Production Assistant

Choral Arts Society of Washington; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 34,442,755 - 37,250,304; Part time

Job summary

Choral Arts Society of Washington seeks a detail-oriented Production Assistant to join our team. This part-time, hourly role (20 hours per week) reports to the Chorus Manager and supports production, music library, backstage, and administrative tasks to ensure performances run smoothly.

The ideal candidate is organized, able to multitask in a fast-paced performing arts setting, and comfortable working with artists and volunteers.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to follow through.
• Ability to read music and follow musical scores.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to lift and move equipment (~35 pounds).

Responsibilities

• Support production logistics for all performances and events.
• Assist with concert setup, strike, and venue restoration.
• Oversee load-in/load-out of equipment, staging, music, and materials.
• Provide backstage support during rehearsals and performances and coordinate staff/artist needs.
• Serve as show runner during concerts as assigned.

Skills

Organizational

Communication

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Music reading

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Lifting 35 lb

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Job description

Title of Immediate Supervisor: Chorus Manager

Hourly Rate: $24.04-$26.00, depending on experience

Hours: Part-time, Hourly (20 hours per week)

Priority Application Date: Friday, July 31, 2026

About the Choral Arts Society of Washington

The Choral Arts Society of Washington (Choral Arts) is a Grammy Award–winning symphonic chorus dedicated to reawakening the human capacity for awe through the power of choral music. Founded in 1965 and now led by Artistic Director Marie Bucoy-Calavan, Choral Arts is celebrated for its world‑class sound, cultural diplomacy, and community‑building both at home and abroad.

Based in Washington, DC, the 130‑voice Symphonic Chorus regularly performs with the National Symphony Orchestra, including the annual PBS broadcast of A Capitol Fourth, and has appeared with leading ensembles such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, and The Philadelphia Orchestra. Through international tours, embassy partnerships, and collaborations with composers, musicians, and cultural institutions worldwide, Choral Arts continues to unite audiences and transcend boundaries with the transformative power of the human voice.

Position Summary

Choral Arts seeks a detail‑oriented, organized part‑time Production Assistant to join our dedicated team. The Production Assistant supports the successful execution of rehearsals, performances, and special events for Choral Arts ensembles. Reporting to the Chorus Manager and working closely with the Artistic Operations Manager, this role provides hands‑on support across production, music library, backstage, and administrative functions, helping ensure artistic activities run smoothly and efficiently.

The ideal candidate is highly organized and detail‑oriented, comfortable working in a fast‑paced performing arts environment, and enjoys both behind‑the‑scenes production work and direct support for artists, volunteers, and staff. This is an exciting opportunity to make a direct impact on one of Washington, DC’s leading choral organizations.

Key Responsibilities

Concert Production & Backstage Operations

• Support production logistics for all Choral Arts performances and events.
• Assist with concert setup, strike, and venue restoration.
• Oversee and assist with load‑in and load‑out of orchestra equipment, staging, technical equipment, music, and other production materials.
• Serve as backstage support during rehearsals and performances, including serving as a runner during concerts, coordinating communication and logistical needs between staff, artists, and venue personnel, and troubleshooting production needs.
• Act as show runner during concerts as assigned.

Artist & Guest Hospitality

• Under the supervision of the Artistic Operations Manager, coordinate hospitality needs for guest artists, conductors, and production personnel.
• Prepare dressing rooms, hospitality areas, and artist materials.
• Assist visiting artists with logistical needs during rehearsals and performances.

Music Library & Rehearsal Support

• Under the supervision of the Artistic Operations Manager, maintain organization of the Choral Arts music library, including choral and orchestral materials.
• Prepare music for distribution at rehearsals and performances.
• Coordinate music distribution and collection for singers and musicians.
• Track, organize, store, and archive music and related materials.
• Assist with inventory and maintenance of music library resources.
• Collaborations, Touring & External Partnerships.

Chorus Operations Support

• Under the supervision of the Chorus Manager, prepare, maintain, and archive chorus records and documentation.
• Prepare and maintain rehearsal sign‑in sheets.
• Assist with annual singer forms, including commitment forms, handbook acknowledgments, and other required documentation.
• Review and prepare chorus reminders and rehearsal communications.
• Support rehearsal logistics and administrative needs as assigned.

Digital Content & Administrative Support

• Edit and upload rehearsal videos to Chorus Connection.
• Maintain digital files, archives, and production records.
• Assist with data entry, document preparation, and organizational projects.
• Help maintain production checklists, inventories, and shared resources.
• Serve as staff liaison for an assigned Chorus Service Team.
• Coordinate communication, scheduling, and support for volunteer activities related to that team.
• Assist with volunteer engagement during rehearsals and performances.

Other Duties

• Assist with special projects and organizational initiatives assigned.
• Support a collaborative and positive environment for singers, musicians, volunteers, guest artists, and staff.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Strong organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to follow through on tasks independently.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, artists, and patrons.
• Ability to read music and proficiency in following musical scores.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to comfortably lift and move equipment and materials in the range of approximately 35 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in performing arts administration, concert production, stage operations, music library work, or event management.
• Familiarity with choral, orchestral, or other performing arts environments.
• Experience working with volunteers and artists.
• Experience editing and managing digital media content.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements of the Job

• Completion of a satisfactory background check before the start of employment.
• The Production Assistant is a part‑time, hourly position that includes a combination of office, rehearsal, and performance hours. Choral Arts' regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and regular weekly rehearsals on Tuesdays from 7:30-10:30 p.m. This role requires availability for some regular Tuesday evening rehearsals, as well as concerts, special events, and selected additional rehearsals as scheduled during the performance season.
• The position requires standing for extended periods during rehearsals and performances, moving equipment and materials, attendance at meetings, and working in active backstage and production environments.

To Apply

Please email your cover letter and resumé to Maria Mathieson, Executive Director, at [e-mail].

The Choral Arts Society of Washington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.