Do you ever wonder what exactly OTSL staff members do? Here’s your chance to find that out, and more! In this series you’ll learn about what it takes to bring a season to life, across our organization. The latest installment of this series features Lindsey Burke, our Artistic Coordinator!

Tell us a bit about your family here in town!

I live with my wife Sam and our fur baby Billie, our pittie mix we rescued a few years ago. Her all-time favorite thing to do is cuddle between her parents on the couch. We live in the Shaw neighborhood, just across from Tower Grove Park (the BEST park in St. Louis, if you ask me)!

What exactly does the Artistic Coordinator do?

During the Festival Season, I take care of each one of our singers, conductors, designers, stage managers, and directors by helping them with travel, accommodations, and any other logistics. During the rest of the year, I spend a lot of time coordinating our fall audition tour and assisting artists for all our education programs and community events.

What’s the most fun part about your job?

Because I work so closely with our artists, it’s very easy to make friends and build lasting relationships. I’ve met so many amazing creative people I still keep in touch with!

How did you get into this line of work?

After getting my Bachelor’s in Voice, I found out quickly that performing was not going to be a sustainable lifestyle for me. I applied for an internship at Central City Opera right out of college and realized working in arts administration was something I was very good at. Ever since then, I have worked in various administrative positions for theaters, orchestras, and opera companies. (Opera, of course, being my favorite!)

What’s your favorite opera, and why?

La traviata, but mostly for sentimental reasons. It was the first fully staged opera I had ever seen and the show that introduced me to my wife.

When you’re not at work, where can you be found?

Eating. The St. Louis food scene is one of the best kept secrets around and I LOVE trying new places! Just a few of my favorite haunts include Balkan Treat Box, Union Loafers, Little Fox, and Lona’s Lil Eats.

You have a cool side-gig of sorts—tell us about it!

I love skincare and beauty and started creating content on TikTok and Instagram a few years ago. As a queer, larger-bodied woman, I don’t see myself represented in the beauty world — so I made my own space! I share lots of tips and product recommendations and focus on queer, BIPOC, AAPI, and woman-owned brands. Give me a follow @queerforspf!

What are some of your favorite spots in St. Louis?

As previously mentioned, Tower Grove Park is the best park in the city. There is the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings and Tuesday nights, countless festivals and events throughout the year, and my personal favorite is during the summer: Food Truck Fridays.

What are you looking forward to most next season?

I’m so excited for our upcoming production of Susannah with conductor Gemma New. Gemma is such an immensely talented musician and I cannot wait to see her lead this production alongside Patricia Racette!