Employment & Auditions
Open Positions
Employment Opportunities Opportunities for employment at Houston Grand Opera are posted here regularly. Houston Grand Opera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates for employment are considered without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, non-job-related disability, or marital status.
Chief Financial Officer
Houston Grand Opera has engaged Management Consultants for the Arts to conduct a search for a Chief Financial Officer. Interested candidates can learn more about the position and application process by clicking the link below.
Assistant Technical Director
Job Title: Assistant Technical Director
Department: Technical/Production
Reports To: Technical and Safety Director
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Prepared Date: April 2021
SUMMARY
The Assistant Technical Director assists with the management and implementation of technical operations for mainstage productions, special events, and other HGO-produced projects. As a member of the Technical/Production Department the Assistant Technical Director is committed to maintaining HGO’s high production standards for all company productions and events.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Manage the technical aspects of assigned productions and projects each season:
o Supervise and coordinate, in conjunction with design teams, IATSE crew heads and other technical department managers, all aspects of the layout, scheduling, installation, and running of assigned shows.
o Advise the Technical and Safety Director on scheduling, crewing, and construction cost savings.
o Advise the Technical and Safety Director on construction and rigging engineering.
o Research, develop and advise on materials, tools, hardware and special products.
o Locate and advise on suitable subcontractors for technical construction projects.
o Serve as one of the technical department contacts for directors and designers.
o Write bid and construction specifications for assigned productions.
o Acquire technical production information for assigned productions.
o Establish and maintain archival records for assigned productions.
o Serve on show duty for assigned productions.
• Assist with local and out of town cartage for assigned projects which may include:
o Obtaining required permits.
o Arranging for truck/trailer/container rentals.
o Arranging logistics with HGO shipping agents.
• Provide support on all Safety matters, setting a positive culture of safety within the working environment and ensuring a safe working environment in all company work spaces.
• Provide technical support for all HGO and HGO-related special events:
o Attend planning meetings for assigned events.
o Plan and oversee all technical setups for assigned events and meetings.
• Working closely with the other Technical Department members, plan the maintenance and upkeep of all HGO/HGOco tools, equipment and facilities under the direct control of the Technical/Production Department, (including the HGO warehouse and rehearsal spaces):
o Maintain a complete and up-to-date inventory.
o Plan and manage preventative maintenance and appropriate documentation.
o Contribute to the HGO Technical/Production Department capital equipment planning.
OTHER DUTIES
This job description represents the essential functions of the position, but is not all inclusive. Additional duties reasonably related to the position may be assigned.
ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor’s degree in theatre technology or three years professional technical theater experience.
• Must be a collaborative team player, with effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Project management experience and some staff management preferred; experience supervising union crews strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in current release of Vectorworks, AutoCAD accepted but must be willing to learn Vectorworks.
• Proficiency in Office 365 tools, preferred; Outlook, Word, and Excel specifically.
• Experience in scenery construction, engineering, and theatrical rigging.
• Understanding of OSHA health and safety practices a plus.
• Knowledge of specialized theatrical departments (eg. Media Servers, Automation Systems) preferred.
• Must be able to lift fifty pounds to waist level.
• Availability for evening and weekend work required.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability and willingness to attain an OSHA 30 and Forklift certifications.
SPECIAL JOB CHARACTERISTICS
Candidate must be highly motivated, independent self-starter with ability to be a calming influence to all around. Must be able to manage multiple tasks and projects, and have the ability to analyze problems and prioritize their
resolution in terms of resources within artistic and financial parameters. Must be able to speak in front of a crowd and communicate ideas and goals.
To apply for this position, please visit Houston Grand Opera’s job board at www.houstongrandopera.org/employment-and-auditions/ and apply there. RESUMES ACCEPTED UNTIL POSITION IS FILLED.
Houston Grand Opera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates for employment are considered without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, sexual preference, age, non-job related disability, or marital status.
Junior Draper/Tailor
Job Title: Jr Draper/Tailor
Department: Costume Shop
Reports to: Costume Shop Supervisor
Classification: Seasonal 10 month
Date: May 2021
SUMMARY
To work with the Houston Grand Opera Costume Shop Department to create patterns according to all costume production needs and
assist with all facets of the costume construction process.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work closely with the Costume Shop Supervisor, Head of Costumes and Designers to create patterns accurately for all
builds;
- Work closely with the Costume Shop Supervisor to assist with all aspects that are involved with building and prepping
alterations of costumes;
- Take accurate measurements of all performers;
- Evaluate/ measure rental costumes and determine course of action;
- Work closely with Costume Shop Supervisor to calculate all materials needed for builds/ alterations and for stock; and
- Assist the Costume Shop Supervisor and Head of Costumes on department projects from time to time as needed.
