Technicians Application Info

Audio/Video Apprentices set-up, operate, maintain and repair equipment used to support the rehearsals and production of a 5-show repertory festival. Familiarity with equipment such as wired/wireless microphones, speakers, digital mixers, intercom systems, video cameras, video monitors, recording equipment, computers & networking, terminating wires and cables is required. Earliest start date is May 26, 2025. Audio/Video Apprentices rate is $13.00 per hour with overtime potential.

Positions Available: (4)

The Santa Fe Opera Costume Department is a dynamic team of skilled professionals and apprentices dedicated to fostering collaboration, creativity, and excellence. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where individuals can thrive while meeting the physical and mental challenges of a rigorous summer schedule. Through skill, flexibility, and innovation, we produce world-class costume designs while providing hands-on training for the next generation of costume professionals.

8 to 13 weeks of costume construction, costume crafts, millinery, wardrobe, or administration. Start date in late May. Average number of hours worked weekly varies by position and throughout the season, ranging from 40 to 65 hours/week. First time Costume Apprentice applicants may be asked to submit a hand sewing sampler – more information provided at interview.

Apprentice group consists of 16 Dressing Apprentices (13 weeks; anticipated 2 wardrobe, 1 crafts, 1 millinery, 12 stitching) and 9 Non-Dressing Apprentices (9 weeks; anticipated 1 crafts, 2 admin and 6 stitching).

Non-Dressing Costume Apprentices are assigned to a team in one of the following areas: Stitching, Crafts, Millinery, or Administration. Each team supports the 5-show repertory festival. Responsibilities vary by team and may include the following: constructing and altering new and existing costume pieces, preparing materials and samples, steaming and labeling finished pieces, daily shop maintenance tasks, assisting with the processing of costume department shopping, helping to maintain organizational practices and paperwork, and attending dress rehearsals as requested. Applicants should have costume or fashion technology training or relevant experience in the performing arts, including hand and machine stitching skills. Hourly rate for these positions is $13.00 per hour with overtime potential.

Dressing Costume Apprentices are assigned to a team in one of the following areas: Stitching, Crafts, Millinery, Wardrobe, or Administration. Each team supports the 5-show repertory festival and all Dressing Apprentices participate as Dressers with the wardrobe team in addition to their primary team assignment. Responsibilities vary by team and may include the following: constructing and altering new and existing costumes, costume crafts, or millinery pieces. Preparing materials and samples, steaming and labeling finished pieces, daily shop maintenance tasks, assisting artists at top of show and throughout performance. Assist with laundry collection, show prep, and show changeover, and participating in Apprentice Scenes and the Apprentice Concert. Applicants should have costume or fashion technology training or relevant experience in the performing arts, including hand and machine stitching skills and dressing experience. Dressers may be asked to complete a background check if their job duties include working with child artists. Hourly rate for these positions is $13.00 per hour with overtime potential.

9 weeks of hang, trial focus, practical construction, and technical and dress rehearsals. 4 weeks of daily repertory focus and running shows. Start dates vary, starting late May, 2025.

Electrics Apprentices work as part of a crew of ten electricians for a 5-show repertory festival to complete a daily changeover & refocus of approximately 250 lights in a 1 ½ hour period of daylight, build practicals, and wire set mounts. All Apprentices will either run a follow spot or work as a deck electrician for 3 to 4 operas. Requirements include: college-level technical theatre experience with an emphasis on lighting or comparable professional experience, actively pursuing a career as a technician or designer, experience with a variety of lighting equipment, basic knowledge of electricity and wiring, willingness and ability to work within a rigorous schedule with various personalities and skill levels. Start dates vary, starting late May. Hourly rate for this position is $13.00 per hour with overtime potential.

13 weeks of supporting performances, onstage rehearsals, orchestra rehearsals and general notes. This position overlaps with several areas of production, i.e.: stage, props, and scenic art. Excellent position for someone interested in arts management or theatrical production. Heavy lifting and physical stamina required.

Positions Available: Apprentices (5)

Production Music Services Apprentices are responsible for all orchestra set-up and load-out for 5-show repertory festival. Duties vary from making coffee for the instrumentalists to removing a harpsichord from the pit for tuning. These individuals work in the orchestra pit as well as the rehearsal halls to ensure readiness of equipment for music staff and instrumentalists at all on-stage rehearsals and performances. Regular heavy lifting of music stands, percussion, harps, and other large musical instruments up and down stairs and into/out of the pit is required. This crew serves as the stage crew at daily staging rehearsals onstage; cleaning, mopping, setting scenery and conducting scene changes as needed. This crew may be assigned to other departments to aid in the production of scenery, props, or costumes, depending upon skill level and availability. Previous experience with artists or musical ensembles is a plus. Start date is May 26, 2025. Hourly rate for this position is $13.00, with overtime potential.

