Costume Intern - Cincinnati Opera

Description

Founded in 1920, Cincinnati Opera is one of the oldest and most highly regarded opera companies in the United States. Known for its longstanding partnership with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, a roster of world-class singers, and its spectacular performance venue, Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati Opera has received numerous accolades and awards, including a recent nomination for the prestigious International Opera Award. Cincinnati Opera offers a primary season of performances from June through August (paid attendance 17,000-20,000), plus a host of events through the year, including educational programming, small-scale public performances, recitals, and fundraisers.

The following description is meant to give an overview of positions and is not a complete list of all duties and responsibilities. 

Applications will close on at 11:59 PM on Sunday, February 1, 2026. All applications should include a cover letter and resume. Please be able to provide references upon request. 

The Costume Intern will assist the Costume Director & Union Costume Shop with: 

• Gathering & distributing of Artists measurements;
• Scheduling of fittings with Rehearsal Department & Costume Shop Manager;
• Union approved duties before/during fittings (sign-ins, notes, etc.);
• Research for Costume & Wardrobe items - locally and on the web;
• Assist with pack in/pack outs per the Costume Shop Managers approval;
• Tracking and coding of wardrobe purchases and returns;
• Union approved assistance with getting prepared for costume fittings; 
• Assisting guest designers as needed;
• Communicating artistic requests to Costume Shop (rehearsal pieces);
• Attendance of rehearsals & production meetings; 
• Archival paperwork as needed;
• General errands & shopping for Costume Shop;
• Possibility of participating in seasonal intern-led event pending final season programming; 
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Most work takes place at Music Hall, with occasional trips to Cincinnati Opera’s warehouse, which is an approximately 20-minute drive from Music Hall; a reliable vehicle for transportation to and from Music Hall and the warehouse is required. 

Hours & Compensation 

• Interns are paid at a rate of $11 per hour and are eligible for overtime.
• Production internship hours vary, with a minimum of 40 hours per week and occasional evening/weekend hours.
• Internships begin in May 2026 and conclude in early August 2026.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may need to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 
• In order to engage and represent the organization, the employee must be able to work evenings, weekends, and travel locally.
• These positions require work in an office setting. Production positions may require work in a warehouse setting and/or backstage theatrical setting.

Cincinnati Opera receives administrative support through a shared services agreement with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO). As part of the application process, you may receive communications from CSO team members.