OTHER DUTIES
- Assist the Costume Shop Supervisor and Head of Costumes on department projects from time to time as needed and
assigned.
ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
- At least 5 years of professional patterning/draping / tailoring experience in a costume shop or fashion industry.
- A degree in Costume Technology/Production or related field a plus.
- At least 5 years of professional cutting and sewing experience in a costume shop or fashion industry.
- Proven ability to accurately create patterns according to specifications at a moderate pace (from sketch, research or samples).
- Ability to sew and operate industrial sewing machines at a moderate pace.
SPECIAL JOB CHARACTERISTICS
- Ability to stand for long periods of time.
- Ability to lift 30 lbs. to waist level.
- Ability to hang costumes on 6'6' clothes racks.
- At times schedule may fluctuate depending on fittings/rehearsal schedule and overtime may be required.
- Ability to organize, prioritize and maintain several projects at once and sustain productivity under pressure in a fast-paced
environment.
- Ability to interact effectively and professionally with staff, management, vendors and artists.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Attention to detail.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply for this position, please visit Houston Grand Opera's job board at https://www.houstongrandopera.org/employment-andauditions/
RESUMES ACCEPTED UNTIL FILLED
Houston Grand Opera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates are considered without regard to race, color, sex,
creed, religion, national origin, sexual preference, age, non-job related disability, or marital status.
Digital Content Coordinator
Job Title: Digital Content Coordinator
Department: Marketing and Communications
Reports To: Creative Manager
Classification: Full-time, Non-exempt
Date: May 2021
SUMMARY:
The Digital Content Coordinator plays an instrumental role in strategizing, creating, executing, and
maintaining up-to date messaging and external communication through the Houston Grand Opera social media channels
and website. Working closely with the Creative Manager, Digital Marketing Manager, and Videographer this position is
the central source and voice of all social content with the goal of driving brand awareness and positive audience
engagement. In addition to managing the social media platforms, the Digital Content Coordinator will support the
execution and creation of video projects including, but not limited to, onsite support, video editing, ideation, filming,
etc.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
- Strategize with the marketing and communications team to create social media campaigns and adhere to a
regular publishing schedule across all social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn)
- Collect, edit and manage digital assets (content, images, video) from all departments of HGO for social media
marketing purposes while ensuring content adheres to brand guidelines.
- Create content, as needed, at events by taking photos and videos to use on social media platforms.
- Promote the HGO brand, upcoming productions, community events, and others as needed.
- Establish goals to increase relevant followers and build a loyal following by interacting with customers on all
social media platforms
- Set clear objectives, report on key metrics, and consistently analyze insights to measure and assess the
effectiveness of online and interactive engagement efforts.
- Support the production of video projects and develop content ideas.
- Manage assigned video projects from planning to execution including onsite support, shooting, editing,
etc.
- Assist in maintaining website by updating content in a timely manner, building new pages when
requested and reviewing content regularly for inconsistencies and outdated information.
- Schedule social media take overs and work with cast and creative to ensure content is streamlined and
adheres to brand guidelines
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proven -in-depth understanding of all social media channels required, Google Analytics, and measurement tools a
plus
- Proven strong writing skills, content development, and some design skills required. Photography skills a plus.
- Video editing a plus.
- 3-5 years of marketing, social media, communications experience required.
- 2-4 years of video production experience required.
- Knowledge of operatic repertoire, opera artists and classical music a plus.
SPECIAL JOB CHARACTERISTICS:
Detail-oriented with attention to process, the ability to multi-task, work quickly and efficiently, and function with
minimal supervision while working against deadlines in a fast-paced environment is required. Must be a team player
and possess excellent interpersonal & customer service skills. Some weekend and night work required. Perks include
access to final dress rehearsals.
- This position requires is a highly self-motivated, creative individual with experience and a passion for connecting
with current and future customers. This individual should be engaging with the online audience daily, with the goal
of turning fans into customers.
