Volunteer

Volunteers provide a valuable resource for the Santa Fe Opera and their commitment is a great compliment to the company. From seasonal to year-round opportunities, there are many ways to volunteer on and off site!

Administration

Volunteers are primarily needed for filing, alphabetizing and copying, mainly during our off-season (September – May). Other departmental needs may include assembling of mailings, collating, data entry, sorting of press clippings, archives and computer work. Training and instruction is provided as needed.

Opera Shop

Responsibilities include packaging and folding of merchandise as well as customer service. In addition, day-time volunteers help stock and price merchandise. Every Opera Shop volunteer is asked to commit to at least seven nights or days during the season.

Overture Program

Be an ambassador for the Santa Fe Opera on the Thornton Plaza before each performance! This program uses volunteers to welcome patrons and to work with several other departments including front-of-house and the box office. Overture volunteers direct patrons to various events on and off campus and provide information about the theater and the productions. Each volunteer will attend one training session before the season begins.

Youth Night at the Opera Chaperones

These select dress rehearsals are open to youth groups in late June and July. Chaperones may assist with pre-performance educational activities, distribute flyers, support Pueblo Opera Program activities.

School Support

Volunteers work with Santa Fe Opera staff and our Artists-in-Residence on local youth projects. These projects are site-based partnerships with area schools and volunteers are used on an as-needed basis during the off-season.

Costume Shop

Seasonal volunteers make costumes come to life through stitching (hand and machine) to embroidery, needlepoint, beading and other special detail work. In the off-season, volunteers are sometimes needed to assist with the organization and maintenance of costume storage and stock.

Props and Paint Shops

Seasonal volunteers provide support to properties craftsmen constructing props as well as painting sets.

Docent Program

Docents transmit accurate information on the company’s history, production and repertory, as well as house and backstage details.  Daily backstage tours run approximately one hour and cover a number of production stations on three different ground levels backstage, including walking up and down stairs. Training includes mandatory attendance at the majority of the twelve or more sessions over a three week period in May and June. Backstage tours are given May through August, though some off-season tours are offered to educational groups.