Auditions and Employment

Michigan Opera Theatre announces the following vacancy

Young African-American Male with unchanged Voice to sing the role of “Little Emile” in upcoming production of CHAMPION by Terence Blanchard

Michigan Opera Theatre (MOT) is presenting the Detroit premiere of Terence Blanchard’s Jazz Opera, Champion, with performances on March 28, April 1, 3, 5, 2020 at the Detroit Opera House. This ground-breaking work tells the story of world boxing champion Emile Griffith and combines the disciplines of jazz and opera. Singers include the acclaimed bass Arthur Woodley as Emile Griffith and world-renowned mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves as his mother.

MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE STUDIO

Studio Artist Auditions, 20-21 Season

Applications now open! Deadline: December 17

New York: January 7 (Finals, Jan 8) 

Detroit: January 9 (Finals, Jan 10)

The Studio Artists of Michigan Opera Theatre gain valuable experience through myriad performance opportunities in MOT mainstage and Studio productions, and community events. From September through May, they also benefit from advanced individual training and guidance from program director, Richard Leech and an array of world class professionals, guest artists, and coaches.

Artists receive salary, health care benefits, and reimbursement for relocation, as well as a career development fund.

AUDITION INFORMATION & APPLICATION FORM

Michigan Opera Theatre announces the following vacancy

Second Trombone

Audition date:  November 21, 2019. Application deadline: October 1, 2019. Auditions will be by invitation only. Position to begin Fall 2020.

• Please submit your one-page resume by October 1, 2019 to orchestra.auditions@motopera.org.
• Invitations to audition will be emailed by October 9, 2019.
• An audition deposit of $75.00 will be required from invited applicants.

Audition Repertoire - Download List PDF Audition Excerpts - Download PDF     Michigan Opera Theatre 2019-20 Season October 7 – December 1, 2019. March 16 – May 17, 2020. The MOT orchestra performs four operas and one ballet each season, with an average of 10 services per production. A typical MOT Orchestra schedule for an opera production:   Week 1 Three-four Rehearsals. Week 2 Two Dress Rehearsals. Opening Night - Saturday. Week 3 Three Performances; usually Wednesday evening, Friday evening and a Sunday matinee. Rates for 2019-20 Season Michigan Opera Theatre 2019-20 Season $167.11/Rehearsal, $181.01/Dress rehearsal, $222.11/Performance. Principal Premium 25% Doubling 20% A.F.M. pension fund 11.99%. MOT orchestra members are occasionally utilized for other presentations at the Detroit Opera House that may occur outside of the regular MOT season schedule. There is a separate scale for these services, which is shown below. Detroit Opera House 2019-20 Season $130.50/Rehearsal, $202.26/Performance. Premiums and Doubling 12%.  A.F.M. pension fund 13.99%. The Michigan Opera Theatre audition committee reserves the right to dismiss immediately any candidate not meeting the highest professional standards at these auditions. Musicians of the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra are members of the A F of M, Local 5. Michigan Opera Theatre is an equal opportunity employer

Information for Michigan Opera Theatre Chorus Members

ABOUT: 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.  If offered a chorus position in one or more operas, the following information will apply.

 

PAY SCALE: Chorus Pay levels: (as of 9/01/19) B (1^st– 8^thproduction): $18.00 per rehearsal hour; $138.29 per performance. A (9^th+ production): $19.00 per rehearsal hour; $164.68 per performance.                   Chorus is paid every 2 weeks  

 

ABSENCES: All conflicts with the rehearsal and performance schedule must be submitted when you accept the position, and the Company retains the right to excuse or not excuse the conflict(s).  In the event of unexcused conflicts, the Company reserves the right to withdraw the contract offer.   Any subsequent conflicts must be submitted with explanation to Elizabeth Anderson in the Production Department (313.237-3405). The Company retains the right to excuse or not excuse any subsequent conflicts. Any absence not previously excused by the Company is considered unexcused. Late arrival for rehearsals and unexcused absences will be documented with a letter designating your tardy or absence.  A copy of this letter will be kept in your file at Michigan Opera Theatre. The following sections of the current collective bargaining agreement address tardiness &/or absences as follows: Paragraph 28(j)(1) of the AGMA basic agreement: “Frequent and repeated unexcused tardiness is disruptive to the rehearsal and performance process, and may be considered a breach of contract.  Accordingly, frequent and repeated tardiness may result in discipline or dismissal.” Paragraph 28(j)(2) of the AGMA basic agreement: “Frequent and repeated unexcused absences are disruptive to the rehearsal and performance process.  Three (3) or more unexcused absences within a season may constitute a breach of contract, and, accordingly, may result in discipline or dismissal.” Paragraph 28(j)(5) of the AGMA basic agreement. “The COMPANY reserves the right to dismiss a CHORISTER from any production if the CHORISTER’S absence makes continuing in the production impractical.”  

