Highways and Valleys – Two American Love Stories

A unique double bill combining voices often excluded from the operatic mainstream: the “dean of African American music,” William Grant Still, and the Jewish émigré Kurt Weill. From their own positions in American society, both composers sought to bring the heart of American folk music into the world of opera.

Movement Description

The choreography will call for a mixture of dance styles from modern, contemporary, improvisatory, social dance, and diasporic dance styles. We are interested in artists who enjoy participating in generative process.

Role Description: Dancer

*2 dancers with classical technique and modern training required

-1 male identified dancer, one open gender

-Dancers will be portraying Black/African American characters

-Dancers must be +18 years old

AUDITION DATE: Saturday, October 25

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

· Email dance resume & headshot to auditions@detroitopera.org

· documents must be in PDF format.

· Optional: Include dance reel.

· “DANCE AUDITION” in the subject line of email.

· Following resume review you will be contacted with audition details.

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE DETAILS:

· Choreography & staging rehearsals: November 21-November 29, 2025.

· Technical and Dress rehearsals: November 30-December 5, 2025

· Performances: December 7, 11, 13, 2025.

· Performance contract: $600.00/week. 3.5 week contract.

Applications for the Detroit Opera Resident Artist Program 2026–2027 season are now open!

AUDITION CITY AND DATE
Detroit, MI: January 26, 2026
Please note: Virtual auditions will not be accepted.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
November 6, 2025 at 11:59 PM

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Resident Artist Program is led by renowned opera coach and pianist Nathalie Doucet, Detroit Opera’s Head of Music. The program offers individualized study to cater to the unique needs of each artist and aligns with the country’s top training programs. Detroit Opera serves as a nurturing home for these rising stars, supporting and helping them achieve their full potential in the highly competitive opera industry. The program builds on the strong foundations of the Studio Artist program founded by the late Dr. David DiChiera, the company’s founder, while embodying the forward-looking leadership of Yuval Sharon, the Barbara Walkowski Artistic Director of Detroit Opera, President and CEO Patty Isacson Sabee, and Music Director Roberto Kalb. The program was reshaped in 2022 by Detroit Opera’s former Associate Artistic Director, Christine Goerke, to keep pace with the spirit of innovation, outreach, and community-building that has characterized Detroit Opera’s programming and administration since Yuval Sharon’s arrival in 2020.

The four Resident Artists commit to an intensive program while living in Detroit from September through May. They train directly with Nathalie Doucet as their main coach in specially crafted and individualized curricula curated by Doucet, covering voice, movement, language, and career guidance. In addition to hands-on training and mainstage performances with Detroit Opera, Resident Artists also benefit from mentorship by a wide range of guest professionals throughout the season. In the 2024–25 season, guest faculty included soprano Caitlin Lynch, tenor Galeano Salas, bass-baritone Alfred Walker, voice teacher Don Marrazzo, stage director Chía Patiño, fight director and choreographer Katherine Coyl, Italian-language instructor Daniela D’Amico Henderson, and financial planner Brian Rood. Throughout the season, Resident Artists also work with Detroit Opera Staff Pianist John Etsell, Roberto Kalb, and Yuval Sharon. Additional guest artists and faculty in the program since 2022 have included sopranos Ana María Martínez and Janet Williams, mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, conductor Francesco Milioto, coaches Ellen Rissinger and Timothy Cheek, and numerous visiting directors and collaborators from across the industry.

In keeping with Detroit Opera’s longstanding focus on making opera accessible to the surrounding community, Resident Artists forge direct ties to Detroit through recitals, concerts, and other collaborations with local schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and institutions. Resident Artists perform regularly during the season for patients at Detroit’s Henry Ford Hospital and in public concerts throughout Detroit and the state of Michigan. All Resident Artists begin on a one-year contract, and selected artists are invited to participate in a second year.

ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

APPLICATION MATERIALS
Applicants must submit:
• Completed application form
• Résumé (PDF format)
• Repertoire list
• Two professional references
• Prescreening video recordings

PRESCREENING REQUIREMENTS
Submit two (2) arias of contrasting styles and languages.
• Recordings must be no more than 12 months old.

LIVE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants invited to a live audition must prepare arias of contrasting styles and languages, one of which must be composed within the last 50 years.

At least:
• One aria in Italian
• One aria in another language (e.g. English, French, or German)
• One aria from the 20th or 21st century

Please ensure selections demonstrate stylistic versatility, technical command, and expressive range.

