Internships at Lyric Opera

Lyric Opera of Chicago launched its paid internship program in Summer 2022. Each semester, the highly competitive program offers a variety of opportunities in several departments for interns to gain experience in arts administration. Internships at Lyric feature many professional development and robust training opportunities designed to help those who join us to feel empowered to pursue a career in the performing arts.

We are not currently accepting internship applications. Check back soon.

Explore Open Internships

More about internships

Lyric internships are offered in a variety of departments throughout the year:

Students can intern in departments including Development, People & Culture, Finance, Marketing and Communications, Artistic, Information Technology, and more.

Internships are offered during the summer, fall, and winter seasons.

Students must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Summer applications typically open in January, Fall applications typically open in June, and Winter applications typically open in October.

All interns are paid Chicago minimum wage plus a $30 weekly travel stipend.

Life at Lyric

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Where are they now

Many of our previous interns have gone on to accomplish amazing things in their careers in the performing arts industry and beyond. We are so proud to be a part of their career journeys.

Previous interns are now working full-time here at Lyric and other institutions including The Field Museum, The Ravinia Festival, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Chicago Academy of the Arts, San Francisco Opera, Plante Moran, The Obama Foundation, and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Testimonials

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Gabriela Allemana
Ryan Opera Center and Artistic Operations Intern, Summer 2023

"This summer has been life-changing for so many reasons and Lyric was a big part of that. I got to explore parts of the professional world and learn the beauties of the art form that is opera. In addition to learning about opera, I learned about the fruitfulness of arts administration, management, and planning. I am so incredibly thankful for the supervisors I had and the support I received at my time in Lyric.”

Arianna Ferris
Digital Marketing Intern, 2023/24 Season

“During this internship, I have not only gained applicable skills to further my career but I’ve also grown tremendously as a person. I will be forever grateful for this life-changing opportunity. I want to sincerely thank my mentors and supervisors for pushing me, believing in me, and allowing me to learn from you. Your guidance and support have been invaluable to my growth as an entertainment professional.”

Griffin Scott
Volunteer Boards Intern, Summer 2023

"My time as a Lyric intern was greatly influential on my knowledge of arts administration. It was truly an honor to be a part of such a strong and welcoming team. Definitely a summer that I will never forget!"

Yazmin Ramirez
Principal Gifts and Gift Planning Intern, 2023/24 Season

"Working with Lyric has put into perspective just how much goes into running a successful opera company. I am proud of the work I've done, and of all the projects I've worked on and been part of. Together, we achieved significant progress. Each project has been an opportunity to learn and grow, and I am grateful for all that each team has shown and taught me."

Inclusion diversity, equity and access policy (IDEA)

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Our employees are the most valuable asset we have. The sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, creativity, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation, our artistic achievements, and Lyric's powerful global brand.

Lyric's diversity initiatives are applicable – but not limited – to our practices and policies on recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; and the ongoing development of a work environment built on the premise of gender and diversity equity that encourages and enforces:

Respectful communication and cooperation between all employees.

Teamwork and employee participation, permitting and encouraging the representation of all groups and all employees' perspectives.

Work/life balance through flexible work schedules to accommodate employees' varying needs.

Employer and employee contributions to the communities we serve and represent to promote a greater understanding and respect for the diversity of this wonderful city we do our work in.

All employees of Lyric Opera of Chicago have a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect at all times. All employees are expected to exhibit conduct that reflects inclusion during work, at performances and at work functions on or off the work site, and at all company sponsored events. All employees are also required to attend and complete annual diversity awareness and bias management training to enhance their ability to fulfill this fundamental responsibility.

Any employee found to have exhibited any inappropriate conduct or behavior against others may be subject to disciplinary action.

Employees who believe they have been subjected to any kind of discrimination that conflicts with Lyric's diversity policy and initiatives should seek assistance from a supervisor or a Human Resources representative.