Careers and Auditions
Career Opportunities
The following position is available at this time.
Development Operations Manager
The Development Operations Manager maintains the responsibility for all direct fundraising tracking for Virginia Opera including the planning, facilitating, supervising, and management of all donor records through the Tessitura software system. The Development Operations Manager also works closely with Statewide Development Staff to ensure that all Virginia Opera fundraising efforts are consistent statewide.
The Development Operations Manager supervises the daily processing of contributed revenue. This individual ensures the maintenance of donor lists and coordinates record-keeping of contributed revenue into the Tessitura database.
The Development Operations Manager maintains and deploys a schedule of all routine development activities including, but not limited to: donor acknowledgments, monthly renewals, stewardship efforts and calls, corporate, foundation, and government grants applications and reports, and Annual Fund appeals.
For more information or to apply, please click the link below.
Auditions
Virginia Opera regularly seeks talent from the local area for the chorus, dancers, supernumeraries, and actors for our mainstage productions.
Adult Chorus
Open-call Adult Chorus Auditions* are Tuesday, April 29 and Wednesday, April 30 from 7-9pm at the Harrison Opera House. Click the link below for the date you’d like to schedule your audition.
Wednesday, April 30 from 7-9pm
*Please note that recent (within the past 5 years) and current Virginia Opera Choristers need not audition.
Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists Program
Applications for auditions for the 2025-2026 season are closed. Applications will open for the 2026-2027 season in late summer 2025 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.
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.