ABOUT THE PROGRAM

In 2010 Des Moines Metro Opera launched a pilot internship program in technical theatre by restructuring six existing positions on the staff in an effort to expand its educational programming, to mitigate rising costs to produce opera and to increase sustainability in the production department. Now 8 years old and growing, the Design & Production Internship Program at DMMO is comprised of eighteen positions in nearly every field of theatrical production. The mission of the Des Moines Metro Opera Design and Production Internship is to provide students in the theatre arts, who wish to expand on their academic studies, an environment to hone theatrical skill sets, gain valuable professional experiences, and expand their theatrical connections needed for a successful start in a career in the arts.

DMMO's Design & Production Internship is a concentrated nine-week training and work program, during which interns participate in eight talkbacks with directors, designers, and production staff; attend several classroom workshops covering refining a resume and portfolio, networking, websites, freelancing and production contracts; and receive hands-on instruction in skill-based workshops which include: rigging for the stage, welding and stage painting. Interns also receive instruction in how to work safely in a theatrical environment - taking workshops on stage safety, personal protection equipment, respirators and basic first aid. All the while interns are working alongside 38 staff and design members from professional theatre and production companies around the United States, helping interns expand their professional network of contacts.

Administrative & ARTISTIC INTERNSHIPS

Des Moines Metro Opera offers dynamic and engaging opportunities for young professionals and future colleagues in the field. Our administrative and artistic internships introduce undergraduate and graduate students as well as post-graduate students to an intensive experience with a major American summer opera festival. Interns work with individual departments and professional staff to gain practical experience and skills working in professional theatre. Our central goal is to train future leaders that will transform the field.  

Internships for the 2019 Festival Season will be offered in the following areas:

Orchestra MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP:

Primary duties of the Orchestra Management Intern include assisting the Orchestra Manager with rehearsal room and pit set-up, orchestra set-up for 2^nd stages productions, transportation of instruments, inventory work, and attending all orchestra rehearsals and performances.  A background in music is preferred.  This position works closely with conductors, orchestra members, and the stage operations team.  Successful candidates will be highly organized, reliable, and have strong interpersonal skills. Some score/part preparation work will be involved, particularly for the STARS OF TOMORROW orchestral concert.  This position requires heavy lifting and weekends and evenings.  A valid driver’s license and a clean record are required.  Access to a vehicle is highly recommended.  Housing and per diem provided. 

PATRON SERVICES INTERNSHIP:

Assist with ticket sales and patron services with the Patron Manager CRM system. Requires organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, as well as computer literacy.  Customer service skills are desirable.  Assist in daily operations of the administrative office. Assist with coordination of inter-company communications; mail processing and distribution, as well as reception duties, shipping and receiving; help other administrative departments with special projects. Requires valid driver's license with clean record, communication, and interpersonal skills as well as knowledge of Microsoft Office. Housing and per diem provided.

BUSINESS & FINANCE:  

Develop reports and workbooks in Excel and Quickbooks, entering expenses, preparing journal entries and entering accounts receivable. Requires organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, as well as computer literacy.  Customer service skills are desirable.  Assist in daily operations of the administrative office. Driver’s license with clean driving record required. Housing and per diem provided.

Applications for the 2019 Administrative and Artistic Internship Program will be made available in January. Please contact Sam Carroll if you have any questions.