review & preparations related to collective bargaining agreement renewals for artists & musicians; assist with Rehearsal Dept coverage in rehearsal or performance locations. This may include assistance to Stage Management, production office coverage, check distribution & young performer supervision. Attendance on evening & weekend as required; assist Director & Staff with special projects including concerts, simulcast & other multi-media activity.

Qualifications: 1 – 2 years experience working for a performing arts organization (professional or educational), Theater/Backstage knowledge preferred. Management course experience would be helpful. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must exercise good judgment, show initiative, handle sensitive data in a trustworthy manner. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently as well as in a team environment. Discretion, maturity, and composure, especially under pressure. Ability to establish priorities and juggle numerous assignments at one time. High standards and strong sense of responsibility. Knowledge of computerized information systems and their applications, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Filemaker Pro. Interest/knowledge in opera, music, or the performing arts.   

Stage Management
The Stage Management Department manages rehearsals and performances of all mainstage productions as well as various Education and Young Artist programs.  We are the main liaison between the departments and performers and the rehearsal process.

Responsibilities: Assist the Stage Management Staff on specific productions on tasks including setup and running of rehearsals and performances, and maintaining rehearsal records.

Qualifications:  1-2 years experience working backstage for a performing arts organization (professional or educational), ability to read music, strong organizational skills and responsibility, and flexible schedule (evening and weekend work) required. Theater/Backstage knowledge and an interest/knowledge in opera, music or the performing arts is preferred.  Stage Management course experience would be helpful, and foreign language is a plus.  

There is one position in Fall 2010 approximately Aug. 9 through Sept. 25. Positions for the 2011 Spring Season start around Jan. 24 and Apr. 4 and run to late May. Applicants may apply for either Fall or Spring or a combination of the two.

The Artistic Administration Apprentice works with the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program, which is designed for singers and coach-accompanists on the verge of international careers. World-renowned singers, directors, and coaches work with the Young Artists to guide them in their transition from performer to artist and help them build long-lasting and healthy careers.

Apprentice Responsibilities: Provide assistance to the Young Artist Program in all areas, including scheduling rehearsals and performances, planning performance venues and personnel, travel arrangements and visa applications, and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications: Should have a degree or equivalent experience in arts administration. Computer skills, including Microsoft Office, organizational skills, and attention to detail required. 

Further Information

Questions regarding the Intern/Apprentice Program may be directed to internships@dc-opera.org.