Careers and Auditions

The following positions are available at this time.

DEVELOPMENT & EVENTS ASSISTANT

Position Overview

The Development & Events Assistant provides administrative support to the Development team as well as assist with special events as scheduled in order to further the development/fundraising efforts for Virginia Opera.

Job Responsibilities

  • Assist the Development Operations Manager with donor acknowledgement & annual fund mailings.
  • Assistance with database management.
  • Assist with record keeping, meeting notices & minutes as well as correspondence with the event committee.
  • Development supplies & inventory management.
  • Initiating contact with venues and/or vendors for development functions.
  • Assist with event details, including décor, catering, entertaining, and transportation.
  • Attend Virginia Opera performances & special events to assist development team.
  • Event responsibilities include preparation, event execution, and tear down.
  • Help manage event staff to ensure smooth operations.
  • Light reception duties – administration entrance, accept deliveries and mail.

Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience with Tessitura or comparable Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems preferred, not required.
  • Prior involvement in the arts or non-profit organizations is a plus.
  • Experience with event coordination/support preferred, not required.
  • Must have strong administrative writing, scheduling, meeting management and organizational skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication.
  • Able to work well with all personality types.
  • Ability to operate both independently and as a member of a team.
  • Knowledge of office procedures and methods including telephone communications, office systems, and record keeping.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint.
  • Skilled at prioritizing and handling multiple projects.
  • Must be able to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Applications accepted via Indeed here: https://www.indeed.com/job/development-events-assistant-832ea22e8bc6b69c

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STITCHER

Position Overview

Qualified candidates should exhibit attention to detail and be able to prioritize and execute tasks accurately in a fast-paced work environment. Applicant must have good communication skills and the ability to work with designers, drapers, singers, and other shop staff.

Job Responsibilities

  • Support each costume build for season productions.
  • Attend fittings as needed to take notes
  • Overtime is available
  • Availability to work evenings and weekends for Norfolk show runs.
  • Availability to travel to other Opera venues for touring show runs

Qualifications

  • Previous theatrical costume experience preferred
  • High-level sewing and finishing skills
  • Experience with domestic & industrial sewing machines

Please send resume & references to Jessica Beasley at jessica.beasley@vaopera.org.

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DRAPER

Position Overview

Qualified candidates should exhibit attention to detail and be able to prioritize and execute tasks accurately in a fast-paced work environment. Applicant must have good communication skills and the ability to work with designers, singers, and other shop staff.

Job Responsibilities

  • Flat pattern making & draping for 3-show opera season, to also include a scenes program and children’s show
  • Instruct others in tools, materials, techniques, and practices
  • Availability to work evenings and weekends during heavy build & tech periods

Qualifications

  • Previous theatrical costume experience required
  • Working knowledge of costume & fashion history
  • Knowledge & experience in a variety of costume construction techniques & materials
  • Experience with domestic & industrial sewing machines & sergers
  • Expert in alterations
  • Proficient in hand sewing

Please send resume & references to Jessica Beasley at jessica.beasley@vaopera.org.

Auditions

Virginia Opera regularly seeks talent from the local area for the chorus, dancers, supernumeraries, and actors for our mainstage productions.

Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists Program

Applications for auditions for the 2026-2027 season are closed. Applications will open for the 2027-2028 season in late summer 2026 on YAP Tracker.

Children’s Chorus

There are no Children’s Chorus opportunities available at this time. Please check back later.

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA OPERA CHILDREN’S CHORUS

All children’s chorus rehearsals take place in Norfolk, VA, at the Harrison Opera House. Typical child choristers live in the Hampton Roads area. The number of rehearsal hours required varies by production, but children can expect to spend approximately two months on a production from first rehearsal to final performance. Performances are presented in Norfolk, Richmond, and Fairfax.

Adult Chorus

There are currently no auditions scheduled. Please check back soon, or fill out this form to receive information and announcements about future opportunities.

Dancers

There are currently no opportunities available at this time. Please check back later.

Actors/Supernumeraries

Auditions are scheduled as needed.

If you are interested in being considered for future Supernumerary and/or Actor roles with Virginia Opera, please fill out this form. Once we have your information on file, we will contact you as appropriate audition or performance opportunities arise.

Rehearsals and Performances

All rehearsals take place in Norfolk, VA at the Harrison Opera House. Individuals who live primarily in the Hampton Roads region, but additionally in the Eastern Shore, Eastern North Carolina, and Richmond areas are encouraged to submit their information. The number of rehearsal hours required varies by production, but individuals can expect to spend approximately 6-8 weeks on a production from first rehearsal to final performance. Performances are presented in Norfolk, Richmond, and Fairfax.

Compensation

Virginia Opera is a professional company and all roles are compensated. Transportation and lodging are provided as appropriate for the Richmond and Fairfax performances.

All agreements will be non-Equity, non-AGMA contracts.

*Supernumerary or “super” roles are non-singing, non-speaking roles of all ages, much like extras in film and television. Supers can play soldiers, townspeople, nuns, gypsies as well as many other important roles. Supers will share the stage with internationally-renowned artists and work with celebrated directors and conductors. A super’s enthusiasm and cooperation is an important part of any operatic production. No experience is necessary.