BERLIN OPERA ACADEMY

Update: For 2023 our pilot programs of costume and set apprenticeship positions have been cancelled due to feedback and restructuring.

Please submit your application, resume, and any required materials via the "Apply" link above.

The dates of the Apprenticeship programs vary within: July 3 through September 14.

BOA’s Apprentices are the bedrock of the Academy. We have elected to waive application fees for our apprentices and, thanks to funding applied directly to the Apprenticeship Program, the experience is tuition-free. Apprentices are guided by BOA Faculty and Staff while being given the autonomy to take on responsibility, embrace opportunities, and work from their own initiative. We find this is the most effective way of preparing for careers in the opera industry.

We do offer a number of individual scholarships that can be used to help with your accommodation costs. These scholarships are a maximum of 300€ per session and are awarded to applicants who apply and demonstrate undue financial hardship.

All Apprentices are required to submit a refundable deposit of 500€ to hold their place at BOA . This will be refunded after the summer ends. (BOA will begin processing all refunds in September 2023.) Please note: if an Apprentice does not attend BOA for the agreed upon dates, the deposit becomes non-refundable.

For exceptional apprentices, Berlin Opera Academy supports and facilitates future employment opportunities.

Under the guidance of our staff, you will have the chance to learn what is required in opera houses and what is expected from accompanists. Your development and education will be furthered through assisting individual lessons on the essential keys of good coaching and skilful accompaniment. All assigned activities are based on the individual’s desire and interest, and the merit earned by their preparation level upon arrival. As we will provide contacts and opportunities to play for experienced professionals, who can recommend employment, we expect all apprentices to arrive with a professional level of preparation. You will:

• • play production rehearsals
• • assist the Maestro and faculty répétiteurs during production rehearsals and music coachings
• • collaborate with Vocal Faculty during singing lessons and masterclasses
• • be prepared to coach singers in your areas of strength
• • assist with accompaniment in concerts
• • sing in lines during production rehearsals and in music coachings to fill in for absent or ill singers
• • play in the chosen performances (at the discretion of the musical director)

Successful applicants will be assigned to two productions during the BOA Opernfest Festival. It is also possible to participate in only one production.

Application Repertoire: Applicants interested in Apprentice Répétiteur positions should prepare 2 pieces that demonstrate their ability in the operatic field. They will be asked to stumble through the Act II Finale of Le Nozze di Figaro for the interview stage.

Develop as a conductor under the direction of world-class faculty. Receive crucial experience and hear feedback from both sides of the baton. Grow under the guidance of conductors and singers, while leading the ensemble. All assigned activities are based on the individual’s areas of interest and their level of preparation upon arrival. You will:

• • play production rehearsals
• • assist the Maestro and faculty répétiteurs during production rehearsals and music coachings
• • collaborate with Vocal Faculty during singing lessons and masterclasses
• • sing in lines during production rehearsals and music coachings to fill in for absent or ill singers
• • assist with accompaniment during concerts
• • play in the chosen performances (at the discretion of the musical director)
• • conduct rehearsals when asked

Develop your skills as an assistant director under the tutelage of faculty experienced in the international opera scene. Use your initiative and take responsibility for tasks in a safe environment, mentored by the staff. Gain connections and experience while developing your directorial skills and mastering key aspects of successful assistant directing. You will:

• • work closely with the director to prepare rehearsal schedules and content
• • prepare the following day’s rehearsal schedule and calls with the director, conductor, and choreographer (where applicable) and send it to the Administrator after rehearsal
• • keep a rehearsal book/score with all singers’ dramatic and staging cues and information
• • assist with prop-making, set-creation, and costumes where relevant

Join the BOA team in one of the most important organisational positions. Take responsibility for all things related to the stage from calls to props to quick changes. Develop under the guidance of staff who regularly work at the world’s top houses. You will:

• • keep a rehearsal book/score with detailed notes/drawings during all rehearsals (including entrances, exits, costume changes, set changes, props, and technical calls)
• • work with the director & conductor to prepare the rehearsal room to meet their requirements and daily plan
• • call the start and end of all rehearsals and breaks
• • ensure each cast gets balanced rehearsal time
• • be responsible for all cast attendance (including communicating tardiness, absence, and illness to all relevant staff)
• • contact singers if late
• • assist with production tasks where relevant
• • problem-solve any rehearsal issues that arise
• • communicate with relevant faculty & staff in a timely and professional manner
• • ensure rehearsal rooms are opened and locked 10 minutes prior to and following all rehearsals
• • ensure all room keys are returned to the relevant parties

Under the guidance of BOA staff and faculty, spearhead and support Film & Media projects at Berlin Opera Academy. You will:

• • explore projection work (if required for a directorial concept)
• • learn operatic filming principles
• • be guided through the process for creating effective advertising campaigns
• • work on the recording, editing, and post-production involved in making digital records of our operas

Working with the BOA Media Faculty gives insight into effective videography techniques in both private and educational spheres. By working directly with singers and directors, filming and editing their productions and their day to day activities, you will build a network of artistic contacts worldwide.

If you are passionate about opera, get your feet wet with a variety of essential tasks, assisting the general director and artistic administrator directly and helping with the preparation of rehearsal plans. You will:

• • develop your marketing skills and enter the challenging but exciting world of art promotion
• • work on web design, poster design, and/or face-to-face publicity
• • have an experience that is tailored to your specific skills and interests
• • be guided by former opera intendants and current leaders in the field

At BOA, we want to help you grow in your areas of strength, assist with weaknesses, and provide employment opportunities in the field.

Administrative Assistant

Get experience in Arts Administration by assisting the BOA team with essential behind-the-scenes organisational tasks. You will:

• • develop skills in events and office management
• • get a glimpse of all practical aspects of running an intensive opera summer school
• • have the opportunity to assist with a variety of tasks from finances to communications
• • be guided by the artistic director and other senior team members

The experience will be tailored to your specific skills and interests. At BOA, we want to help you grow in your areas of strength, assist with weaknesses, and provide employment opportunities in the field.

Learn from the guidance of the BOA Admin Team and assist with festival marketing tasks. You will:

• • assist with promotional aspects of the festival, such as flyers, social media, ticketing, etc
• • work on BOA’s SEO to improve our reach
• • assist with Google, Meta, and Tiktok ad spend
• • help to grow our audience base in Berlin
• • work creatively to come up with innovative new ways to market BOA

The experience will be designed to improve your employability in the marketing and administrative fields.

Our set design intern will work closely with the directorial team and head set designer Simone Serlenga in support of the set design process for our opera productions in Berlin. A summary of the responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• • Supporting with the construction of both the model and final product set design
• • Supporting the sourcing of relevant set or prop materials throughout Berlin as needed
• • Providing assistance with adjustments to set design plans and the construction of set as needed
• • Assisting in communications with the production team and between departments

Find more info about Simone Serlenga here.

Summer Volunteer Position Information in Costume, Set and Tech will be posted shortly.

For tuition submissions, please click here:

Your BOA application includes gratis consideration for our sister academy: Saluzzo Opera Academy.