Spoleto Festival USA Apprenticeship Program (Multiple Departments)

OPERA America, Inc.; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel stipend

Housing options

Free tickets to performances

Dormitory housing

Job summary

Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, SC is offering a spring Apprenticeship Program spanning 4 to 6 weeks. Apprentices will work hands-on in various departments alongside professional arts administrators and technicians, gaining real experience and responsibility beyond observation.

Applicants must be at least 18, able to pass a background check, have US work authorization for the full duration, and be prepared for long hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays; onsite-only roles with travel

Qualifications

• Minimum age 18; 21+ for select positions due to insurance requirements and/or state regulations.
• Ability to pass and maintain a clear background check.
• Valid work authorization in the United States for the full duration of the program; Spoleto does not sponsor visas for this program.

Responsibilities

• Support multiple festival departments as assigned (e.g., Artist Services, Box Office, Development, Education, Marketing, Operations).

Skills

Background check

US work authorization

Flexibility

Job description

Spoleto Festival USA Apprenticeship Program (Multiple Departments)

Network(s): Artistic Administration; Development; Education & Community Engagement; Finance, HR, & Administration; Marketing & PR; Other

Spoleto Festival USA is a non-profit, multi-genre performing arts festival held each spring in Charleston, South Carolina, presenting world-class opera, theater, dance, and music across 17 days each spring.

Spend your spring at one of the most celebrated performing arts festivals in the country. As an apprentice, you'll work hands-on alongside professional arts administrators and technicians, gaining real experience and real responsibility, not just an observational internship.

Position Type: Seasonal, Temporary

Location: Charleston, SC (Onsite only; this role cannot be performed remotely)

Reports To: Varies by placement

The Program

Our Apprenticeship Program places early-career professionals and college students across a wide range of festival departments for 4 to 6 weeks each spring. You'll apply to one primary department of interest and may also indicate secondary departments you'd like to be considered for.

What You'll Do

Depending on your placement, you could find yourself supporting any of the following areas: Artist Services, Box Office, Chamber Music Associate, Chorus Personnel, Development & Special Events, Education and Community Engagement, Finance/Accounting, Marketing, Music Operations, Orchestra Library, Orchestra Personnel, or Operations. Full descriptions for each department are available on our website (linked below).

What You'll Bring

At least 18 years of age (21+ for select positions due to insurance requirements and/or state regulations)

Ability to pass and maintain a clear background check

Valid work authorization in the United States for the full duration of the program; Spoleto does not sponsor visas for this program

Flexibility to work long hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment

Good to Know

Most apprenticeships run approximately May 9 through June 14, 2027, aligned with the 2027 Festival (May 28 to June 13); some roles begin as early as February 2027

This is an onsite opportunity based in Charleston, SC

Weekly salary: $600 for new apprentices, $650 for returning apprentices from the 2026 season

Travel stipend for those residing outside Charleston, SC (based on distance traveled)

Housing options: free dormitory housing at the College of Charleston, or a daily housing stipend if arranging your own

Complimentary tickets to select Festival performances, based on availability

Spoleto Festival USA is an equal opportunity employer and committed to diversity in hiring. Spoleto Festival USA does not discriminate in employment on the basis of an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, hairstyles or hair texture, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, parental status, marital status, military status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Our greatest strength comes from our ability to come together as unique individuals, come as you are and bring the best version of yourself.