 

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”  

 

Contact info:                                                                                                                                           American Guild of Musical Artists 1430 Broadway, 14th floor New York, NY 10018 Toll free: 1-800-543-AGMA 212.265-3687 212.265-1314 www.musicalartists.org

 

Scheduling

The schedule you receive with your offer of employment is subject to change.  You will continue to receive schedules from the Opera as dates or times are updated to adjust to the production schedule for the show.  Per our union contract, we are required to notify you of any change of schedule 48 hours in advance. You may notice dates that are followed with “(option)”.  This means that the Opera is holding that date and that time for a rehearsal and reserves the optionto cancel it.  You will be notified in advance if the rehearsal is to be cancelled. Costume fittings are scheduled during the rehearsal period for each show.  Fittings are scheduled by the Costume Shop utilizing a web-based scheduling system. If your measurements were not returned to the company when you signed your contract or have changed dramatically since your previous work with MOT, please contact Suzanne Hanna, shanna@motopera.org, to have new measurements taken.

 

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Sign-in Sheets

Sign in sheets will be posted on a bulletin board outside the rehearsal space before every rehearsal or performance.  You are required to sign in upon arrival. If you do not sign in you cannot be paid.  Please make sure you sign in legibly prior to every rehearsal.

 

Music

Michigan Opera Theatre will provide you with the chorus parts for the opera you are involved in.  You will be notified via email when those parts are available to you. Parts are signed out from the Production Department, located on the 3^rd floor of the Detroit Opera House.  If you are interested in purchasing a full piano vocal score for the opera you are in, you may contact the Production Coordinator for information on the edition being used. Music is to be returned before the final performance of the show being performed.  If your copy is not returned by that time you will be responsible for the cost of its replacement. It is not an option to “purchase” your chorus score as a memento.

 

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are held in the Detroit Opera House.  Every time you enter the building, you will enter at the Stage Door, located on the Madison Street side under the smaller of the two red awnings.  You are required to sign in prior to each rehearsal downstairs at security and sign out when you leave (in ADDITION to the sign in sheets posted outside your rehearsal location). Depending on other events being held in the building, your rehearsal space may change.  Please refer to your schedule to notify you of where to go in the building.

 

BUILDING ETIQUETTE: Rehearsals and performances are restricted to those involved in the show only.  This applies as well after a production moves from the rehearsal space to the stage.  No chorus guests or family are allowed backstage at any time. Food and drink are not allowed in the rehearsal room or on stage.  Water is acceptable if in a closed container.

 

Parking

Michigan Opera Theatre will provide you with a parking pass to park in the Detroit Opera House Parking Center. If you lose this parking pass, you will be charged $5 for a replacement.

 

Notification

Michigan Opera Theatre communicates with the chorus through email.  While on contract (first rehearsal – last performance) you are expected to check email on a regular basis for any updates or communicationfrom the theatre.  Following the initial offer of employment from MOT, all correspondence comes from the following address:  production@motopera.org. Please make sure to add it to you address book so that you receive all information coming from the company.

 

Memorization Expectations

Michigan Opera Theatre requires that your music be memorized 2 rehearsals PRIOR to your first rehearsal with the conductor for the production.

 

Complimentary & Discount Tickets

The Company provides each Chorister 2 complimentary tickets to a performance designated by the Company, in which the Company is the sole producer, for each production in which he/she appears.  In order to receive these tickets each Chorister is required to sign up for the tickets on a form provided by the Company.  This sign-up sheet shall be available no later than one week before opening night of said production.

 

AGMA Artists receiving complimentary tickets may be required to pay the ticket administrative fee uniformly charged for all tickets, which fee shall not exceed $4.00.

