Detroit Opera Auditions - Detroit Opera

Detroit Opera is an equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination.

Detroit Opera is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in employment, programs, and activities.

Auditions

Detroit Opera Orchestra Audition: Principal Flute

Audition date: October 22, 2024
Anticipated start: winning candidate’s earliest availability.

Please note: winning applicants must be legally eligible for employment in the United States If an applicant secures a contract, valid immigration status and work authorization must be secured 8 weeks before applicant’s expected start date. Maintaining valid immigration status and work authorization throughout employment with Detroit Opera will be the responsibility of any winning applicant.

Applications for this audition are now closed.

A $100 audition deposit will be required from invited applicants and will be returned upon arrival to the audition. Audition deposit checks will be shredded for those who cancel by the deadline of October 11, 2024.

View Repertoire List and Music Excerpts

Detroit Opera audition committee reserves the right to dismiss immediately any candidate not meeting the highest professional standards at these auditions.
Musicians of the Detroit Opera Orchestra are members of the A F of M, Detroit Local 5. Detroit Opera is an equal opportunity employer.

The Detroit Opera Orchestra performs approximately 4-6 productions per season: a combination of opera, ballet and concerts with an average of 7 services per production. The Detroit Opera Orchestra has a minimum service guarantee of 45 services per season. The Detroit Opera season typically runs from October to December and March to May.

Detroit Opera 2024-25 Season Rates
$201.29/Rehearsal
$218.04/Dress rehearsal
$267.53/Performance
Principal Premium 25%
Doubling 20%
A.F.M. pension fund 11.99%

Detroit Opera Orchestra Audition: Second Oboe

Audition date: October 24, 2024
Anticipated start: winning candidate’s earliest availability.

Applications for this audition are now closed.

*A limited number of applicants will be invited to audition due to the time constraints. Applicants will receive notice of invitation via email by Friday August 23, 2024.

View Repertoire List and Music Excerpts

Detroit Opera 2024-25 Season Rates
$201.29/Rehearsal
$218.04/Dress rehearsal
$267.53/Performance
Principal Premium 25%
Doubling 20%
A.F.M. pension fund 11.99%

Detroit Opera Orchestra Audition: Principal Trombone

Audition date: October 28, 2024
Anticipated start: Fall 2025

Applications for this audition are now closed.

*A limited number of applicants will be invited to audition due to the time constraints. Applicants will receive notice of invitation via email by Friday August 23, 2024.

View Repertoire List and Music Excerpts

Detroit Opera 2024-25 Season Rates
$201.29/Rehearsal
$218.04/Dress rehearsal
$267.53/Performance
Principal Premium 25%
Doubling 20%
A.F.M. pension fund 11.99%

Future Auditions: Detroit Opera Chorus

Chorus auditions for the 2024-2025 season are closed.

To receive information regarding future audition opportunities, please email resume & headshot to auditions@detroitopera.org.

Vocalists of the Detroit Opera Chorus are members of the American Guild of Musical Artists

Open Positions

Assistant Technical Director

Salary: $45,000 – $50,000

Work Schedule: Schedule varies during the performance season, the ATD regularly works weekends and nighttime events.

How to Apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to employment@detroitopera.org

Position Summary

The Assistant Technical Director (ATD) is a crucial member of a three-person technical direction team responsible for the planning, supervision and management of productions and events at the Detroit Opera House (DOH), ranging from opera and dance performances produced by Detroit Opera (DO) to various Broadway touring musicals and professional networking events hosted in the DOH. The position reports to the Technical Director (TD) and aids the TD in drafting plans for upcoming DO opera and dance productions and is often responsible for supervising stage crews and managing various show paperwork. The ATD will assume responsibility for stage operations on assigned events and productions and may act as TD for Detroit Opera Tour productions. The ATD is an excellent, clear communicator, who corresponds with stage crew, vendors, and the public appropriately and timely. The ATD is a team-orientated multitasker and collaborator who can shift roles seamlessly in this dynamic technical group.

Responsibilities

For DO Opera and Dance productions (approx. 10-12 per year), the ATD is responsible for:
Share in supervising the DOH IATSE crew during work calls 
Maintaining show paperwork such as line schedules, work calls 
Assist with show planning (materials ordering, scheduling, etc.) 
Assist in drafting plans/sections and elevations as necessary 
Assist in arranging transportation logistics for all productions 
For DOH hosted events throughout the year, including wedding, lectures, and Broadway touring shows, the ATD is responsible for:
Advancing and supervising stage operations of events and scheduling union crews
Assisting in setup and execution of in-house productions and events 
Setup and take-down of audio equipment for non-stage events 
Maintain Stage Equipment (maintain records, schedule repair & maintenance by union crew/ outside vendors as necessary)
Assist in managing warehouse spaces

Required Qualifications

Two or more years of technical theatre experience in a professional venue
Proficient in CAD Drafting (Vectorworks preferred) 
Proficient in MS Office software; highly proficient in Excel
Proficient in setting up basic AV systems (projectors/ portable audio system) 
Demonstrated excellent communication skills. This position communicates with clients, vendors, and the public. 
Ability to understand diverse perspectives and acknowledge the significance of differences and complexities in background, cultures, values and viewpoints as the foundation for an inclusive environment.