AUDITION MATERIALS
Please bring:
• Clearly marked scores for the pianist
• A printed repertoire list

Email your repertoire list in advance to: residentartist@detroitopera.org
A pianist will be provided at no cost.

CONTACT
For questions about the Resident Artist Program or auditions, contact:
Nathalie Doucet
Head of Music and Director of Resident Artist Program
residentartist@detroitopera.org

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Chorus auditions for our fall production of Highways and Valleys: Two American Love Stories are complete. 

Auditions dates for The Handmaid’s Tale will be announced soon.  If you are interested in receiving notice of upcoming chorus audition dates, send your vocal resume to auditions@detroitopera.org.

The Detroit Opera Chorus is a professional group of diverse classical vocal artists of all professions and backgrounds. Vocalists of the Detroit Opera Chorus are members of the American Guild of Musical Artists.

Department: Development

Classification: Full-time, Non-exempt

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

Salary Range: $48,000 – $50,000

Posting ends: 10/31/2025

How to Apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to employment@detroitopera.org Please include how you learned of this position.

Position Summary:

Detroit Opera seeks a motivated, highly organized, and detail-oriented Development Coordinator to join our team. This hybrid role blends administrative and clerical support with program execution, writing, and cross-departmental coordination. Reporting directly to the Director of Individual Giving & Donor Engagement, the Development Coordinator will serve as the organizational backbone for individual giving initiatives, donor communications, event logistics, and department-wide support.

A strong writer, excellent communicator, and project manager, the ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach who can work independently while thriving in a collaborative environment. This position requires proactive time management, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to maintain accuracy in a fast-paced setting.

This individual will serve as the Development Departments, lead on donor communication logistics, liaison to Marketing & Communications, and key player in donor engagement events, mailings, and stewardship execution.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Maintain and manage the Development Communications Calendar to integrate direct mail, email appeals, stewardship touchpoints, and acknowledgments across the department.
• Draft donor-facing communications (letters, emails, proposals, acknowledgments, invitations) on behalf of the Development team. Liaise with contractors including development copywriter.
• Serve as key liaison to Marketing & Communications, coordinating assets, timelines, approvals, and copy for fundraising appeals, program ads, donor lists, and seasonal campaigns. Submit on behalf of the Development Department.
• Working directly with the Manager of Individual Giving, support execution of direct mail and digital fundraising campaigns, including drafting content, pulling and segmenting lists, coordinating with vendors, and tracking performance metrics.
• Oversee and support data entry and records management on behalf of gift officers related to donor interactions, gifts, and events in collaboration with the Data team.
• Serve as a central resource for internal Development documentation, including event workflows, stewardship plans, and internal process manuals.
• Plan and execute donor events throughout the season, including receptions, special dinners, behind-the-scenes opportunities, and donor cultivation events. Responsibilities include:
• Coordinating logistics, invitations, budgets, contracts, staffing, and décor.
• Preparing event briefings and communicating clear objectives and assignments to staff.
• Schedule staff, confirm technical and hospitality needs, and ensure a high-quality donor experience during every eligible performance.
• Assist in developing and executing tailored stewardship plans for donors across recognition levels.
• Track and fulfill donor benefits, including premium ticketing, special access, and exclusive donor experiences.
• Support internal department projects to improve donor experience and operational efficiency.

Required Qualifications:

• 2–4 years of professional experience in development, nonprofit communications, fundraising, or project management.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; strong editing and proofreading ability.
• Highly organized with excellent time management, multitasking, and follow-through.
• Ability to work independently while embracing a collaborative, team-based culture.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Familiarity with fundraising databases, email marketing platforms (e.g., Prospect2 or similar), and standard office software (Microsoft Suite).
• Passion for the performing arts and alignment with Detroit Opera’s mission.
• 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:

• Experience managing or supporting events is preferred.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• May require work during early mornings, nights, and/or weekends.
• Physical requirements may vary depending on the day of the week, time of day, staffing levels, work location.

• Ability to navigate buildings including stairwells.
• Ability to move and/or transport materials that may weigh up to 10 pounds.

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 backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the DO mission.

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. 

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. 

Shifts available: 

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

*Detroit Opera employees who work 20 or more hours/week are eligible to participate in the employee benefits program 

Salary: $20/hr.

How to Apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume by email to employment@detroitopera.org.  

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. 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.   

Job 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   
• 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:  

• First aid/CPR-certified 
• Customer service experience 

Physical Demands of the Work Environment:  

• 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 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 DO mission.