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2026 Festival Season – English Diction Specialist
Position Description
The English Diction Specialist at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) serves as a vital member of the artistic team. They work directly alongside professional Stage Directors, Conductors, and Repetiteurs by assisting with all musical/dialogue diction aspects of the production throughout the rehearsal and performance process. This position will be responsible for the primary English Diction Specialists duties on two productions within the Festival Season.
The position is a seasonal, full-time position. Frequent night and weekend hours will be required.
Duties and Responsibilities
English Diction Specialist responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Providing musical and diction coaching for artists engaged in principal and supporting roles by OTSL in association with other members of the music staff, and under the direction of the conducting staff, Principal Conductor, and Artistic Director.
- Coordinating with Music Staff and the Directing/Stage Management Staff on both matters of English diction and assessment of Gerdine Young Artists and their needs (individually and collectively), e.g., cover coachings/stagings/run-throughs.
- Assisting with musical and diction matters during technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances.
- Providing diction coaching for young artists covering roles within the productions for which they have primary and secondary repetiteur duties.
- Providing coaching for members of Opera Theatre’s Richard Gaddes Festival Artist and Gerdine Young Artist Programs as requested by the Artistic Director.
- Assisting with the preparation of the artists appearing at other musical events as may be arranged by OTSL.
Skills, Experience, & Qualifications
- 5-10 years classical music experience preferred
- 1-5 years vocal coaching in the operatic repertoire
- Dialect experience in British, Southern (New Orleans) and Italian accents, preferred
- Strong keyboard skills preferred
- Deep knowledge of opera repertoire
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to perform under pressure and maintain professional demeanor
- Ability to communicate effectively and clearly
- Ability to take and give feedback in a constructive manner
- Exceptional patience and stamina, preferred
Compensation
Compensation Range: $1,250.00-$1,500.00 / week
This is a seasonal, full-time position.
Travel and housing: provided
Engagement dates:
- Position 1: Sunday, April 26, 2026 – Sunday, June 7, 2026
- Position 2: Friday, May 1, 2026 – Saturday, June 13, 2026
Special Note:
One of the open positions is a temporary, seasonal position covering a leave of absence for the 2026 Festival Season.
TO APPLY:
Applicants are asked to submit a resume and cover letter in PDF format describing their interest in the position and outlining their relevant experience and qualifications.
Application Deadline:Â Friday, November 21, 2025.
At Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are committed to being an equal employment/engagement opportunity workplace, and will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristics, protected veteran status, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.
Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process.
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 2025, OTSL has presented 45 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 nearly 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.
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.