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 in an apprenticeship with the company’s artistic and executive directors as well as to experience the inner workings of an independent and creative not-for-profit organization in New York City.

About the Program
AOP will provide a rotating apprenticeship at seasonal intervals, with various focuses. Depending on the interests and viability of the candidates, AOP will provide 2 apprenticeships per season from the following categories: Artistic Direction and Arts Management/Development.

AOP Artistic Apprenticeship
The apprentice will work alongside and report directly to AOP Artistic Director, Steven Osgood. 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 Arts Management/Development Apprenticeship
The apprentice will work closely with AOP Executive Director Charles Jarden to 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. Requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be computer literate.

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 of it!

Full Season:
Late August to early June 

Half Season:
Artistic Apprenticeship 
Late August to Mid-December; Late February to Mid-June  
Arts Management/Development Apprenticeship 
Late August to Mid-December; January to early June

Summer internships are also available, but are not part of the AOP Apprentice Program.
Please call for details.

Details

• All apprenticeships are unpaid positions. A monthly stipend of $150 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.
• Housing is not included. Short-term options are limited and may be prohibitively expensive.

Meet Our Current Apprentices

Lauren Elicks (2009)
Administrative

Jennifer Lee (2009-10)
Administrative

To be considered for the American Opera Projects Apprentice Program please submit:  

1. A cover letter including:
   Choice of apprenticeship, earliest date available and latest departure date.
2. A current resume including: Present and permanent addresses.
3. Day and evening telephone numbers.
4. Education (post-high school) and dates of attendance.
5. Work experience, apprenticeships and dates of employment.
6. Two references/letters of recommendation.

Send applications to:
American Opera Projects
Apprentice Program  
138 South Oxford St. 
Brooklyn, NY 11217

For further information, write AOP Projects Manager, Matthew Gray at the above address or email mgray@operaprojects.org.