Summer 2024 apprentices must be physically located in and have a local address in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia during the duration of their apprenticeship.
Applications will not be considered after March 1. To apply, click the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of the position description. If applying for more than one apprenticeship, you must submit separate applications for each position.
You must complete the entire online application within three days to be considered for an apprenticeship.
- Cover letter with brief personal statement and outline of career goals.
- Resume listing relevant courses, previous experience, and special skills. No transcripts please.
Important Notes for Wolf Trap Opera apprenticeship positions:
- These positions follow the Opera company rehearsal schedule and work on a 6 day/week schedule (one day off that varies from week to week; standard pro-duction schedule)
- Technical Theatre, Scene Painting, Props, Costuming, Lighting, and Wig & Make Up Apprentices also become the run-crew for all performances at The Barns at Wolf Trap
For questions or concerns, please email
internships@wolftrap.org.
AVAILABLE OPERA APPRENTICESHIPS:
Important Notes for Wolf Trap Opera apprenticeship positions:
- These positions follow the Opera company rehearsal schedule and work on a 6 day/week schedule (one day off that varies from week to week; standard production schedule)
- Technical Theatre, Scene Painting, Props, Costuming, Lighting, and Wigs & Make Up Apprentices also become the run-crew for all performances at The Barns at Wolf Trap
Artistic Administration
Assist Wolf Trap Opera & Classical Programming in the daily operations of the department, which includes:
- The coordination and distribution of daily schedules
- Tracking Artist and VIP ticket requests and guest lists
- Creating supertitle PowerPoint files and cueing score for each show
- Compiling and editing program materials and text booklets
- Working with the Development and Special Events departments on donor receptions and opening night cast parties
Requirements
- Interest in pursuing a career in opera or classical music administration
- Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, Publisher)
- Strong organizational & communication skills
- Previous experience with a performing arts organization strongly recommended
CLOSED
Communications
Assist Wolf Trap Opera & Classical Programming in promoting the Opera season to the public, which includes:
- Creating video trailers for each Opera production to be used as marketing materials
- Generating social media content
- Working with the PR department to coordinate artist interviews & public appearances
- Filming archive footage of all Opera performances
Requirements
- Experience with video equipment and editing software highly desirable
- Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, Photoshop, Premiere, InDesign, Publisher)
- Strong organizational & communication skills
- Familiarity with opera and classical music recommended
CLOSED
Stage Management
Function as an Assistant Stage Manager for Opera productions at The Barns at Wolf Trap and the Filene Center, which includes:
- Generating prop and costume running paperwork for the shows to which you are assigned
- Managing rehearsals in conjunction with the rest of the production team
- Assisting on the running crew for each performance
- Stage managing certain smaller projects (Studio Spotlight, recitals, etc.)
Requirements
- Must have already stage managed a show, or at least assisted on a show
- Interest in pursuing a career in opera stage management
- Experience in musical theatre or opera stage management
- Ability to read music
- Knowledge of or experience in opera highly desirable
CLOSED
Technical Theatre Apprentice
Expand your experience in technical theatre and learn from the experts. Work side-by-side with professional designers, carpenters, electricians, and technicians to produce scenery for multiple operas.
- Build scenery using carpentry, metal working, carving, and other various techniques
- Take on unique responsibilities as running crew for opera performances at The Barns
- Assist with hang and focus, load-in, and strike
Requirements
- Prior scene shop or equivalent experience
- Understanding of basic tool and scene shop safety
CLOSED
Scene Painting Apprentice
Learn basic and advanced scene painting and finishing techniques from professional scenic artists. Apprentices will work alongside our scenic artists to finish professional scenery for fully produced shows.
- Use traditional and exotic techniques to finish scenic elements
- Work with paint, foam, fabric, and other media to create finished scenery
- Take on unique responsibilities as running crew for opera performances at The Barns
Requirements
- Prior scene painting or equivalent experience
- Understanding of basic scene shop safety
CLOSED
Props Apprentice
Provide assistance to the Props Master and learn the art of crafting, building, and acquiring all the necessary hand and furniture props needed in fully produced professional shows.
- Work with paper, fabric, upholstery, glue, glitter, and magic to craft unique stage props
- Assist the Props Master in managing paperwork and tracking props
- Take on unique responsibilities as running crew for opera performances at The Barns
Requirements
- Prior stage properties or equivalent experience
- Understanding of basic scene shop safety
CLOSED
Lighting Apprentice
Working with the Master Electrician to hang, focus, and maintain the rep plot for our summer season. Help to create atmospheric and special effects required for each production.
- Run cable for lighting, video, and various technical needs
- Assist in maintaining the rep plot, light board, and stage gear
- Take on unique responsibilities as running crew for opera performances at The Barns
Requirements
- Prior stage lighting experience or equivalent experience
- Basic understanding of safety required when working with electrical equipment
- Must be comfortable on ladders and using lifts
CLOSED
Costuming Apprentice
Work directly with the Wolf Trap Opera’s Costume Shop Foreperson, Costume Designer, and professional stitchers in costume construction, wardrobe maintenance, and dressing.
- Create and tailor garments using sewing machines and hand sewing techniques
- Build costume jewelry and accessories
- Assist with laundry and costume maintenance
Requirements
- Prior costume shop or equivalent experience
CLOSED
Wig & Makeup Apprentice
Work directly with Wolf Trap Opera’s Wig & Make Up Designer, Crafts Designer and professional artists in craft construction, wig and makeup maintenance and application, and backstage as an integral part of the wig and makeup team during all mainstage shows.
- Help performers apply makeup and prepare for performances
- Assist in styling hair and help to create stage personas
Requirements
- Prior wig and makeup/crafts experience or equivalent experience
CLOSED
Learn more about Wolf Trap Opera.