Auditions and Employment

Information for Michigan Opera Theatre Chorus Members

ABOUT:

The Michigan Opera Theatre Chorus is a professional group of diverse men and women of all professions and backgrounds. Choristers rehearse weekday evenings and weekends for each production period.

The Michigan Opera Theatre Chorus is hired on a per production basis. Michigan Opera Theatre engages its artists under an American Guild of Musical Artists contract.

Michigan Opera Theatre holds auditions for the chorus once per calendar year for the following opera season. Chorus members must audition each year.

AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS

American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is the union that represents our musical artists including the chorus.

The Company engages musical artists under an AGMA Standard Artist’s Contract for Employment. Each artist engaged will have the right to join or refrain from joining AGMA in accordance with Michigan’s right to work law. Regardless of whether you join AGMA, the terms of the CBA with AGMA will apply to your work with MOT.

AGMA elects local representatives. The current representatives noted below, are fellow members of the chorus and are available to answer any questions as well as give you a copy of the contract between MOT and AGMA so you are fully aware of your rights, responsibilities, and protections. Please address all questions regarding the union to your AGMA representative or to AGMA directly.

Membership in AGMA:

AGMA initiation fee is $1000. This amount can be worked out on a payment plan through the union directly. AGMA requires you to pay dues in the amount of $79 per year as well as a 2% fee deducted from every paycheck. The $79.00 is billed annually beginning in December and will be due and payable by January 31.

A copy of the agreement between Michigan Opera Theatre and AGMA is available in the Production Department upon request.

You may find more information at www.musicalartists.org. Please make sure that you review the page marked “Member Info”

The Box Office Manager oversees both long-term and day-to-day operations of the Box Office, and ensures a hospitable, smooth, and efficient operation. A crucial leader for Michigan Opera Theatre, the Box Office Manager is responsible for programming and monitoring all events in the Tessitura and Ticketmaster ticketing systems, tracking daily sales and deposits, executing and supervising account management and fulfillment, subscription processing and fulfillment, staff management and training, and CPI compliance. This role is highly visible and interacts with sponsors, vendors, clients, and rental clients, including Broadway in Detroit and special event rentals. The Box Office Manager always leads by example and provides the highest level of customer service to all guests, vendors, and clients.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Represent DOH/MOT as a helpful, cheerful, energetic, knowledgeable first point of contact for patrons, donors, board members, and the general public
• Oversee the Box Office staff by scheduling FT and PT employees, hiring and training all new Box Office employees and ensuring that all Box Office employees appropriately, accurately and consistently represent DOH/MOT in a professional manner in all communications both internally and externally
• Assures training for Box Office team in technology, program offerings, sales strategies and patron retention to support MOT program sales and rental show sales
• Manages complimentary ticket requests, coordination with community partners, donor ticket management, group sales, promo code management, and will call
• Develops the Box Office into an effective sales and promotion force by working with marketing to implement sales promotions, special season ticket packages, loyalty programs and other initiatives and overseeing promotional inventory management
• Recommend policies and procedures to support high levels of customer service, both internally and externally, by overseeing and resolving all ticketing customer services issues, and assisting in the establishment and enforcement of policies regarding ticket sales, exchanges, complimentary tickets, staff tickets, and gift certificates
• Oversee daily deposits and maintain strict oversight of cash handling and reporting to the DOH/MOT Finance Department, and reconciles any discrepancies daily
• Build, edit, and manage all events in all ticket sales platforms, including alternate revenue sources handled through ticketing platforms
• Create and distribute Box Office sales reports
• Participate in and manage night-of-show rotation
• Works closely with Box Office partners at Broadway in Detroit (BiD) to coordinate ticketing for BiD performances at the Detroit Opera House
• Works closely with Opera House event managers and rental clients to coordinate ticketing for rental events at the Detroit Opera House
• Produce settlement reports on night-of-show and end-of-run and be available to resolve questions with partners, promoters and rental clients
• Maintain high levels of customer service as well as continued maintenance and education on product to help meet budgeted goals
• Answer phones and manage the Box Office voicemail system
• Occasional telemarketing functions as necessary
• Responsible for sales, distribution, seating, and processing of tickets including singles and season subscriptions, flex passes, and memberships
• Manage patron complaints and concerns, assuring each patron a timely and thoughtful response. Maintain records of customer service issues and their resolution
• Manage all Box Office incoming and outgoing mailings, including tickets and season subscription packets

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years Box Office management or equivalent experience
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Proven history of high levels of customer service, to both internal and external constituents
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment providing a positive outlook
• Must enjoy working with the public
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• High-level knowledge of Tessitura preferred
• Knowledge of Ticketmaster preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work nights and weekends, congruent with a performing arts center’s performance schedule
• Cash-handling experience and abilities; highly accurate cash management skills required
• Prior knowledge of Opera not required, but the ability to learn about a season’s productions and sell them to patrons is a must

Note: The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Position Reports to:            Director of Marketing and Communications

Classification status:           Full-Time, Exempt

Last updated:                    02/24/2021

Compensation:

Compensation is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of this position.