- An essential component is communicating the company's brand in a positive, authentic way
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
To apply for this position, please visit Houston Grand Opera's job board at https://www.houstongrandopera.org/employment-and-auditions/ RESUMES ACCEPTED UNTIL FILLED.
Houston Grand Opera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates for employment are considered without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, sexual preference, age, non-job-related disability, or marital status.
Editorial Manager
Job Title: Editorial Manager
Department: Marketing and Communications
Reports To: Editor-in-Chief
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Prepared: May 2021
SUMMARY
Reporting to the Editor-in-Chief, the Editorial Manager is responsible for the content creation and editing
for Houston Grand Opera. With the Editor-in-Chief, the Editorial Manager splits their time between the
Marketing/Communications and Development teams, which together operate as HGO's Department of
Advancement. The Editorial Manager handles the management and execution, in collaboration with the
Editor-in-Chief, of four to five annual issues of Opera Cues, HGO's self-published magazine/program
book from concept, content creation, and completion. Additionally, the Editorial Manager oversees and
contributes to writing, editing, and production of the Company's other publications including but not
limited to four to six additional program books, four donor newsletters (Opera UNLEASHED) as well as
digital copy, marketing and fundraising collateral, and press materials. The Editorial Manager is
responsible for content creation and proofing for all marketing efforts including, direct mail, email
marketing, website copy, etc. The Editorial Manager assists in the content creation and research of
development grants, proposals, reports, and other initiatives as needed, including drafting donor-centric
communications for Company leadership, letters of support, fundraising letters, and reports on Company
activities. The Editorial Manager works closely with multiple departments including artistic, HGOco,
HGO Studio, etc. and serves as a resource for writing and editing.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plans and creates editorial content with direct input from all departments.
o Writes articles and contributes copy, proofreads all submissions, and assists with the
overall messaging in publications.
o Commissions writers, research reprints, and negotiates fees
o Assigns internal (staff) writers to projects
o Project manages and contributes to the overall completion of all publications and content.
- Working with communications team and external publishers, oversees the design, production,
printing, delivery and distribution of publications, including routing of internal approvals and
supervision of press-checks.
- Assists in project management, contributes, and develops five issues of Opera Cues:
o Content planning with the Marketing and Communication team
o Assigns articles to various team members and edits submissions
o Works closely with design team for layout and pagination of publication
o Oversees advertising sales, ad delivery and ad revenue collection for Opera Cues and
manages external contractor
o Research and outreach to artists and artists' management for latest bios, headshots, etc.
- Drafts development writing projects as assigned by editor-in-chief and in collaboration with the
Advancement team:
o Content creation and research for grants, proposals, reports
o Donor newsletters (Opera UNLEASHED) and other donor-centric communications
o Fundraising letters and other collateral
o Donor-centric annual reports on Company activities
- Adapts copy for different platforms including web, social, advertorial, etc.
- Researches, writes, and edits company materials as needed, and provides editorial support for consumer bound communications including social media, web content, advertising copy, etc.
- Establishes, communicates, and enforces deadlines for all assignments and content submission.
- The role is collaborative with the entire organization and participates in rotating inter-departmental Communications meetings (Artistic/Production, HGOco, Development Team, and Marketing) and disseminates information from these meetings to all participants.
- Participates in rotating Front of House duties at least once a repertoire
- Manages licensing for photography and artwork as needed for any publications of the company
- Maintains and communicates HGO's stylistic and creative requirements
- Provides abbreviated programs for final dress rehearsals
- Budget management for published projects, including CUES, newsletters and program books
- Working knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style required
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree with a minimum of five years editorial/publications experience required, excellent writing and editing skills, a strong editorial point of view, strong project management abilities, and superb communications skills. Working knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style required. Understanding of media and copyright law required; knowledge of classical music and opera will be strongly considered.
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Editorial Manager works closely with the department's leadership and should be able to provide status updates on projects and communicate well with the team. Deadline driven position that requires a strong attention to detail. Some nights and weekends may be required during heavy production periods.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
To apply for this position, please visit Houston Grand Opera's job board at
https://www.houstongrandopera.org/employment-and-auditions/ RESUMES ACCEPTED UNTIL FILLED.
Houston Grand Opera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates for employment are considered without regard to race,
color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, sexual preference, age, non-job-related disability, or marital status.
Audition Openings
Auditions for Houston Grand Opera are posted here regularly. Click on the links below to download audition information for current audition opportunities.