Desired Qualifications

Chauffeur’s license & DOT Medical Certificate eligible (not necessary to start, but must be able to attain) 
Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Design/Technology, Technical Direction, or similar degree from an accredited theatre program or college.
Hands-on experience in stage operations, carpentry or related technical theater roles.
Experience supervising stage operations teams.

Essential functions/physical demands

The person in this position routinely moves materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
The person in this position remains in a stationary position for periods of time.
The person in this position occasionally ascends/descends ladders.
The person in this position occasionally moves throughout the building to access equipment.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

Additional Information

Detroit Opera is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the MOT mission.

Crowd Manager, Part-Time

Department: Safety and Security

Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: This position maintains a flexible work schedule, and is part of a pool of Crowd Managers, who work various performances/events at the Detroit Opera House.

Salary: $18.00 – $19.00/hr.

How to apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume by email to employment@motopera.org. Please include how you learned of this position.

Position Summary

Detroit Opera (DO) is southeast Michigan’s premier venue for opera and dance, and is a contemporary cultural-corner stone of the City of Detroit. Located in the heart of downtown, near Comerica Park, Detroit Opera offers a dynamic work environment. DO Crowd Managers work with the Security Team to provide services designed to ensure the safety of Detroit Opera and the Detroit Opera House patrons, visitors, performers during performances and other events. Through working cohesively with the DO Security and Events teams Crowd Managers work to secure the safety of patrons, visitors, and performers by regulating traffic control, maintaining access to entrances and emergency exits, and performing security screenings—when required. 

Responsibilities

Regulate traffic by managing the movement of activities and guests

Monitor entrances and exits to ensure proper egress, in accordance
Observe crowds in order to keep vigilant watch for signs of danger
Correspond with the Manager on Duty, Director of Security, and the Manager of Venue Operations to adequately provide emergency care within the existing security plan framework.
Ensure security and safety of patrons, visitors, performers, and staff, through adherence to DO security policies
Ensure security and safety of the venue, and perform security screening when required

Interact with guests attending events, provide information and direction in a positive and friendly manner

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or GED equivalent 
Ability to pass state background check

Minimum 1 year of experience as a crowd manager or related events management experience
Demonstrated customer service skills

Desired Qualifications

Security experience 
Law enforcement experience 
Crowd control/venue management certification

Essential functions/physical demands

The person in this position works evenings and weekends, in accordance with the events schedule.

The person in this position navigates stairwells, hallways, and other areas of the Detroit Opera House.
The person in this position stands for up to 3 hours at a time.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

Detroit Opera is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the DO mission.

Event Medic, Part-Time

Department: Safety and Security

Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: This position maintains a flexible work schedule, and is part of a pool of Event Medics, who work various performances/events at the Detroit Opera House.

Salary: $20.00/hr.

How to apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume by email to employment@motopera.org. Please include how you learned of this position.

Position Summary

Detroit Opera (DO) is southeast Michigan’s premier venue for opera and dance, and is a contemporary cultural-corner stone of the City of Detroit. Located in the heart of downtown, near Comerica Park, Detroit Opera offers a dynamic work environment. DO Event Medics work with the Security Team to provide services designed to ensure the health and safety of Detroit Opera and the Detroit Opera House patrons, visitors, performers during performances and other events. Event Medics work to secure the safety of patrons, visitors, and performers by providing immediate medical care to any and all individuals who fall ill, to be vigilant of individuals displaying signs or symptoms of illness, to call for or facilitate communication with emergency first responders, and provide crowd management services for the safety of patrons, visitors, employees and artists. 

Responsibilities

Immediately respond to all medical emergencies in accordance with the relevant procedures and policies.

Observe crowds in order to keep vigilant watch for symptoms and early signs of illness or medical emergencies. 
Treat symptoms of minor injuries, such as small cuts/scrape, dizziness, nausea, headaches, contacting emergency medical services as needed.    
Correspond with the Manager on Duty, Director of Security, and the Manager of Venue Operations to adequately provide emergency medical care within the existing security plan framework. 
Participate in traffic control duties for large events, as needed.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or GED equivalent 
Ability to pass state background check
EMT-B license
Demonstrated ability to work ethically and dependably

Desired Qualifications

EMT-I license or EMT-P license highly preferred
Nursing/other health care experience 
Security experience 
Crowd manager experience

Essential functions/physical demands

The person in this position works evenings and weekends, in accordance with the events schedule.

