Jobs & Volunteering — Cincinnati Opera

JOIN THE TEAM

This is Cincinnati Opera’s resource for employment and volunteer opportunities. Please check below for current openings.

Cincinnati Opera is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.


Administrative Positions

Cincinnati Opera relies on a strong administrative staff to achieve year-round operational success. This page lists all available job openings for both full- and part-time positions as well as permanent and seasonal opportunities.


Auditions

Auditions for singer roles as part of Cincinnati Opera’s 2025 Summer Festival took place in October and December 2024. For the 2026 Summer Festival, please check back in late summer/early fall for audition opportunities.


Internships

Available internship opportunities for Cincinnati Opera’s 2025 Summer Festival are listed below. Applications for internship opportunities for the 2026 Summer Festival will open in late fall 2025.

Please contact hr@cincinnatiopera.org with any questions.

+ Philanthropy and Administrative Internship

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Seasonal internship position: May 5, 2025- August 1, 2025

The Philanthropy and Administrative Intern will play a key role in supporting various aspects of Cincinnati Opera's philanthropy and administrative functions during the 2025 Summer Festival season. This seasonal internship position involves a range of responsibilities aimed at enhancing the company's operations and donor engagement.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Manage all RSVP lists for philanthropy events and major donor parking;
  • Provide staff support at the Major Donor parking lot for all performances and special events;
  • Provide general clerical, database, and correspondence support;
  • Assist with mailings;
  • Assist with details and logistics of all philanthropy events connected to the Summer Festival season;
  • Run department errands for supplies, etc.;
  • Answer the office’s main phone line and direct calls as needed;
  • Order, set up, and tear down of in-season staff meals;
  • Assist with merchandise ordering and inventory, and staff the Bravo Shop (CO Gift Shop) on all performance evenings;
  • Set up and tear-down for all Board and Guild meetings;
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Strong computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel are required);
  • Outstanding organizational and communication skills, including being comfortable interacting with the public.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Passion for the arts and a desire to learn about philanthropy and administration in a non-profit setting

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
  • The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may need to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Internship hours will generally be 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend hours.
  • The position requires work in an office setting.
  • Reliable transportation to and from Cincinnati Opera’s central office and company events is required.

Compensation: This is a seasonal internship position with pay rate of $11.00 per hour. This seasonal role is not eligible for company benefits.

About Cincinnati Opera: Founded in 1920, Cincinnati Opera is one of the oldest and most highly regarded opera companies in the United States. Known for its longstanding partnership with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, a roster of world-class singers, and its spectacular performance venue, Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati Opera has received numerous accolades and awards, including a recent nomination for the prestigious International Opera Award. Cincinnati Opera offers a primary season of performances from June through August (paid attendance 17,000–20,000), plus a variety of events throughout the year, including educational programming, small-scale public performances, recitals, and fundraisers.

How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter and résumé to hr@cincinnatiopera.org with subject title “Philanthropy and Administrative Internship Application,” or mail these documents to: Attn: Human Resources, Cincinnati Opera, 1243 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Cincinnati Opera is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where all backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.


Volunteering

Cincinnati Opera relies on many generous volunteers to make our season sing! Please see below for current volunteer opportunities.

+ Supernumeraries

For anyone who’s dreamed of appearing on the Cincinnati Music Hall stage, Cincinnati Opera is ready to give you your moment in the spotlight. No singing skills are required!

Supernumerary—or “super”—roles are non-singing, non-speaking roles, much like extras in film and television. Supers will share the stage with internationally renowned artists and work with celebrated directors and conductors. No singing experience is necessary and all super positions are filled on a voluntary basis. Individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Attending the casting call does not obligate a person to participate. Interested individuals may attend the casting call to simply learn more about supernumerary opportunities.

The casting call for 2025 supernumeraries has concluded. The next casting call for the 2026 Summer Festival will be announced in early spring 2026.

For more information, please email supers@cincinnatiopera.org.

+ Opera Guild Ambassadors

The Cincinnati Opera Guild is a membership-based group of enthusiastic ambassadors for Cincinnati Opera that seeks to promote a deeper understanding of opera throughout the Greater Cincinnati community. For 60 years, the Guild has played an active role in supporting Cincinnati Opera's mainstage, community outreach, and education programs by serving as volunteers and ambassadors at events throughout the community. Click here to learn more about the Cincinnati Opera Guild, fill out a volunteer profile, and become a Guild Ambassador.

+ Music Hall Ushering

Ushers make it possible for patrons to have a truly enjoyable Music Hall experience by providing a smile, a friendly greeting, accurate directions, or an extra service. Usher candidates are reviewed by Cincinnati Arts Association. Click here to learn more about how to become a Music Hall usher.

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