12 to 16 weeks in construction and finishing of furniture, stage dressing and prop elements for 5-show repertory festival. Run staff and apprentices support technical and dress rehearsals and repertory performances. Earliest start date for Properties Apprentices is mid-May, 2025.

Positions Available: Apprentices (14) -9 Run Crew, 2 Carpenters/Run Crew, 2 Crafts/Run Crew, 1 Painter/Crafts/Run Crew

The Prop Crafts/Carpentry/Paint Apprentices are responsible for assisting the Prop Staff and other Technical Apprentices in the construction, finish, maintenance, and running of stage props, including but not limited to: furniture construction and upholstery, hand props, soft goods, floral and foliage work; and stage dressing; and to assist in the running of productions with Staff and Apprentice run crews, for a 5-show repertory festival. Properties Apprentices must be prepared to fulfill the following responsibilities throughout the season: construction and finish of assigned prop craft pieces; maintain excellence of product; maintenance of assigned productions; a willingness and the ability to work rigorous hours and to act as run crew for assigned productions. Applicants must have a college level prop crafts (which should include sewing / stitching) experience or similar experience in other theatrical venues. Hourly rate for this position is $13.00 per hour with overtime potential.

The Prop Run Crew Apprentices are responsible for assisting the Prop Run Crew Chiefs including the Head Run Crew Chief, Stage Management team, Production Stage Manager and Stage Crew apprentices and their supervisors. The Prop Run Crew Apprentices interact and assist when needed with other departments. They support the running of rehearsals and performances in a safe and efficient running of stage props. This includes but not limited to: movement of furniture hand props, dressing, soft goods to and from storage, rehearsal halls, stage and the prop shop for a 5-show repertory festival, the Apprentice Scenes and concert. The applicant must be prepared to fulfill the following responsibilities through the festival season: accurate note taking for rehearsals and performances, show notes pertaining to the run, construction and maintenance of stage props; maintaining a high quality and integrity for the designed stage props. Applicant must be willing and able to move furniture and other stage props. Applicants should have educational and or professional experience in the running of theatrical productions and/or Stage Management experience. Start date for this position is May 26, 2025. Hourly rate for this position is $13.00 per hour with overtime potential.

12 weeks of scenic painting, sculpture, texture, and other finish work for 5-show repertory festival. You must submit a portfolio to be considered for this position. Earliest start date for Scenic Art apprentices is mid-May, 2025.

Positions Available: Apprentices (3)

This position is for those who are looking to gain additional knowledge and experience in scenic art. Basic scenic art skills required. Responsibilities include painting and finishing of all scenic elements including covering, priming, texture work, sculpting and applying scenic details. Applicants must have the ability to mix and match colors and knowledge of scenic material and tools. Hourly rate for this position is $13.00 per hour with overtime potential.

14 weeks of repertory scenic changes, work notes, technical and dress rehearsals, and repertory running for 5-show repertory festival. Heavy lifting and physical stamina is a must.

Positions Available: Apprentices (20)

Stage Crew Apprentices are responsible for all scenic changeovers and run crew duties for 5-show repertory festival. Occasionally, apprentices may be costumed for onstage moves during the show. Project work (carpentry, welding, etc) will be assigned based on skill level and availability. Backstage Seminars as well as Resume and Portfolio Reviews are available for all apprentices later in the season. Previous experience in show run crew and scene shop preferred but not required; additional skills are trained as the season progresses. Start dates are mid-May, 2025. Hourly rate for this position is $13.00, with overtime potential.

8 weeks of construction of new wigs and accessories, and dressing of existing pieces for 5-show repertory festival. 4 weeks of wig maintenance and makeup for repertory performances. Start date is early June 2025.

Positions Available: Apprentices (4)

Wig and Makeup Apprentices are responsible for overseeing the Apprentice Artist (chorus) needs for rehearsals and performances including, but not limited to: ensuring the wigs are in good condition and styles are upheld according to the design specifications and executing any makeup/body paint application called for the production. Additional responsibilities include various projects such as: ventilating, setting, styling wigs & facial hair as well as the maintenance of them (as mentioned above) and the maintenance of the shop itself (organizing, cleaning, etc). Hourly rate for this position is $13.00 per hour with overtime potential.