The person in this position navigates stairwells, hallways, and other areas of the Detroit Opera House.
The person in this position stands for up to 3 hours at a time.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

Detroit Opera is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the DO mission.

Manager, Events and Donor Relations

Salary: $55,000 – $60,000

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9 PM – 5 PM, With additional events and shows on weekends and nights.

How to Apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to employment@detroitopera.org

Position Summary

As a key member of the Development Operations team within the Development Department, the Manager of Events and Donor Relations provides overall management to all areas of donor relations, stewardship, engagement, and events to support Detroit Opera’s ambitious artistic vision through increased and consistent fundraising success.

Responsibilities

Events:

Plan and execute Development events for Detroit Opera, including room arrangements, invitations, staffing, decor, equipment, budgeting, contracting, marketing and communication, parking and transportation, VIP handling, etc.
Attend Development events, performances, and programs as needed to ensure smooth operations, assist with logistics, troubleshoot, and serve as liaison between facilities staff, event hosts, and guests.
Maintain detailed records of events including tracking in the database records of contacts, RSVPs/responses, and attendance.
Oversee the event briefing process to ensure clarity of objectives, roles, expectations, and outcomes.

Donor Relations and Stewardship:

Manage all aspects of the donor relations program, including, but not limited to, enhancing and growing the experience/relationship donors have with Detroit Opera; managing the gift acknowledgment process; and producing high-quality impact reports.
Manage benefit fulfillment – including access, staffing, tracking, ticketing, etc. – and the donor experience for the Herman Frankel and Barbara Frankel Donor Lounge for Detroit Opera performances, presentations, and programs.
Serve as the main Donor Relations contact and act as the subject matter expert for stewardship.
Serve as the VIP Ticket Concierge for donors to ensure a seamless patron experience. Coordinate with the Box Office and Marketing on seating, tickets, packages, and preferences.

Communications and Marketing:

Collaborate and coordinate productively with other internal departments and serve as the Development lead for Marketing, Communications, and External Relations.

Partner with colleagues and vendors on the creation, content, design, adoption, and implementation of development communications products such as proposals, one-pagers, digital content, impact reports, gift menus, annual fund letters, newsletters, bulletins, etc.

Project Management:

Track the development communications and interactions of the Detroit Opera’s leadership – President and CEO, Artistic Director, Adviser for Dance, Board Chair, etc. – with high-level donors and prospects to ensure timely correspondence, moves management, engagement, and follow-up.
Assist in the leadership briefing process to ensure strategic goals and specific objectives are both articulated in advance and assigned for follow-up towards solicitation and stewardship afterwards for meetings and events.
Create new workflows and processes as relevant to uphold and improve DO’s Standards.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and two to three (2-3) years of not-for-profit work experience in donor relations, stewardship, alumni or parent relations, event planning, advancement services, development operations, or related work experience at a level comparable to the needs of the position.
Strong project management, problem-solving, and computer skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to work independently, while managing competing obligations toward meeting deadlines.
Excellent and demonstrated writing skills.
Ability to manage one’s schedule and workload.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive data.
Must be able to thrive in a highly productive, fast-paced environment.
Ability to understand diverse perspectives and acknowledge the significance of differences and complexities in background, cultures, values and viewpoints as the foundation for an inclusive environment.

Desired Qualifications

Previous experience at an opera company, dance company, performing arts organization, or arts institution of any kind is preferred.
Knowledge of and experience with the Southeast Michigan philanthropic landscape and familiarity and experience with working with individual and institutional donors in the Detroit area are preferred.

Application Deadline

Additional Information

Manager of Individual Giving

Salary: $55,000 – $60,000

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; some evening and weekend hours required

How to Apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to employment@detroitopera.org

Position Summary

As a key member of the Individual Giving team within the Development Department, the Manager of Individual Giving oversees the annual giving program and provides critical strategy and support to further Detroit Opera’s ambitious artistic vision through increased and consistent fundraising success.

Responsibilities

Individual Giving Strategy and Support
- Serve as a development strategist and support specialist for the Director of Development, Chief Development Officer, and President and CEO.
- Assist with leadership communication, briefing, and follow-up for donors.
- Support development events with strategy, research, briefings, and project management.
- Facilitate coordination between the Individual Giving and Data and Operations teams.

Frontline Fundraising
- Develop and manage a portfolio of approximately 100 individual giving prospects with the goal of maintaining and increasing annual expendable support and planned gifts.
- Meet with current and prospective donors in-person, on the phone, and virtually, to discover their philanthropic priorities, seek alignment with Detroit Opera, and solicit them for increased giving.

