Job Listing

San Francisco Opera

Rehearsal Assistant

Company: San Francisco Opera

Company Location: San Francisco, CA

Job Location: On Site/In Person

Job Type: Temporary & Seasonal

Date Posted: April 8, 2026

Network(s): Artistic Administration

DESCRIPTION

PURPOSE: To provide support to artists and staff members by assisting in the rehearsal and performance process.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Covers the Rehearsal Department Office so that there is always a staff member present during an opera related activity
Greets guests upon arrival to the War Memorial Opera House (WMOH) and provides appropriate direction or assistance.
Assists with scheduling same day rehearsal spaces, coaching studios, & dressing rooms—as well as booking conference room requests into the Outlook calendars
Unlocks the rehearsal spaces, coaching studios, & dressing rooms at the WMOH and reports any maintenance issues
Checks, edits, distributes, posts, & archives the daily and weekly schedules.
Maintains a general awareness of all scheduled activities on a daily basis
Assists in collecting information for preparing and updating rehearsal and performance documents
Retrieves and distributes mail, invitations, flowers/gifts, and messages
Maintains incident report paperwork; disseminates incident report/workers comp documentation to the proper parties
Assists in ensuring that all artists are accounted for prior to rehearsals and performances; contacts artists the morning of each performance to confirm wellness, call times, and backstage guests.
Creates and posts dressing room information and signage
Assists with granting access for backstage guests
Assists with the recruitment, casting, and management of Child and Adult Supernumeraries, and Child Wranglers and Studio Teachers.
Assists in the preparation of the performance related paperwork

SHARED REHEARSAL DEPARTMENT FUNCTIONS:

Collaborates, when necessary, with the Artistic Department to ensure that the personal needs of artists/production teams are met
Prints and distributes Rehearsal Department reference cards containing important phone numbers & email addresses
Maintains the Rehearsal Department Call Board by posting the current version of pertinent information
Managing of Supernumeraries as well as supernumerary database input
Creates backstage access passes for the company and maintains the access requests database
Supports the Rehearsal Department with production research, general maintenance issues, parking, and security
Assists Security and House Management with access and/or clearance for guests
Responsible for general office maintenance; assists in inventorying, ordering, and purchasing office, hospitality, & medical supplies
Performs other job-related duties as assigned
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience
- Experience in or a strong desire to learn about repertory opera preferred
PREREQUISITE SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS:
- Must have reliable daily attendance and punctuality
- Must maintain a high level of confidentiality
- Provides a welcoming and friendly environment
- Must have an aptitude to communicate in a clear, professional and patient manner by phone, in writing, and in person
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team, to take initiative / work with confidence, and to establish good working relationships
- Must be able to meet deadlines
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, late night services, and split shifts
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel and Outlook & an understanding of web-based applications
- General knowledge of foreign languages is desirable, but not necessary
- Must perform the functions of the position in a safe manner while working in an environment with a high level of noise and distractions
- Must have the ability to work in onstage conditions: to see clearly in low-light situations such as are common backstage and in the theatre; walk and stand on complex stage settings throughout day-to-day activities
- Ability to sit at a computer/desk for up to eight hours per day; must be able to deliver schedules and/or escort artists to rehearsal spaces
EQUIPMENT OR MACHINES, IF ANY, THAT MUST BE OPERATED TO PERFORM THE POSITION ACCEPTABLY:
- Computer, printer/copier, multiple-line telephone, multiple-line radio/receiver, and other general office equipment & machines
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Indoors with temperature and noise levels typical of this environment
  - Seasonal location is directly off-stage & adjacent to the Stage Door
  - Technical, catering, and mail-room delivery noise is a regular occurrence
  - Opera Singing and/or Opera recordings are heard/played daily
- Group Office setting with much foot traffic and distractions
- The Rehearsal Department office moves within the War Memorial Opera House building twice a year due to Seasonal requirements/constituent residency