Technicians Application Info
2025 Technical Apprentice Positions
ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED FOR OUR 2025 SEASON
The Apprentice Program for Technicians, established in 1965, is an entry level to intermediate level training program and offers instruction and practical experience in the areas of Stage Operations, Properties, Audio/Video, Costumes, Production/Music Services, Wigs and Makeup, Electrics and Scenic Art.
The Technical Apprentice engagements range from 10-14 weeks, depending on position and department. Technical Apprentices receive an hourly wage with overtime potential, and financial assistance toward the cost of travel to and from Santa Fe, NM.
Apprentice housing is located in fully furnished Opera-owned apartments centrally located in Santa Fe, NM. While a small housing fee is deducted weekly from their base pay, Santa Fe Opera subsidizes the remainder of the cost of housing. The apartment complex is walkable to downtown amenities, but not to the Opera grounds. Having a vehicle is a plus, but not a requirement for application. Carpooling is encouraged, and drivers are compensated for carpooling colleagues to and from the opera.
In addition to the daily work responsibilities, throughout the season we offer Director and Designer Panel Discussions for each of the 5 productions. Seminars are also held which have included: Welding, Casting, AutoCAD, 3D printing, Blood workshops, Resume workshops, AD and PSM workshops, Hydraulics/Pneumatics, CNC, Stress skin techniques, How to run an effective fitting, How to create costume paperwork for shows, Introduction to Santa Fe Opera costume stock, How to pull and restock, Safety in Crafts and Paint spaces, Faux painting techniques, and Shop math, among others.
An additional event during the season is the Portfolio Fair. The Portfolio Fair is an opportunity for the Technical Apprentices to showcase their talents for invited industry guests, Board Members, staff and fellow apprentices. Those who wish to participate in the Portfolio Fair are encouraged to have their materials fully prepared prior to their arrival for the summer, as there will be minimal time to work on your portfolio materials once they arrive.
Once all of the season’s repertory productions have opened, the Technical Apprentices have the opportunity to participate in the production of one night of fully-staged Apprentice Scenes, which feature the Apprentice Singers. The Technical Apprentices may apply to be a staff-level position or designer for the scenes. An additional opportunity for the Technical Apprentices is to participate in the Apprentice Singer Concert which will include the full orchestra onstage. This may be an opportunity for designing, styling and crew management.
The Santa Fe Opera festival season is very demanding, but also incredibly rewarding. Due to the outdoor setting of our venue, technical rehearsals must begin after sunset and therefore extend late into the night/early morning hours, with changeovers commencing after technical rehearsals.
Applicants must submit the online application (which includes a request for a link to a website, digital portfolio or pdf of images of your work) and a current resume. Applicants must also send the recommendation form to the 3 references that have been listed on the submitted application. Applicants may apply for up to two departments in order of preference.
Applicants may apply for up to two departments in order of preference. Please note: You must be 18 years of age to apply for the Apprentice Program for Technicians.
Details of each position are listed in the job postings. Questions should be emailed to prodjobs@santafeopera.org.
Audio & Video Department
Introduction
ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED.
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 $13.50 per hour with overtime potential.
Positions Available: (4)
Costume Department
Introduction
ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED.
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).
Electrics Department
Introduction
ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED.
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.
Production & Music Services
Introduction
ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED.
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)
Properties Department
Introduction
ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED.
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
Scenic Art Department
Introduction
ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEN FILLED.
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)
Stage Department
Introduction
ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED.
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)
Wigs & Makeup Department
Introduction
ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED.
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)
Apply Now
The Production Department Application process for the 2025 Season is closed.
The deadline for application is March 10, 2025.
Please follow the instructions below:
- Submit an Application Form using the link below.
- Email a copy of your current resume to prodjobs@santafeopera.org (Please label your attachment with your name)
- Forward the link for the Recommendation Form to the 3 references listed on your submitted application form. The references must complete and submit form.
If you have any questions, you may email prodjobs@santafeopera.org