Posted by Canadian Opera Company
The Canadian Opera Company is looking for apprentice stage managers for its upcoming 26-27 season.
Organization Description
Canadian Opera Company
Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. General Director David C. Ferguson joined the company in 2024, forming a leadership team alongside Artistic Director Roberto Mauro and Music Director Johannes Debus. Recently, Ian Derrer was appointed the next General Director of the company, slated to begin his term in July 2026. The COC enjoys a loyal audience, including a dedicated base of subscribers, and has an international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation. Its diverse repertoire includes new commissions and productions, and local and international collaborations with leading opera companies and festivals, while attracting the world’s foremost Canadian and international artists. The company is an incubator for the future of the art form, nurturing Canada’s new wave of opera performers and creators with customized training and support. The COC’s purpose-built opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, is hailed internationally as one of the finest in the world.
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JOB DESCRIPTION:
The apprentice stage manager will work under the supervision of the Stage Manager, in consultation with the Engager’s designated representative, during rehearsals, cueing sessions, scene change rehearsals, and performances. The ideal candidate is well-organized, highly collaborative, and should intend to make a career in the professional opera/theatre field as a Stage Manager, and is not a member of any professional performing artists association or union.
- La Traviata: August 24 to October 17, 2026 plus three days prep
- Cosi fan tutte: September 7 to October 18, 2026 plus three days prep
- Turn of the Screw: December 28, 2026 to February 18, 2027 plus three days prep
- Ariadne auf Naxos: January 11 to February 20, 2027 plus three days prep
- Elixir of Love: April 12 to May 29, 2027 plus three days prep
- Come Closer: May 24 to June 20, 2027 plus three days prepSalary range is $944.05 CAD per week.
Key Responsibility
- Assisting Stage Management with rehearsals and running of productions to learn the process of stage managing for opera.
Requirements
- Post-Secondary degree or diploma in Theatre Production or Music, or relevant experience
- Ability to read music
- Keen interest in Stage Management as a career
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Excellent time management and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to work both independently and with a team
- Flexible schedule including evenings and weekends
- Highly organized
- Knowledge of operatic canon and prior work in opera or musical theatre an asset
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Please email your resume to the following address:
Attention: Murphy Diggon
Email: MurphyD@coc.ca
Please include ‘COC SM Apprentice’ in the subject line.
Deadline for submissions: Thursday, June 18, 2026 by 5 p.m.
As Canada’s largest opera company, the COC deeply values equity and diversity across all levels of the organization and believes in fostering an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that fully supports our team’s personal and collective success. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects our community, our city, and our country and, in turn, the COC welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and abilities who share and embrace these values of anti-racism and inclusion.
The COC is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in all parts of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.
The Canadian Opera Company thanks all applicants in advance, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or agencies please.