Work With Us
2027 Festival Season – Apprentice Assistant Stage Director
Position Description
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis offers emerging young stage directors invaluable production experience as they begin their directing careers or as they transition into opera. Opera Theatre is committed to supporting and nurturing the careers of young artists.
The Apprentice Assistant Stage Director will coordinate the creation, editing, and operation of supertitles for all mainstage productions during the 2027 Festival Season. This position works directly with Opera Theatre’s Artistic Director in a supportive role assisting with general administrative tasks and communication between creative and production teams.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assisting stage directors and resident assistant stage directors.
- Taking notes.
- Updating supertitles for each production.
- Running supertitles during dress rehearsals and performances.
- Support staging staff as needed.
Skills, Experience, & Qualifications
- 3-5 years assistant stage director experience preferred.
- Ability to read music.
- Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Ability to perform under pressure and maintain professional demeanor.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work nights and weekends.
- Ability to perform required physical movements including: bend, twist, stoop, and lift up to 35 lbs.
Compensation
This is a seasonal, full-time position
Compensation:
- First Year Fee: $760.96
- Second Year Fee: $856.05
- Sustenance: one-time stipend of $389.24
- Housing: provided
- Travel: round-trip travel provided
Dates of Engagement: May 03, 2027 – June 27, 2027
TO APPLY:
Applicants for the position are asked to complete an application at the below YAPTracker Link.
All materials must be submitted online via YAP Tracker application. In addition to the application form, you will be required to upload your résumé (pdf), one high-resolution headshot (pdf or jpg), one cover letter expressing your approach as a director and why this opportunity is important for you now (pdf), and recordings of productions you have directed or assistant directed.
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 2026, 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 $13 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.