AOP APPRENTICE PROGRAM
The American Opera Projects Apprentice Program allows aspiring artists and arts managers with an interest in new opera a chance to develop their skills and experience the inner workings of an independent and creative not-for-profit organization in New York City.
Non-profit Arts Management
The apprentice will develop skills in grant writing, fundraising, audience development, and education programs and projects, including hosting, research, site arrangements, and scheduling; The apprentice will develop contacts with theaters and presenters around the city and assist in the day-to-day negotiations of developing new operas and theater pieces. Other opportunities include: Preparation and distribution of press materials and other work with the press and public. Assist with preparation and distribution of season promotions, advertising, and analysis of sales data.
Opera development and production
The apprentice will gain an in-depth and hands-on experience of the daily artistic operation of an opera company, and will have direct contact with all of the exceptional artists who make up AOP’s season. The apprenticeship position will provide a unique learning experience to young artists specializing in composition, dramatic writing, music direction/vocal coaching, stage direction, and vocal performance. Special projects will be designed and tailored to fit the individual apprentice’s interests and talents.
AOP is a hands-on company that works closely with every aspect of production. All apprentices will assist in the daily development of projects and office functions including box office, filing, bookkeeping, research, reception duties, and database entry. In addition, apprentices will work outside the office overseeing our various productions around the city. From delivering props to monitoring auditions to loading scenery and testing sound equipment, the AOP apprenticeship is a complete experience of the New York opera and theatre world. And we’d never ask our apprentices to do anything that we aren’t willing to do ourselves. Bring a congenial personality, a strong work-ethic, and sense of humor, and we’ll have a good time!
The AOP Apprentice Program Season is 12—20 weeks in three sessions (Fall, Spring, and Summer). We are willing to coordinate the exact dates of the apprenticeship with the apprentice's school schedule and/or availability. However, it is generally expected that an apprenticeship would last one season and involve a minimum of 20 hours per week with limited evening and weekend responsibilities. Apprentices may be invited to continue their apprenticeship for an additional season pending an internal review.
All apprenticeships are unpaid positions. A monthly stipend plus an unlimited NYC Metrocard is provided.
We work with each apprentice’s individual schedule to craft a program best suited to his or her time commitments and everyone’s needs. On rare occasions, hours may include some nights and weekends.
The majority of our apprentices are college students or recent college graduates, but any qualified applicants interested in pursuing a career in the arts will be considered.
AOP is centered in Fort Greene, Brooklyn (a thriving and safe neighborhood) and is easily and quickly accessible from Manhattan by public transportation or by car.
We are currently working remotely with the option to go to our Fort Greene office as needed under CDC-compliant conditions and expect to return to a hybrid schedule of remote and office work soon. Beyond the pandemic, occasional evening work will likely become part of the job as large gatherings become possible again.
Housing is not included. Short-term options are limited and may be prohibitively expensive.
Fair warning: Previous AOP apprentices have gone on to careers in the performing arts and have even risen to become the Artistic Director of AOP.
Previous AOP Apprentices
Applicants for this position should send resume and cover letter explaining your interest in the position to info@aopopera.org with “AOP Apprentice” in the subject line.
No calls please. Applicants selected for an interview will be notified.