Application Process:

To apply for this position in confidence, please send resume and cover letter to: employment@motopera.org. Applications may be addressed to Mr. Zach Suchanek, H.R. Assistant.

Michigan Opera Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We value diversity in our workforce.

The main purpose of the Communications and Media Relations Manager is to develop and implement communication strategies with MOT’s key constituencies, to promote a positive brand and name recognition within the community, while simultaneously increasing awareness of the organization’s mission and fundraising efforts. Under the direction of the Director of Marketing and Communications, this position is responsible for coordinating organization-wide voice, message, and content generation, including electronic and print communications, as well as advocacy, media, and public relations efforts. This position works to achieve brand consistency, coordination of messaging, and the highest standards for both internal and external communications. The ideal candidate must have a minimum of three years’ experience in writing/communications; must be an excellent communicator with a demonstrated ability to speak and write in a clear, concise, grammatically meticulous, and persuasive manner; a strong sense of initiative; strong managerial qualities; and an ability to work independently and with great attention to detail.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as contact for all public relations media outlets, sometimes in conjunction with external PR Firms
• Work closely with marketing, PR, and development teams to develop communications strategies
• Work in collaboration with MOT’s Storyteller/Digital Media Manager to craft and distribute the organization’s story to the greater Detroit and Southeast Michigan areas
• Coordinate and oversee the production of all print collateral, working closely with Marketing and Development staff to ensure consistent branding, messaging (including season brochure, impact report, program books, invitations, donor and patron letters, fact sheets, and other collateral), and donor recognition
• Research productions and artists to craft and tailor content for various company publications
• Create and distribute of press releases
• Effectively pitch stories to all media outlets
• Maintain MOT press contacts lists and foster exceptional relationships with media outlets
• Provide MOT’s Board and CEO with talking points and program letters
• Develop and maintain company narrative
• Craft production and event blurbs
• Craft and/or proof and edit letters to donors, VIPs, and other MOT associates
• Edit and proof musician bios
• Craft company newsletters with content from other departments
• Update online calendar listings for ticketed performances and social events
• Cultivate relationships with community partners and the press
• Help in the procurement and management of production photography
• Assist with managing photo and video distribution and usage
• Write and develop stories, advertorials, blogs, etc.
• Coordinate the booking of TV, radio, and print interviews
• Archive media coverage
• Attend PR conferences and events, when applicable
• Respond to requests for information from patrons via social media chats
• Develop a yearly communication plan with Development to ensure regular and consistent messaging – collaborating with the marketing and development teams
• Other duties as assigned

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Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or a similarly-related field from an accredited college or university
• 3+ years of experience in the communications/public relations/journalism arena
• Impeccable grammar, vocabulary, and communications skills, both verbal and written, with knowledge of AP Style of writing
• Knowledge of performing arts preferred
• Creativity, innovative vision, and passion for out-of-the-box thinking
• Ability to work in a professional team environment, ensuring tact and positivity are always maintained
• Ability to work seamlessly, collaboratively, and professionally with various personalities, from administrators to artists
• Must be detail-oriented, capable of working under pressure, and multi-tasking while working with several projects and consistently meeting deadlines
• Efficient time-manager and innovative problem-solver
• Interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution and respect for cultural diversity
• Demonstrated skills in handling the details associated with planning, organizing, and implementing events and maintaining a PR archive
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain relationships with community leaders, donors, volunteers, media representatives and other staff
• Strong knowledge of the media industry
• A professional and resourceful style; the ability to work independently and as a team player, to take initiative, and to manage multiple tasks and projects at a time
• Ability to make presentations in a professional manner
• Deep commitment to the mission of Michigan Opera Theatre
• Ability to use Research tools and PR Management software (i.e. Meltwater, Cision) preferred
• Available to work the occasional nights and weekends, congruent with a performing arts center schedule

Note: The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Position Reports to:           Director of Marketing and Communications

Classification status:           Full-Time, Exempt

Last Updated:                    02/19/2021

Compensation:

Compensation is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of this position.