Direct Mail Campaigns
- Strategize, organize and implement all aspects of the Annual Fund campaign to raise funds from individual donors giving up to $2,999.
- Develop a season-long direct mail campaign concept in support of Detroit Opera’s Annual Fund, highlighting different areas of the company’s artistry. This work plan includes budgets and timetables to implement the Annual Fund campaign and meet or exceed timetables and budgeted goals.
- Craft, carefully review, and revise each campaign’s letter copy, collaborating with outside contractors or other Detroit Opera staff to write the copy, create the design, and manage the logistics of the mailing.
- Work closely with the Manager of Development Operations and the Director, Data Analytics and Operations, to pull appropriately segmented lists of donors for each campaign, ensuring data integrity.
- Oversee and supervise the timely mailing of direct mail campaign letters.
- Leverage other mediums for annual giving such as email, social media, phone, etc.

Other Fundraising Campaigns
- Manage the yearly Giving Tuesday Campaign, including training volunteers on peer-to-peer fundraising and coordinating with the staff and contractors on crafting the campaign’s copy.
- Actively participate in the cultivation of departmental strategies to grow contributed revenue.

Events and Performances
- Assist the Data and Operations team in planning and executing each season’s annual fund benefit events.
- Participate in stewardship through frequent attendance at Opera and Dance performances as assigned, engaging with donors in the Herman Frankel and Barbara Frankel Lounge.
- Participate in day-of event assistance for Development events as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
Two or more years of professional experience.
Demonstrated, exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to create personal relationships and to communicate effectively delivering exceptional customer service to a variety of stakeholders (i.e. donors, sponsors, volunteers, and subscribers), both verbally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with competing demands, while maintaining strong attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
Superb written communication skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, specifically in the manipulation of Excel spreadsheets and mail merges.
Ability to understand diverse perspectives and acknowledge the significance of differences and complexities in backgrounds, cultures, values and viewpoints as the foundation for an inclusive environment.

Desired Qualifications

Functional knowledge of Tessitura and/or other CRM donor databases.
Prior experience in a not-for-profit organization.
Prior experience in fundraising, marketing, event management, etc.
Knowledge of fundraising principles and techniques and direct mail appeals and newsletters.

Application Deadline

Additional Information

Security Officer

Department: Safety and Security

Classification: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule, Shifts Available:

Sat.-Sun., 3-11 PM (16 hrs./week)

Sat.-Sun., 9 PM-9 AM (24 hrs./week)

Tues.-Sat., 1 AM-9 AM (40 hrs./week)

Salary: $20.00/hr.

How to apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume by email to employment@detroitopera.org. Please include how you learned of this position.

Position Summary

Detroit Opera (DO) is southeast Michigan’s premier venue for opera and dance, andis a contemporary cultural-corner stone of the City of Detroit. Located in the heart of downtown, near Comerica Park, Detroit Opera offers a dynamic work environment. Through a meticulous security strategy, Detroit Opera Security Officers provide services designed to ensure the protective security of Detroit Opera staff, patrons, visitors and performers; and the Detroit Opera House buildings and grounds. Incumbents in this position will secure premises, personnel, patrons and guests by patrolling property; monitoring surveillance equipment; patrolling and inspecting buildings, equipment, and access points; permitting entry and checking credentials. During performances and other large events with visiting attendees, Security Officers monitor crowds, and provide crowd management services for the safety of visitors, employees and artists.  

Responsibilities

Patrol and secure the Detroit Opera House.

Monitor and analyze CCTV camera footage.
Protect company assets relative to theft, assault, fire and other safety issues; guard valuables in a secure area
Respond to alarms and emergencies, communicate any irregularities with management
Keep a thorough incident report record; follow procedures for various initiatives including fire prevention, traffic control and accident investigations 
Check visitors in and out of the Detroit Opera House, and escort visitors around the premises.

Guard valuables in a secure area
Ensure compliance with government regulations

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or GED equivalent

Ability to pass state background check
Clean driving record 
Minimum 1 year of relevant security experience 
Demonstrated ability to work ethically and dependably

Desired Qualifications

First aid/CPR-certified
Customer service experience

Essential functions/physical demands

The person in this position navigates different areas through the building including stairwells, work areas, parking structure, and patron areas as part of building security checks.  
The person in this position ascends and descends stairwells multiple times during a shift, as part of building security checks.
The person in this position stands for up to 3 hours at a time.
The person in this position occasionally lifts heavy objects up to 60 lbs.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

Detroit Opera is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the DO mission.

Auditions & Employment

Detroit Opera is an equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination.

Auditions

Applications for this audition are now closed.

Applications for this audition are now closed.

Applications for this audition are now closed.

Chorus auditions for the 2024-2025 season are closed.

Open Positions