Thank you for your interest in Des Moines Metro Opera's Administrative and Artistic Internship program! 

The application process for the 2024 Administrative and Artistic Internship program has closed. Please check back in January 2025 for information about the 2025 program!

If you have any questions, please contact Tim McMillin, Director of Advancement, at tmcmillin@dmmo.org or (515) 961-6221.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
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, professional staff and industry experts to gain practical experience and networking opportunities in professional theatre. Our central goal is to train future leaders who will transform the field.

Internships for the 2024 Festival Season include housing, per diem and travel stipend. All internships require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and will include evening and weekend assignments. The program begins on May 24, 2024, and ends on July 26, 2024. Internships will be offered in the following areas:

Artistic Administration Intern
The primary duties of the Artistic Administration Intern include assisting the Director of Artistic Administration and the Company Coordinator with daily operations for principal artists, the music and directing staff and the Apprentice Artist Program. Additional responsibilities include managing and assisting in driving for airport and other local ground transportation needs, assisting with the preparation of the daily schedule and creating printed programs for opera scene performances. The position will also prepare spaces for music rehearsals, classes and auditions, perform general office management in the theatre facility, prepare and operate supertitles in performances and serve as a child guardian as assigned. The successful candidate will be highly reliable, organized and able to stay positive and calm with a fluctuating schedule and assignments. Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Word and Excel is a plus. A valid driver’s license is required. Housing and per diem provided.

Front of House Intern
Primary duties of the Front of House Intern include assisting with the facilities coordination for the Blank Performing Arts Center for both public-facing and company events. Additional responsibilities include assisting the Housing Coordinator at the beginning and end of the season, coordination for off-site special events and various public-facing duties during performances and events. Customer service skills are important. This position requires some heavy lifting of more than 50 pounds. A valid driver’s license is required. Access to a vehicle is highly recommended. Housing and per diem provided. 

Guest Services Intern
The Guest Services Intern will assist with ticket sales and patron services utilizing the Patron Manager CRM software and organize and assist with the season’s special events and mainstage productions. Duties will include assisting in daily operations of the administrative office and responding to guest questions and concerns. This position will also assist other administrative departments with special projects as needed and perform various public-facing duties during performances and events. This position requires organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as computer literacy with Microsoft Suite and Google Drive. Customer service skills are also important. A valid driver’s license is required. Access to a vehicle is highly recommended. Housing and per diem provided.

Marketing and Fundraising Intern
The Marketing and Fundraising Intern will assist the advancement area with duties related to donor communication, annual fund development and special event coordination. Additionally, the position will monitor DMMO social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and assist with the creation of social media content, assist with email marketing and communication efforts, assist with capturing photo and video content and draft written copy for various aspects of DMMO’s external communication tools. This position will also assist other administrative departments with special projects as needed and perform various public-facing duties during performances and events. The ideal candidate will be interested in executing communication strategies for a segmented patron base and fostering meaningful relationships with patrons. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) is required. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro) and video editing experience preferred. Applicants should be interested in learning how to navigate CRM software like Salesforce and should be able to demonstrate strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills. Housing and per diem provided.

Orchestra Management Intern
Primary duties of the Orchestra Management Intern include assisting the Orchestra Manager with rehearsal room and pit set-up, transportation of instruments, inventory work, and attending all orchestra rehearsals and performances. This position will also assist other administrative departments with special projects as needed and perform various public-facing duties during performances and events. 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. A valid driver’s license is required. Access to a vehicle is highly recommended. Housing and per diem provided. 

Artistic Administration Intern
OLIVIA GASPER

Development Intern
CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN

Front of House Interns
JESSE KNEISLER
SHEA LUENINGHOENER
SEAN WHITSON

Guest Services Intern
KAY GUCCIARDO

Marketing Intern
EMMA BECKER

Orchestra Management Intern
HUNTER KHONGMALY