Chicago Summer Opera - Production

Chicago Summer Opera is seeking a Resident Coach, Fellowship Director, Fellowship Conductor and Internships.

Residents

Resident Coach (Pianist)

Resident Coaches play an essential role in the artistic life of the company. Pianists will collaborate closely with singers, faculty, and production staff by playing for voice lessons, mainstage rehearsals, coachings, and master classes. This position offers pianists the opportunity to gain significant professional experience while working alongside distinguished faculty and talented young singers. Resident Coaches receive a stipend of $650 per week.

Fellowships

Assistant Stage Director

Assistant Stage Directors will work side-by-side with professional stage directors on mainstage productions, gaining hands-on experience in staging rehearsals, dramatic preparation classes, and audition workshops. This immersive fellowship provides invaluable insight into directing processes at the professional level. Tuition is fully waived for this fellowship position.

Assistant Conductor

Assistant Conductors will collaborate with conductors and faculty in mainstage productions and master classes. Responsibilities may include assisting with rehearsals, preparing scores, and occasionally conducting. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to build professional experience in operatic conducting, while working with singers, orchestra, and faculty. Tuition is fully waived for this fellowship position.

Internships

Arts Administration Intern

Interns will engage directly with the administration and production staff, gaining exposure to the inner workings of an opera company. Duties include marketing, social media management, communication, and light database work. Experience with basic graphic design is a plus. This internship offers practical training in arts management and provides excellent preparation for those interested in nonprofit or arts administration careers.

Costume Design Intern

Costume Design Interns will collaborate closely with the company’s costume designer and stage directors, assisting in fittings, sourcing, and production needs. This internship provides hands-on experience in costume design and management for fully staged opera productions.

Stage Management Intern

Stage Management Interns will work with production and directing staff to support the rehearsal and performance process. Interns will be assigned to stage manage one production per session, offering direct leadership experience and a comprehensive understanding of the stage management role in opera.

Compensation

Payment is provided

Pianists will play for voice lessons, mainstage rehearsals, coaching and master classes. Pianists will be paid a stipend of $650 per week.

Tuition waived for fellow stage directors & conductors.

Internships are unpaid positions. Practicum and college credit available.

Program Dates

June 16, 2026 - August 09, 2026

Program Information

Session 1: June 16 - July 12, 2026

Rinaldo, Handel

Turn of the Screw, Britten

Marriage of Figaro, Mozart

Session 2: July 14 - August 9, 2026

L'incoronazione di Poppea, Monteverdi

Cendrillon, Massenet

Carmen, Bizet