Artistic Intern

REPORTS TO: Chief Artistic Officer

TERM: June-December 2026

HOURS: 25-30 hours per week (In-Office)

Through artistic excellence coupled with innovative, relevant programming; initiatives to connect with and grow new audiences; engagement with communities to ignite creativity across Chicago; and a modernized Opera House that is the setting for truly great experiences, Lyric is leading the advancement of opera. This collaborative vision will deliver ever more exciting, thought-provoking, and inclusive audience and community experiences – while increasing the gravitational pull of our art form, company, and city.

The Artistic Intern will work closely with the Chief Artistic Officer in support of day-to-day executive and administrative operations, including calendar management and general office coordination. In addition, the intern will assist with larger projects such as Artist lookbooks, research, and travel coordination. This is an excellent opportunity for future arts administrators looking to gain work experience at a large arts organization.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Chief Artistic Officer Project Support:

• Support Chief Artistic Officer in administrative functions as it pertains to travel research projects, creating and distributing season lookbooks, maintaining new works tracking log and general administrative support.
• Support Chief Artistic Officer in weekly and season scheduling.
• Generate scripts and welcomes for the Chief Artistic Officer for the upcoming season’s events including, but not limited to, Behind The Curtain Dress Rehearsals, production orientations, Opera Insights, Ardis Kranik Society meetings, General Director Opening Night remarks, and board meetings.
• Generate and collate Artistic department materials for future grants.

Administrative & Office Support:

• Support the Artistic departments in digital and file organization.
• Attend Artistic weekly team meetings, capturing notes for each meeting, and distributing to participants after each week's meeting.
• Support both the Artistic Operations & Administration and Artistic Planning departments with various audition coordination as available.
• Support Learning Programs for in-person Teacher Professional Development Workshops (PD) Project support for Opera In The Neighborhoods (OIN) tour producing, including venue confirmations, scheduling site visits, the backstage pass (study guide), etc.
• Project support for Opera Pathfinders Youth Program.
• Managing digital migration of Lyric Unlimited documents from Google to SharePoint.

Events & Performances:

• Possibly attend and be involved with select mainstage rehearsals, performances, and Lyric Unlimited offsite events as needed.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Pursuing a graduate degree, preferably in arts administration, music or theatre, or equivalent experience. Recent graduates (up to one year post-graduation) accepted as well.
• Strong interest in an arts administration career.
• Previous experience in an administrative office environment is preferred.
• Background in opera, theatre, or classical music is required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional, highly organized, and detail oriented.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft and Google Suite including Sheets, Docs, and Google Calendar.

Please note this position will be privy to highly confidential information. Must be able to adhere and follow confidentiality requirements as needed.

WORK CONDITIONS:

• Sitting for extended periods.
• Ability to operate a computer and to handle other office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally work evening or weekend functions, deployments, or performances.
• Fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Preferred In-Office Schedule: Monday-Friday (occasional evening or weekend function, time would be adjusted accordingly).

COMPENSATION:

Job Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt Intern

Hourly Rate: $16.60

Application deadline: April 9, 2026 (5:00pm CT)

Lyric Opera of Chicago offers intern benefits including professional development and department workshops, complimentary tickets, and other events.

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.