2026 Production Jobs
Join the backstage team for OTSL’s 2026 Festival Season! A four-show repertory model keeps the energy vibrant at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. In our 987-seat theater, seasoned professionals work side-by-side with rising talent, creating a powerhouse production team fueled by experience, innovation, and fresh ideas. Bringing these diverse artists together is central to our mission: to champion and cultivate the next generation of production professionals. Our intimate environment sparks close collaboration, offering crew members a rare chance to witness every corner of the production world while actively contributing to rehearsals, changeovers, and the unique artistry of their own crew. Apply and schedule an interview below.
DECK CREW
Deck Crew plays an integral role in bringing each opera to life, offering a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes experience. Crew members work closely with the Technical Director (TD), AGMA Stage Management team, and under the direct supervision of IATSE Stage Carpenters to support all backstage and scenic operations throughout the repertory season. Additional opportunities may be available to assist in the scene shop under the supervision of IATSE carpenters, including work on the set for the fourth show.
RESPONSIBILITIES
+ Execute scenic changeovers between productions and perform run crew duties during all on stage rehearsals and performances.
+ Move and track scenery and furniture onstage as directed.
+ Assist with rigging and rail cues.
+ Work safely and efficiently in a fast-paced backstage environment.
+ Perform scene shifts in costume when required.
QUALIFICATIONS
+ Punctuality, reliability, and strong situational awareness
+ Positive attitude and ability to thrive under deadline-driven, high-stress conditions
+ Basic knowledge of theater practices and backstage operations
+ Familiarity with standard hand tools and basic shop skills
+ Ability to move heavy scenery and work safely under pressure
+ Willingness to learn—additional skills will be trained on the job
ELECTRICS CREW
The Electrics Crew supports all lighting operations for four operas in repertory, working closely with Lighting Designers and IATSE Electricians. This includes hanging a 450-instrument lighting package while helping create distinct lighting looks for each production. Crew members may participate in the wiring of practicals and special effects and assist with rigging or flying elements as needed. This role involves frequent changeovers—regularly re-gelling and re-focusing the lighting plot for four different shows—and operating follow spots during rehearsals and performances.
RESPONSIBILITIES
+ Hang, cable, focus, gel, and maintain lighting instruments
+ Complete lighting changeovers between four productions including re-gelling and re-focusing the plot as needed
+ Run follow spots for rehearsals and performances
+ Assist with wiring practicals and special effects as needed
+ Support rigging tasks in the grid and may assist with flying elements of scene shifts
+ Ability to lift more than 50 pounds regularly.
+ Maintain safe working practices and strong situational awareness
+ Work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
QUALIFICATIONS
+ Experience with lighting equipment and standard focus procedures
+ Basic knowledge of electricity and wiring
+ Comfort working at heights
+ Basic understanding of theater practices and backstage operations
+ Punctuality, situational awareness, and a positive attitude under pressure
+ Ability to collaborate and follow direction
+ Willingness to learn—additional skills will be trained on the job
WARDROBE CREW
The Wardrobe Crew supports all costume operations backstage for four operas in repertory, working closely with the OTSL Costume Shop and the AGMA Stage Managers. This includes organizing, maintaining, and laundering the extensive costume packages used in each production, many of which are custom-built by the OTSL costume shop. Crew members ensure that every performer is dressed correctly, that all garments are clean and performance-ready, and that costume changes, both quick and slow, happen smoothly and safely while helping ensure a smooth backstage environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
+ Assist singers with dressing and quick changes
+ Launder, iron, steam, repair and generally maintain costumes
+ Organize and track costumes, undergarments, and accessories
+ Complete changeovers: clean and reset dressing rooms, update nameplates, move costume packages
+ Maintain dressing rooms and backstage costume areas
+ Uphold safe, efficient, and professional backstage practices
QUALIFICATIONS
+ Familiarity with costume maintenance (laundering, ironing, steaming, basic stitching)
+ Basic knowledge of theater practices, punctuality, and strong situational awareness
+ Positive attitude under pressure; ability to work in a fast-paced environment
+ Strong communication and teamwork skills
+ Experience with costume construction is a plus
+ Willingness to learn—additional training will be provided
PROPS CREW
The Props Crew supports all props operations backstage for four operas in repertory. This includes managing and tracking hand props, set dressing, and furniture. Working under the direct supervision of the IATSE Props Supervisors, crew members make sure the correct items are set, moved, and handed off at the right moments during rehearsals and performances. This role offers a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes look at professional opera production and involves close collaboration with AGMA stage managers, IATSE stagehands, and performers.
RESPONSIBILITIES
+ Complete changeovers and prepare props for each opera
+ Organize and track hand props and furniture throughout rehearsals and performances
+ Handoff props to performers and coordinate with stage management to ensure accurate and timely prop handoffs
+ Restock consumables, organize and maintain props as directed
+ Perform scene shifts, sometimes onstage and in costume
+ Maintain the safety, organization, and cleanliness of backstage and onstage areas
+ Provide support in the Prop Shop as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
+ Basic knowledge of theater practices and backstage operations
+ Familiarity with hand tools; props maintenance experience a plus
+ Punctuality, situational awareness, and the ability to maintain a positive attitude under deadline pressure
+ Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
+ Willingness to learn—additional training will be provided
ORCHESTRA CREW
The Orchestra Crew supports all orchestra-related logistics for rehearsals and performances. Working under the direct supervision of the IATSE Orchestra Supervisor, this is a hands-on, behind-the-scenes role responsible for preparing, organizing, and supporting all physical and logistical needs of an orchestra during rehearsals and performances. The job combines physical labor, attention to detail, and collaboration with artistic and production staff in a fast-paced environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
+ Complete changeovers in the orchestra pit, including moving and arranging music stands, lights, chairs, and heavy instruments
+ Transfer orchestra instruments, equipment, and materials between rehearsal halls and the theater as needed
+ Provide on-site support to orchestra musicians during rehearsals and performances
+ Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient working environment
+ Work closely with production staff and orchestra personnel to meet tight deadlines
QUALIFICATIONS
+ Ability to lift more than 50 pounds regularly
+ Basic knowledge of theater practices
+ Familiarity with hand tools
+ Experience working with musicians
+ Punctuality and situational awareness
+ Ability to maintain a positive attitude while working under deadline pressure
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.