Opportunities at Sarasota Opera
In order to fulfill its mission of producing "outstanding opera, true to the vision of the composer" Sarasota Opera relies and the talents of many people, both onstage and behind the scenes. The company offers many career opportunities for artists.
Our administrative staff are some of the most highly regarded in the industry. Former Sarasota Opera artists and staff members have gone on to run or work at opera companies throughout the U.S. Sarasota Opera regularly posts job opportunities for artists, backstage personnel, and administrative staff on our website.
If you are interested in working at Sarasota Opera, please look through the website for available position. As opportunities become available, they will be posted to the website. Sarasota Opera is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Current Career Openings
Apprentice to the Music Staff/Pianist
Apprentice to Music Staff/Pianist: (click to view full job description)
Brief Description: Sarasota Opera is excited to announce a newly created position for a talented pianist to join our music staff as an Apprentice during our 2025 Winter Festival season. This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience with a professional opera company while working in repertory festival environment.
Assistant Costume Administrator
Assistant Costume Administrator: (click here to view full job description)
Brief Description: The Assistant Costume Administrator works closely with the Resident Costume Designer and the Costume Administrator in the daily operation, organization, and management of the Sarasota Opera Costume Studio stock. The position will work with rental clients to fill their costume requests, coordinate pulling and shipping of orders, evaluate costumes when they are returned post-rental, and return the costumes to stock.
Assistant Theater House Manager & Operations
Assistant Theater House Manager & Operations: (click here to view full job description)
Brief Description: The Assistant Theater House Manager reports to the Theater Operations Manager assisting with the front of the house operations ensuring patrons the best possible best audience experience. In addition, the Assistant House Manager will assist the Theater Operations Manager with preparing receptions, maintaining product inventory, and assisting bar staff as needed.
Bartender
Bartender: Are you passionate about bartending and eager to be part of an exciting cultural venue? Sarasota Opera House is looking for enthusiastic and experienced Part-Time Bartenders to start mid-November!
What We Offer:
Flexible Schedules: Tailor your hours to fit your life.
Competitive Pay: $15/hr + tips.
Dynamic Environment: Work in the heart of Sarasota’s vibrant arts scene.
Requirements:
Prior bartending and guest service experience preferred.
Florida Alcohol Server Training (or willingness to obtain).
Must be at least 18 years old.
Key Responsibilities:
Serve beverages and snacks with professionalism and a smile.
Operate basic POS systems (Square®).
Perform minor set-up and break-down duties.
Maintain a safe and clean work environment.
Interested? Email your resume to [email protected] to apply.
Sarasota Opera House is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Calling Stage Manager
Calling Stage Manager: (click here to view the full job description)
Brief Description: The Calling Stage Manager is a seasonal independent contractor who, under the guidance of the Production Stage Manager, is responsible for running all rehearsals for and calling one of the four winter season operas. There will additionally be concerts or events that will require support from Stage Management.
First Hand/Stitcher
First Hand/Stitcher: (click to view full job description)
Brief Description: The stitcher is a seasonal independent contractor who is responsible for working directly with our resident costume designer to prepare garments for Sarasota Opera's 2024 winter season. The winter season encompasses four mainstage operas running in rotating rep.
Props Artisan/Crew Member
Props Artisan/Crew Member: (click here to view full job description)
Brief Description: The Props Artisan is a seasonal stagehand and part of the IA props crew. Additional work with IATSE Local 412 is available outside of the Opera season.
Technical Director
Technical Director: (click to view full job description)
Brief Description: The Technical Director at Sarasota Opera oversees and coordinates all technical elements for the opera season and other events, including supervising IATSE crew, managing production schedules, and maintaining technical equipment. The role requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and experience in a fast-paced, repertory environment to ensure smooth production operations and facility management throughout the year.
Wig and Makeup Staff
Wig and Makeup Staff: (click to view full job description)
Brief Description: The Wig and Makeup staff is a seasonal independent contractor who is responsible for construction of wigs and application of both wigs and makeup for Sarasota Opera’s 2025 season. The season encompasses four main stage opera productions. The wig and makeup staff will be involved with all aspects of the operation of the wig and makeup department.
Auditions
Apprentice Artists Program
Applications for the Winter 2025 Apprentice Program are open. The program runs January 9 through March 30, 2025 and includes participating in the chorus of the four Main Stage productions of Mascagani's Cavalleria Rusticana with Leoncavallo's Pagliacci, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro and Verdi’s Stiffelio. Participants will have opportunities to participate in masterclasses, cover MainStage roles, perform in concerts, and other performance opportunities, as well as receive musical, dramatic, and language coaching.
This is a paid position and there is no fee to apply. If you're interested in applying for the Winter 2025 Apprentice Program, click here to apply.
Studio Artists Program
Singers who wish to audition for the Studio Artists Program must have:
- Career potential as an operatic soloist
- Minimum of three seasons experience with nationally recognized young artists programs
- Have performed a minimum of three substantial operatic roles with orchestra
- Impeccable professional references (references will be checked)
Singers who meet these requirements can be considered for audition by directly contacting, or having their agent contact, Marco Nisticò, Artistic Administrator, at [email protected].
Principal Artists
Artist managers should contact Marco Nisticò, Artistic Administrator, at [email protected]. Please note: Only managed singers will be considered for principal roles.
Orchestra Position
Musicians interested in applying for possible openings in the Sarasota Opera Orchestra are asked to email their resume to Gregg Koyle, Orchestra Personnel Manager & Contractor at [email protected].
Supernumeraries
Thank you for your interest in being a Supernumerary with Sarasota Opera. Supernumeraries – also called “supers” – are background characters used to help create full and lively scenes during our full-length operas. These roles are unpaid; however, supers will receive complimentary tickets to performances for their family and friends.
Interested in participating in our upcoming season? Contact Artistic Administrator Marco Nisticò at [email protected] or call 941-328-1310 to schedule an appointment.
Volunteer
Do you have a passion for opera? Are you a Sarasota Opera fan who wants to be more involved backstage, in the theater, or in the offices? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, Sarasota Opera wants you!
Members of the Sarasota Opera Corps of Volunteers are highly valued individuals who are essential to the day-to-day functions of our opera company. Whether in the administration offices, costume shop, front of house, or working as an usher, driver, or in production, Sarasota Opera has a spot for you!
If you are interested in volunteering for Sarasota Opera, please click here.
If you have questions about volunteering at Sarasota Opera, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Jo Ann Whitehead at [email protected] or call 941-366-8450 ext. 516.