Application Process:

To apply for this position in confidence, please send resume and cover letter to: employment@motopera.org. Applications may be addressed to Mr. Zach Suchanek, H.R. Assistant.

Please view the full job description on Michigan Opera Theatre’s website: Auditions and Employment - Michigan Opera Theatre

Michigan Opera Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We value diversity in our workforce.

The Digital Media Manager and Storyteller will play an essential role for Michigan Opera Theatre in supporting company objectives, charged with elevating the presence and relevancy of opera and dance in metro Detroit through a combined and unique set of journalism, media, and design skills. The Digital Media Manager and Storyteller is a creative and innovative self-starter who develops digital content to ensure Michigan Opera Theatre and the Detroit Opera House reaches and engages loyal audiences on all digital and social media platforms.

The Digital Media Manager and Storyteller is charged with curating and communicating stories of mission-driven impact to the broader community and acts as an embedded journalist, covering MOT programs and capturing the experiences of our patrons, musicians, guest artists, and program participants to effectively support growth in audiences, partnerships, and contributions—all critical to MOT’s strategic plan.

The Digital Media Manager and Storyteller is also charged with engaging and growing new audiences across all digital and social media platforms.

Specific Responsibilities and Duties:

• Articulates and creates a long-term strategy for successful audience growth across multiple digital platforms, including:
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube and Vimeo
  • Spotify
  • Company website
  • Others as deemed effective/necessary
• Builds and executes a yearly digital content plan that incorporates winning strategies for all relevant digital platforms, prioritizing continued engagement of current followers/patrons, along with the growth of new followers and potential ticket buyers and donors.
• Generate an expansive archive of MOT’s demonstrated impact in the community and serve as a critical resource for proposal development and effective reporting to major funders and other vested partners.
• Manages sponsored content budget
• Identifies and executes digital content partnerships to enable growth
• Collaborates with MOT staff, musicians, leadership, program participants, and patrons to achieve interesting, engaging, and relevant storytelling and content
• Acts as a journalist that attends majority of community and education events to capture experiences across various media, including the development of featured stories and the interviewing/surveying of participants for the purposes of program impact and efficacy
• Create deliverables that help convey the heart and soul of what MOT represents in a way that resonates with audiences and MOT stakeholders alike.

Competencies:

• An affinity for the arts
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate creative individuals and team members
• Expert knowledge of social media platforms
• Creation, management, and execution of comprehensive content calendar
• Deep understanding of winning content approaches that are suitable for different platforms
• Ability to learn new media platforms quickly to evolve with the social media landscape
• Knowledge of streaming services, especially those providing a paywall option
• Strong ability and experience creating online short-form video
• Photo editing skills required
• Photography skills required
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite
• Ability to manage competing organizational priorities

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, with a specialization in Communications, Creative Writing, or Journalism
• Budget management experience
• Minimum of 3 years experience writing and producing media content
• Minimum of 3 years digital/video content creation experience
• 2-3 years experience in negotiating with vendors/outside entities preferred
• Must be able to provide a portfolio of work, including writing samples and either videography or photography samples capturing live events and public gatherings
• Ability to work evenings and weekends when needed
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite
• Ability to operate in a PC network environment

Note: The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Position Reports to:            Director of Marketing and Communications

Classification status:           Full-Time, Exempt

Last updated:                    02/24/2021

Compensation:

Compensation is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of this position.

The position of Digital Media Manager and Storyteller is made possible in its first two years by an OPERA America Innovation Grant, supported by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation.

Application Process:

To apply for this position in confidence, please send resume and cover letter to: employment@motopera.org. Applications may be addressed to Mr. Zach Suchanek, H.R. Assistant.

Michigan Opera Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity in our workforce.

The Human Resources (HR) Director for Michigan Opera Theatre works as a strategic business partner to the senior management team, leading all Human Resources activities for the organization.  The HR Director functions as an HR generalist and both leads and performs the generalist HR duties.  The HR Director develops, communicates and administers policies and HR programs.

