2025 Run Crew Jobs
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW.
INTERVIEWS WILL BE SCHEDULED IN JANUARY.
A four-show repertory model keeps things exciting for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Our production team is a mix of veteran professionals and young people with emerging careers working together in our 987-seat theater. We bring these different people together because it is part of our mission to promote the next generation of production professionals. Our intimate setting allows for great collaboration and the opportunity for crew members to observe all fields of discipline in production while working rehearsals and changeovers on their particular crew.
Compensation: $15.00/hourÂ
Start: May 5, 2025Â
End: July 3, 2025Â
Housing is available, but walkable housing is limited so we advise driving to St. Louis if possible.
RUN CREW, DECK
A basic knowledge of theater practices, punctuality, situational awareness, the ability to keep a positive attitude while working on a deadline, and basic shop skills are required; other skills will be trained on the job. As directed by the TD and their IATSE crew supervisor, Deck Crew members complete changeovers, move scenery onstage during shows, and may be asked to assist with props and/or furniture moves, rigging, rail cues, or in the scene shop under the supervision of the IATSE carpenters. Deck Crew members may be asked to perform shift changes in costume depending on the requirements of the production.Â
RUN CREW, ELECTRICS
A basic knowledge of theater practices, punctuality, situational awareness, and the ability to keep a positive attitude while working on a deadline are required; other skills will be trained on the job. As directed by their IATSE supervisor, Electrics Crew members complete changeovers (e.g., regularly re-color and re-focus the plot for 4 shows), run follow spots for rehearsals and performances, and may be asked to assist with rigging in the grid, or flying elements of scene shifts. Must be comfortable working at heights, and have experience with lighting equipment, standard focus procedures, and a basic knowledge of both electricity and wiring.
RUN CREW, ORCHESTRA
A basic knowledge of theater practices, punctuality, situational awareness, and the ability to keep a positive attitude while working on a deadline are required; other skills will be trained on the job. As directed by their IATSE supervisor, Orchestra Crew members complete changeovers in the orchestra pit (regularly lifting music stands, stacks of chairs, and heavy instruments), provide support to the orchestra members during rehearsals and performances, and transfer orchestra materials and instruments from rehearsal halls to theater and back again as needed. Familiarity with hand tools and experience working with musicians is a plus.Â
RUN CREW, PROPS
A basic knowledge of theater practices, punctuality, situational awareness, and the ability to keep a positive attitude while working on a deadline are required; other skills will be trained on the job. As directed by their IATSE supervisor, Props Crew members complete changeovers, move props and furniture onstage during shows, maintain the safety and cleanliness of the stage, and may be asked to assist with scenery moves, or in the Prop Shop under the supervision of the Props Managers. Props Crew members may be asked to perform shift changes in costume depending on the requirements of the production.
RUN CREW, WARDROBE
A basic knowledge of theater practices, punctuality, situational awareness, and the ability to keep a positive attitude while working on a deadline are required; other skills will be trained on the job. As directed by the Wardrobe Supervisor, Wardrobe Crew members complete changeovers (cleaning dressing rooms, switching out the names on the doors, and transferring costumes from storage to and from backstage), launder and maintain costumes, and assist singers with costume changes (both quick changes and changes in dressing rooms). Must be familiar with costume maintenance (laundering, ironing, steaming, and basic stitching). Experience with costume construction is a plus.Â
About Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization known for innovative productions featuring outstanding young artists. The company offers a festival opera season each spring which attracts ticket buyers from zip codes throughout the metropolitan area, as well as visitors from nearly 50 states and multiple countries. As of 2024, OTSL has presented 41 world premieres, which may be the highest percentage of new work in the repertory of any American company. In addition to the spring Festival Season, OTSL operates year-round education and community programs serving nearly 17,000 local children and adults.
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has a year-round artistic and administrative staff of approximately 45, which grows to more than 500 during the Festival Season. Several hundred volunteer members of the Opera Theatre Guild provide support for all aspects of Opera Theatre’s work and advocate for the company throughout the greater St. Louis community. The company’s annual budget size is approximately $12 million; contributed revenue represents more than 50% of budget.
At Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, we value equity, diversity, and mutual respect. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with disabilities, and others who have been historically excluded to apply. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
OTSL will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion or belief; national, social, or ethnic origin; age; sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression; physical, mental, or sensory disability; family or parental status; genetic information or characteristics; protected veteran status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. OTSL will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
If you need assistance or accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact (314) 963-4233 or tbennett@opera-stl.org.