Internship Opportunities
Artistic Director and Co-Founder Brian Garman leading orchestra rehearsal.
2017's Ariadne auf Naxos. Photo Credit: Ken Howard Photography.
Students and individuals interested in gaining educational and hands-on experience in the opera and performing arts industries are invited to apply for Berkshire Opera Festival (BOF)’s Summer Internship Program. Interns will work closely with BOF year-round and seasonal staff and artists to support the efforts of our festival season.
Marketing and Administration Internship
The Marketing and Administration Intern will primarily be responsible for working with BOF’s Marketing and Community Relations Manager on the development and execution of promotional marketing activities. The intern will have additional duties assisting BOF’s Executive Director and Development Manager on donor relations and special events. Examples of such projects include assisting with the preparation of the Festival Program Book, creating and managing content for social media, and coordinating poster and postcard distribution with Festival volunteers. Specific projects will be developed based on the interests and experience of the intern and the immediate needs of BOF staff. Candidates with prior experience in arts administration or marketing are particularly encouraged to apply.
Operations Internship
The Operations Intern will assist BOF’s Company Manager with artist management and season event-related tasks including scheduling, event logistics, budget tracking, volunteer usher coordination, and general office administration. During production, the Operations Intern may also report to the Production Stage Manager to assist with rehearsal logistics and other production management-related tasks. Specific projects will be developed based on the interests and experience of the intern and the immediate needs of BOF staff. Familiarity with databases is desired, along with a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word. Those with prior experience in technical production or stage management are particularly encouraged to apply.
Note: Internships are designed to provide meaningful educational benefits to the intern. Intern responsibilities are intended to complement but not displace the work performed by professional staff. Interning does not guarantee future employment with BOF.
Time Commitment and Schedule:
BOF’s offices are located in St. James Place in downtown Great Barrington, MA. Performances will take place at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center and Bard College at Simon’s Rock (both in Great Barrington), and at The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home, in Lenox.
Internship start dates are somewhat flexible. The preferred start date is June 15 but must be no later than July 5. The internship may begin remotely if needed, however, the intern must be physically on-site in the Berkshires July 12 - August 27 to coincide with the height of Festival performances and activities.
Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 10am - 6pm. During rehearsals and performances, there may be additional activities occurring on nights and weekends. Interns will work an average of 40 hours/week during the course of the internship. More than 40 hours may be required during performance weeks which may be offset by fewer hours in non-performance weeks. Approximately 70% of the intern’s time will be spent working with and assisting BOF staff, 20% will be available to observe rehearsals, performances, and other Festival activities, and the remaining 10% will be spent working on his/her/their own independent project under the guidance of BOF staff.
Qualifications:
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Positive, upbeat attitude
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Strong organizational and time-management skills
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Strong writing and communication skills
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Meticulous attention to detail, especially with data entry
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Self-starters who are comfortable working on projects both independently and under the direction of BOF staff
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Proficiency in web-based research, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Applications
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Interest in pursuing a career in the arts, especially opera or classical music
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Some knowledge of opera or classical music a plus
***COVID-19 Safety: For the safety of both the intern and the entire BOF Company, BOF will require interns to be fully vaccinated before beginning the on-site portion of his/her/their internship. Interns will be required to comply with all official COVID-19 safety procedures, including social distancing measures and mask-wearing, which are subject to change based on current protocols from BOF venues and Massachusetts-mandated health and safety guidelines.
Compensation:
This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for providing their own housing and local transportation during the duration of their internship. Interns will be provided with a $400 stipend to help offset some travel and living expenses. Course credit also available, if offered by the intern’s host institution.
How To Apply:
Email a cover letter and resume to employment@berkshireoperafestival.org. No phone calls, please.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until candidates with the requisite skills and educational interests for each position have been identified. Applicants may apply to one or both positions. Priority will be given to applications received by early May.
BOF is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of our organization. We seek a diverse pool of candidates for all positions, including internships.
