About Chautauqua Opera

History  |  Auditions  |  Seasonal Employment  |  Staff 08  |  Facts


1058992-657933-thumbnail.jpgCHAUTAUQUA OPERA performs on the grounds of the 750-acre Chautauqua Institution, a center for the arts, education, religion, and recreation. Nearly 150,000 residents and visitors attend opera, symphony, theatre, dance, summer school courses, ecumenical religious programs, lectures and traditional, lake-side summer recreational activities on a daily basis during the nine-week summer season. 2008 marks the 134th year of the Chautauqua Institution and the 79th year of Chautauqua Opera.

Chautauqua Opera, which premiered in 1929, is the oldest continuously producing summer opera company in the United States and has a longstanding tradition of performing opera in English. Performances take place in the 1,367-seat art deco Norton Hall, built in 1929 specifically for the company, and feature leading American artists from major companies around the world.

Seasonal employees of Chautauqua Opera take part in a challenging opera season. Chautauqua Opera welcomes your interest in the company, please note we can only retain the resumes sent in response to specific, posted job openings. Highlighted below are the positions that are still available.


Potential Season Employment

  • Stage Managers
  • Assistant Directors
  • Assistant Stage Managers
  • Administrative Intern
  • Programs Coordinator
  • Assistant to the Production Manager
  • Assistant Lighting Designer
  • Props Assistant
  • Production Assistant
  • Costume Shop Manager
  • Costume Draper
  • Costume First Hand
  • Costume Stitchers
  • Wig and Makeup Assistant
  • Wig and Makeup Intern


What are the contract dates for the 2008 season?
The 2008 season runs from June 8 - August 22.

Where is the staff housed?
Staff members are housed in rental apartments, condos, and houses on and off the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution. The Chautauqua community is located in Western New York State near Buffalo, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh. All are fully furnished apartments with bed linens, towels, kitchen and are provided as part of your contract.