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Opera House Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Company performs in the historic Sarasota Opera House, a 1,119-seat venue that has been hailed as "one of America's finest" by Musical America. The Sarasota Opera today is a nationally respected ...

Grand Opera House Supervisor: Bea Harrod Job Title: Box Office Clerk Main responsibilities include answering telephone calls and conducting ticket sales for The Grand Opera House and Mercer Ticket ...

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Opera House information

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$10

$16

$23

How much do opera house jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for opera house in the United States is $16.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Opera House vs Stage Manager?

AspectOpera HouseStage Manager
Required credentialsVaries; often includes arts management, production, or technical theater experienceTypically requires theater or production management experience, sometimes with a degree in theater arts
Work environmentPerformance venues, cultural institutions, event spacesTheater or performance venues, backstage areas, rehearsal spaces
Employer and industry usageOpera companies, cultural institutions, event organizersTheater companies, production houses, live event organizations
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding roles in arts management and productionLearning about backstage and production coordination roles

While both roles are integral to live performances, an Opera House typically refers to the venue or organization hosting performances, whereas a Stage Manager is responsible for coordinating the production backstage, managing rehearsals, and ensuring the show runs smoothly. The two roles often collaborate closely but focus on different aspects of the performance process.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in an opera house, and how can they prepare for them?

Professionals working in an opera house often face challenges related to tight production schedules, last-minute changes, and coordinating among diverse teams such as performers, stage crew, and technical staff. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure are essential to address these challenges. It's also important to be proactive in understanding safety protocols and the unique acoustics and stage requirements that come with opera productions. Building strong relationships with colleagues and being open to continuous learning can make the work environment more rewarding and collaborative.

What is an Opera House?

An Opera House is a theater specifically designed for the performance of opera, a form of musical theater that combines singing, orchestral music, and sometimes dance and acting. These venues are equipped with specialized acoustics, large stages, and orchestra pits to support complex productions. Opera Houses often host other performing arts as well, such as ballets and concerts, but their primary focus is staging operas. Famous examples include the Sydney Opera House in Australia and the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Opera House Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Opera House Manager, you need expertise in arts administration, event planning, and financial management, often supported by a degree in arts management or a related field. Familiarity with ticketing platforms, budgeting software, and facility management systems is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate staff, artists, and stakeholders effectively. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring seamless operations, audience satisfaction, and successful performances.
More about Opera House jobs
What cities are hiring for Opera House jobs? Cities with the most Opera House job openings:
What states have the most Opera House jobs? States with the most job openings for Opera House jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Opera House jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Opera House jobs are:
Infographic showing various Opera House job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,349 per year, or $17 per hour.
Opera House Managing Director

$106K - $154K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

JOIN THE SPOTLIGHT: BECOME THE WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE MANAGING DIRECTOR!

Do you have a passion for the arts and a strategic mind to match? The Opera House Managing Director plays a pivotal role in leading a legendary institution, ensuring its future success and the vibrancy of its legacy. We're seeking a visionary leader to craft the future of the Woodstock Opera House Performing Arts Center through dynamic strategic and operational leadership.

WOODSTOCK WELCOMES YOU!

The City of Woodstock is a charming historic community of 26,011, located 55 miles northwest of Chicago on Metra rail. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Woodstock is a community unlike any other boasting historic 19th century buildings, dining, entertainment, accommodations, specialty shops, professional services, art galleries, and live theater.

The City employs 362 (full, part-time limited part-time and seasonal) employees in a variety of departments within the organization, such as Office of the City Manager, Development Services - Building & Planning, Development Services - Engineering, Economic Development, Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources, Marketing & Communications, Opera House, Police, Public Library, Public Works, and Recreation.

Our employees work to serve the residents with responsive customer service and strive to make the City of Woodstock the best community it can be.

OUR NEXT OPERA HOUSE DIRECTOR WILL BE EXPECTED TO:
  • Lead with Vision: Guide all aspects of the Opera House's daily operations, from creating a robust business plan to executing growth strategies that ensure long‑term success.
  • Craft Unforgettable Seasons: Oversee the development of captivating programs and special events, ensuring that each season is a standing ovation success.
  • Master the Numbers: With expert budgeting and financial management skills, ensure the theater runs efficiently and smoothly.
  • Shape the Future: Plan for capital improvements and maintain the integrity of our treasured historic building through meticulous preservation and restoration efforts, yet step outside of the past and create new, innovative uses of the historic building.
  • Empower Talent: Manage staff performance and development, inspiring a team of passionate individuals to contribute to the Opera House's continuing excellence.
  • Engage with the Community: Bring the community together through innovative outreach and engagement efforts, ensuring the Opera House remains a cherished cultural hub.

Working under the supervision and guidance of the Executive Director-Business Development, combining leadership with operational expertise, will shape the future of this iconic institution.

WHAT WE ARE SEEKING
  • A visionary leader with deep knowledge in arts management, strategic planning, and operational excellence.
  • Proven experience in financial management, budgeting, organizational culture and staff development.
  • An advocate for the preservation and restoration of cultural landmarks.
  • A creative strategist with the ability to engage and inspire diverse communities.

For a detailed description of responsibilities, please refer to the attached Job Description.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Arts Management, Theatre, or a closely related field.
  • Minimum of seven (7) years in senior management or leadership roles within the arts, entertainment, or cultural sector.
  • Strong understanding of theater operations, fiscal management and program development.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and manage diverse arts and cultural programming.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain applicable Illinois liquor licensing or BASSET certification as required for venue operations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Advanced degree in Arts Management, Theater, or a related field.
  • Experience working with municipal governments and like community organizations.
  • Knowledge of regional and national arts programming and funding sources.
  • Passion for the arts and commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape.
SALARY

The current annual salary range for this salaried/exempt position is $106,683.20 to $154,689.60, with an anticipated hiring range of $106,683.20 to $122,678.40, based on qualifications of the successful candidate.

We offer a very competitive group benefits package along with an IMRF pension.

If you're ready to step into a role of a lifetime where your leadership and passion for the arts will leave a lasting impact, we want to hear from you!

This position is not eligible for a work‑related immigration visa sponsorship. The City of Woodstock is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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