 

The Company provides each Chorister employed in at least one production during the season a 25% discount on the purchase of tickets for all opera production during that season.  This discount is based on availability, and limited to 2 tickets per production unless otherwise approved by the Company.

Michigan Opera Theatre has completed chorus auditions for our 2019-2020 season.

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

We are always looking for professional singers to join our roster. If interested in receiving future notification of chorus auditions please complete the form below to be added to our mailing list. You may contact Michigan Opera Theatre directly with questions regarding our chorus at production@motopera.org.

Be notified of Chorus auditions

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This position reflects the excitement and future of Michigan Opera Theatre, and is not to be overlooked! Strategic partner, collaborator and decision-maker…this position is a rain-maker!

Director of Operations and Patron Experiences for the Detroit Opera House

The Director of Operations and Patron Experiences’ primary function is to ensure an exceptional patron experience for every guest who enters the Detroit Opera House. This position manages a comprehensive set of responsibilities to achieve this goal including, but not limited to, creating and coordinating a team strategy that ensures every employee, volunteer and contractor at the Detroit Opera House works seamlessly in anticipating patron needs, exceeding expectations, and creating a “wow” factor for every guest.  Hospitality and customer service, as core cultural values, are at the center of everything that happens at the Detroit Opera House, and the Director is key to this. The Director also has operational oversight for events, activities and relationships of the Detroit Opera House.

The Director of Operations and Patron Experiences reports to the Chief Administrative Officer in the effective operation of the Detroit Opera House, and works as a strategic business partner to every employee, volunteer and contractor.  The Director provides day-to-day leadership that supports the mission of the organization.  This will be accomplished with a respectful, constructive and energetic style, guided by an unwavering goal to provide consistently outstanding experiences to all patrons in the Detroit Opera House, as well as a recognition and desire to ensure a positive, supportive and creative culture internally. The Director will maintain a professional manner when dealing with all constituencies and always preserve a high level of integrity and professionalism, and will coach colleagues to hold the same high standards.

This position requires a combination of daytime, evening, and weekend hours. Exact hours/work schedules will be developed in conjunction with the Chief Administrative Officer.

Specific Responsibilities:

Patron Experiences

• This team-based program will deepen the connection between MOT/DOH and all patrons by ensuring a welcoming, safe/secure, accommodating and memorable experience for all those who enter the Detroit Opera House. 

Event Operations

• Ensure that customer service/patron relations standards are met and exceeded to ensure the highest level of experiences for our guests
• Serve as Manager on Duty for events as scheduled. Participate in coordinating operations for events, including ushers, food & beverage, engineering, parking and safety & security.
• Participate in financial settlements for cash operations and rental events, observing and enforcing all financial controls established by the finance department at all times.

Communications and Relationships

• Participate in managing relationships and agreements with tenants and contractors.
• Champion MOT and the Detroit Opera House in a visible and credible manner both inside and outside the organization
• Support the Detroit Opera House as a patron experience-driven organization through all interactions and transactions

Physical Facilities

• Participate in directing the operations and resources needed to manage the Opera House as downtown Detroit’s performing arts center and as Michigan’s premier performance venue.
• Work closely with leadership to establish and supervise operational systems for the facility, including safety procedures as well as technical and service training.
• Work closely with the CAO to oversee capital projects and new construction as necessary.
• Ensure that the maintenance and upkeep of MOT’s physical facilities is sufficient to maintain and/or improve operational excellence, aesthetics, ambiance, safety, accessibility and excellent experiences.Participate in the management of facility preservation, restoration, maintenance, and upgrade projects.

Other Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with leadership to develop, implement and communicate necessary institutional policies and procedures, as well as training programs
• Participate in the development of proposed annual budgets (income and expenditures) and for monitoring progress. Work closely with leadership and the finance team to prepare annual facility operating, capital maintenance and upgrades budgets and track progress towards maintaining these budgets throughout each fiscal year.
• Ensure compliance with all city, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations in accordance with the operation of an entertainment venue, retail space and parking center.
• Oversee the execution of internal projects and events as assigned, including the development, implementation and execution of assigned strategic and annual work plans.
• Work collaboratively and strategically on projects, events and activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support MOT’s overall objectives. 

