Production Assistant

About the Washington National Opera

Founded in 1956 as a modest but intrepid ensemble known as the Opera Society of Washington, Washington National Opera (WNO) is today one of America’s largest opera companies. Under the leadership of General Director Timothy O’Leary and Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, WNO draws inspiration from a rich legacy built on the values of artistic excellence, engagement with a broad community, and a thriving future for opera and its audiences. As an artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, WNO performs fall and spring seasons in the 2,200-seat Kennedy Center Opera House. WNO also offers performances on Millennium Stage and at other venues at the Center and throughout the city, and offers training, educational, and social impact programs year-round.

WNO Mission Statement: Washington National Opera, as a leader in opera and a flagship of the Kennedy Center, seeks to inspire, connect, and enrich our community, shape the future of opera, and illuminate the American and human experience. We tell timeless stories with programming that excites, entertains, engages, and educates. We are committed to diversity and balance – presenting classic, contemporary, and American works – to broad local, national, and international audiences.

WNO Core Values: Integrity, Excellence, Inclusivity, Innovation, Joy

At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. 

Why Join Us

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2022 staff video!

Job Description

The Production Assistant is a member of the production staff team and assists in managing WNO rehearsals and performances. This non-union paid position is ideal for those with a background in Stage Management and an interest in pursuing a career in the field, but who have little professional experience at a large company. This is an exciting opportunity to work with internationally known singers, directors, conductors and staff while performing at the Kennedy Center in the nation’s capital.

WNO seeks Production Assistants for the following production periods:

• September 19, 2023-November 13, 2023
• September 28, 2023-November 18, 2023
• February 5, 2024-March 23, 2024
• April 8, 2024-May 25, 2024

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain rehearsal records including sign-in and log coordination/distribution, call board set-up and maintenance, and archiving.
• Assist with rehearsal room management
• Assist with technical rehearsals, including, but not limited to, light walking.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in performing arts, opera preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in performing arts preferred
• Passion for the performing arts
• Shrewd attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, continually changing environment
• Ability to read music
• Familiarity with one or more foreign languages is a differentiating characteristic
• Must be able to work non-traditional schedule including late evenings and weekends

Additional Information

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and on the telephone.  The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel in order to operate computer keyboard, office equipment, and other essential tasks.  The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and reach with hands and arms.  This position occasionally lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud, based on rehearsal and/or performance elements. The work environment is occasionally poorly lit, based on rehearsal and/or performance elements. Travel of less than 5% may be required between the Kennedy Center and WNO Studio in Takoma, DC.