Seattle Opera/TeenTix Internship

Seattle Opera is pleased to announce a new internship program in collaboration with TeenTix, set for Summer 2020. This six-week internship will take place July 6–August 14 (with some flexibility). The work schedule is approximately 20 hours a week.

TeenTix Internship at Seattle Opera

Are you a storyteller who wants to work in the arts or for a nonprofit someday? Are you passionate about making the arts a space where more young people and People of Color feel seen and represented? Or—are you an artist who wants to learn about how to market your work? The TeenTix Internship at Seattle Opera is the ideal opportunity for you!



Currently, Seattle Opera’s marketing and communications department spends a lot of time trying to provide context about old works for our adult audiences. How should we be telling these stories today, in 2020? What kind of context would attract young people to attending an opera? Bring your ideas to a major arts organization while gaining real-world experience. With supervision from both TeenTix and Seattle Opera staff, the intern will serve as a youth adviser for Seattle Opera’s marketing efforts, and help the company inspire more youth to attend Seattle Opera events and performances.

Interns will gain experience in writing press releases, and how to work with journalists and members of the media to get a show noticed. Learn how to support the success of a production through social media, educational programs, and events. The experience will culminate in an intern-led project (such as a Teen Night at the Opera) aimed at expanding Seattle Opera’s reach to young people.

An example of what Seattle Opera does to help unpack how opera resonates today is our Community Conversations series. In April 2019, the conversation "Decolonizing Allure" featured Women of Color artists such as Perri Rhoden, Sara Porkalob, and Aramis Hamer prior to the company's mainstage performance of Carmen. Sunny Martini photo 

Who should apply

- Teens interested in the arts—music and opera experience are not required.
- Applicants should be 17-20.
- People of Color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Commitment to Racial Equity

Seattle Opera is committed to dismantling historic barriers of oppression, and to fostering racial equity. Through ongoing learning and evaluation of our work, by centering communities of color, and by building authentic partnerships, Seattle Opera believes we can transform our art form, and our world.

TeenTix is an anti-racist organization that is actively working to identify, name, and correct institutionalized racism and constructs of white supremacy within our own organization, and to help our partnered arts and culture organizations do the same. Our programs work to uplift marginalized voices in arts leadership and arts journalism, and to increase access to art.

Compensation 

The TeenTix Internship at Seattle Opera is a paid internship ($15.75 an hour; approximately 20 hours a week).

Required qualifications

- A desire to be part of an arts or nonprofit organization.
- Interest in some performing art (opera, music, dance, theater etc.).
- A passion for racial equity and social justice.
- Demonstrated writing skill and passion.
- A willingness to show up, contribute to team meetings, and let your voice be heard!

Not required, but would be awesome!

- Social media savvy, or willingness to learn.
- Previous experience with TeenTix, Seattle Opera, or classical music helpful, but not required
- A desire to work in the arts or for an arts organization or nonprofit organization in the future.
- Youth leadership experience of any kind.

What to expect

Each day, interns will come to the Seattle Center campus (305 Harrison St. Seattle, WA 98109)—where both Seattle Opera and TeenTix are headquartered. The majority of the internship will be spent at Seattle Opera, with regular check-ins at the TeenTix office. Interns will work with a dedicated staff person at both organizations. At Seattle Opera, interns will focus on the actual assignments and responsibilities of the internship. At TeenTix, interns will spend time with mentors to focus on personal growth and reflection, and how the experience plays in to the intern’s big-picture goals.

Interns must be available for 20 hours of work, Monday-Friday. The intern and managers will work together to set official work hours and schedule. Interns must attend social media meetings every other Thursday at Seattle Opera, and attend a dress rehearsal for Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci either August 5 or 6, 2020.

The Opera Center, Seattle Opera's headquarters, are located at 363 Mercer St., Seattle. Sean Airhart photo

The intern’s time will be divided among three main areas:

Serving as a Youth Adviser (40 %)

The intern will work with managers to critically examine the upcoming Seattle Opera season, then help create a plan to attract teens to upcoming shows. Additionally, with guidance and supervision, the intern will be in charge of leading a teen focus group.

Writing and Social Media (40 %)

With guidance and supervision, the intern will write:
- Press releases and social media posts.
- Articles for the Seattle Opera blog, such as an artist Q&A.
- Support materials for opera productions, educational programs, blogs, and news events (including written, audio, photographic, and video content).
- A first-person blog post, topic
- Additionally, the intern will attend bi-weekly social media meetings with the Seattle Opera marketing department, where they will learn to brainstorm and pitch social media content.

Learning & Professional Development (20 %):

The internship will include one-on-one mentorship from Seattle Opera and TeenTix staff, plus opportunities to learn more about the art of opera and get a behind-the-scenes look at an opera company. The six-week-experience will also include resume help, career counseling and assistance in planning for next-steps.

Interns will attend a dress rehearsal of Seattle Opera's summer opera, a double bill of Cavalleria rusticana/Pagliaci. Photos copyright Thilo Beu, THEATER BONN.

How to apply:

Please email the following materials to jobs@teentix.org by March 1, 2020:

A one-page cover letter explaining:

• Why you’re interested in this internship.
• The skills or past experience you bring.
• How this experience will help you achieve future goals.

Two writing samples: 

• One academic (a high school or college essay).
• One creative (could be something creative you wrote for school, a short story, a review of a recent arts event you attended, or something entirely different of your choosing!).

When you submit your materials, please include in the body of your email message:

• One professional or academic reference (name, title, phone and email)
• A link to social media post that you loved
• Explain in a couple sentences why it was effective.

If you need assistance filling out this application, please contact TeenTix at jobs@teentix.org or call 206.233.3959.

Interview

An in-person or phone interview in March or April 2020 is necessary.

Prior to the interview, applicants should check out the Seattle Opera Facebook, Instagram, and blog. Be ready to discuss how that content could be used or changed to attract teens. (Or if it can’t be used for teens, why?).