Specific Responsibilities and Duties:

Talent planning and acquision

• Conducts recruitment effort for all exempt, nonexempt and temporary workers; writes and places advertisements; works with supervisors to screen and interview candidates; conducts reference checking; extends job offers
• Re-writes job descriptions as necessary
• Conducts & coordinates new employee orientations
• Conducts exit interviews
• Manages employee terminations

Total Rewards

• Performs benefits administration to include claims resolution, change reporting, approving invoices for payment, annual re-evaluation of policies for cost-effectiveness, information activities program, and cash flow
• Conducts annual salary surveys and develops salary budget; analyzes compensation

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Develops and administers various Human Resources plans and procedures for employees
• Provides employee relations counseling
• Develops and administers various human resources plans and procedures for employees
• Organizes and participates in staff meetings

Employee Learning & Development

• Participates in the design and implementation of MOT learning and development programs.

• As needed, evaluates and advises managers and leaders on the learning and development needs of individual staff members

Organizational Management & Leadership

• Works at all times as a steward and leader for Michigan Opera Theatre.
• Evaluates all actions and decisions in consideration of the needs of the company.
• Provides support and guidance to organizational leaders, managers and employees.
• Participates in curating and developing a culture of stewardship, creativity, empathy, acceptance and excellence for the organization.
• Manages and monitors a performance evaluation program and revises as necessary.
• Develops, recommends and implements personnel policies and procedures; prepares and maintains handbook on policies and procedures.
• Establishes and maintains department records and reports.
• Maintains organizational charts and employee directory.
• Evaluates reports, decisions and results of initiatives in relation to established goals. Recommends new approaches, policies and procedures to effect continual improvements in efficiency of HR services performed.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state and local employment laws.

Competencies:

1. Business Acumen
2. Excellent communication skills
3. Mediation and consultation expertise
4. Critical Evaluation
5. Cultural Awareness
6. HR Expertise
7. Leadership & Navigation
8. Relationship Management
9. Ethical Practice

Position Qualifications:

The ideal candidate has meaningful work experience in the arts and possesses the following:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in HR or communications.
• A minimum of 10 years experience as an HR generalist; and preferably, 5+ years in a senior HR role.
• High energy and passion for MOT’s mission is essential.

Note: The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Position Reports to:            President & CEO

Classification status:           Full-Time, Exempt

Last updated:                    02/24/2021

Application Process:

To apply for this position in confidence, please send resume and cover letter to: employment@motopera.org

Michigan Opera Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity in our workforce.

Position Summary  

The security officers for the Michigan Opera Theater (MOT) serve a series of critical roles, many of which are detailed below. This vital position offers both independent and team-oriented shift work. All officers consistently serve as a representative of the MOT and must conduct themselves accordingly. The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Specific Responsibilities: 

• Protects, monitors and secures Michigan Opera Theatre and the Detroit Opera House buildings, parking structure, grounds, staff, patrons, visitors, vendors and performers ensuring the safety of all
• Creates and maintains a safe environment for all
• Provides a welcoming, friendly and reassuring presence; exhibits an authoritative presence that will help deter criminal activity
• Conducts frequent security checks by patrolling facilities and grounds
• Provides a welcoming demeanor to patrons, visitors and staff and offers directional assistance when needed
• Remains vigilant for unusual or potentially threatening activity and responds as needed in the safest and most effective manner in accordance with department procedures
• Assists those in need as needed
• Investigates and removes trespassers/violators
• Monitors and controls building access verifying credentials upon entrance
• Monitors surveillance cameras for suspicious activity
• Acts as an escort to employees and visitors as needed
• Sounds alarms and/or calls for outside assistance when needed in emergencies (911)
• Prepares and maintains detailed accurate reports, noting any damages, theft or other incidents by the end of each shift using appropriate formats
• Follows all federal, state, local and company-enforced laws and regulations
• Ensures adherence to company radio procedures
• Responds to all alarms, medical and fire emergencies, or other matters as they arise in accordance with the relevant procedures and policies
• Responds with equanimity and tact to inquiries and complaints
• Participates in traffic control and crowd management duties as needed
• Completes assigned training in a timely manner
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Ability to pass background check
• Safe driving record (golf cart use as necessary)
• Minimum of 1-year relevant security experience or equivalent
• Ability to work a variety of shifts (including midnights, weekends and/or extended hours)

• Ability to walk, run as needed
• Ability to stand for up to 3+ hours
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds

Preferred Qualifications:

• First aid/CPR certified
• Self-defense skills

• Microsoft Office Suite competence

Classification status:           Part time, non-exempt, hourly

Last updated:                    9/3/2020

Application Process:

To apply for this position in confidence, please send resume to: Employment@MOTopera.org

Michigan Opera Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We value diversity in our workforce.