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, hospitality, business, arts administration or related degree strongly preferred.
• Three or more years of experience managing a public venue, including staff supervisor experience.
• Three or more years of experience managing theatrical events with audiences of more than 2000 OR experience managing high-end weddings, galas and private catered events.
• Experience in management for large public event venues such as convention centers, arenas or hotels with large event spaces would be a plus.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing the operation of public facilities.
• Hospitality expertise and the ability to deliver customer service that exceeds the customer’s expectations.
• The ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills to successfully interact with diverse groups of people and multiple constituencies.
• The ability to resolve conflicts with the utmost regard for all parties and positive outcomes.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrate independent, mature judgment; convey a professional image and attitude.
• The ability to formulate and execute plans efficiently and effectively.
• Fluency with financial reporting, budgeting and reconciliation.
• Experience working successfully in a team environment.
• Proven communication, leadership and relationship building skills
• Proven ability to act as an advocate for the institution among various stakeholders
• High standards, maturity standing as a visible leader with integrity and trust.
• Flexible and able to multitask; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems
• The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines effectively and with grace.
• A capacity to solve problems with strong strategic, organizational and management abilities.
• The ability to influence decisions through tact, diplomacy and proven relationship building skills.
• An interest in and a dedication to promoting all aspects of MOT’s programs and DOH’s public operations.

The following Experience would also be very helpful in this position:

• Leadership experience in a theatre setting
• Graduate of IAVM’s Venue Management School, Academy for Venue Safety and Security, and/or Guest Services Professional program(s)
• Experience using Ticketmaster and/or Tessitura Arts Enterprise Software.

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:            Chief Administrative Officer

Classification status:           Full time, exempt, salaried

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.

The Patron Services Associate for Michigan Opera Theatre is responsible for assisting patrons with all ticketing and purchase needs. He/she acts at all times as a steward of Michigan Opera Theatre. The Patron Services Associates serves patrons efficiently, accurately and politely at all points of contact, understands and implements donor retention strategies and ensures the highest level of patron satisfaction. This is a part-time position.

 

Specific Responsibilities:

 

• Greets and serves all patrons in a positive, supportive, friendly and polite manner in accordance with MOT’s patron-centered culture of excellence.
• Working with Patron Services Manager, monitors sales to sales goals, works with the Patrom Management Team to develop strategices and monitors implementation of action plans to achieve sales revenue goals for subscription and single tickets.
• Contributes to the maintenance of a supportive and fulfilling work environment.
• Sells subscription and single tickets to all Opera and Dance events by phone and in person in the box office.
• Assists customers with internet ticket purchases.
• Performs data entry of phone/mail/telemarketing/complimentary ticket orders using Tessitura ticketing system.
• Manages patron complaints and concerns on behalf of MOT, assuring each patron a timely and thoughtful response.
• Work at theatres during theatre box office hours and show times, selling tickets, processing comp requests and assuring that patrons are comfortably in their seats prior to curtain time, including working the will call booth if necessary.
• Prints will call tickets prior to show time.
• Answers phones as required in the box office and, as needed, in the main office.
• Develops positive working relationships with staff from every department, assuring clear lines of communication and the continued effective knowledge base of current MOT events and activies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

 

Position Qualifications:

 

• Must posess exceptional interpersonal skills, both in person and by phone, with patrons, board, staff members, volunteers, performers, other MOT constituents and the general public.
• Previous ticketing and/or phone center experience required.  Proven sales and customer service experience required.
• Demonstrated record of experience in cash handling, customer service and salesmanship is required.
• Possess the ability to work well in an extremely fast paced, ever changing environment.
• Ability to problem-solve and think quickly on one’s feet.
• High degree of flexibility in response to daily shifting priorities.
• Knowledge of the Michigan Opera Theatre’s season programs and offerings.
• Prior experience with a ticketing system is necessary; functional knowledge of Tessitura is a plus.
• Must be able to handle the physical demands commensurate with an active box office and concert schedule. Ability to spend up to three hours on your feet with no break and some occasional lifting of 25+ pounds.
• The ability to work a flexible schedule including regular weekdays as well as evenings and weekends is required for this position.
• High energy and passion for MOT’s mission is important for this role

 

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:           Ticket Office Manager

Classification status:          PART-TIME, non-exempt, hourly