Careers at Opera San Jose

Master Electrician

Master Electrician

Fiddler on the Roof  |  Opera San José 2026–27 Season

About Opera San José

Opera San José is a professional opera company performing mainstage productions at the historic California Theatre in downtown San Jose. For the 2026–27 season, OSJ presents Fiddler on the Roof and seeks an experienced Master Electrician to lead the lighting execution for this production.

Position Summary

The Master Electrician is responsible for realizing the Lighting Designer’s design on stage: preparing all lighting paperwork and equipment in advance of load-in, leading a mixed team of union and non-union electricians through hang and focus, and supporting the production through cueing sessions, technical and dress rehearsals, performances, and strike. The ME communicates and works cooperatively with Opera staff including the General Director, Stage Director, Technical Director, Lighting Designer, and Assistant Master Electrician in executing the Opera’s design concepts.

Key Responsibilities

• Review final designs from the Lighting Designer and work with the Technical Director to adjust the design to fit within the lighting budget.
• Research and secure any required rental equipment and make all purchases and preparations prior to load-in, within the given budget and in coordination with the Lighting Designer and technical staff.
• Prepare all required lighting paperwork and plot(s), produce ‘cardboards’ to be used by the lighting crew, assist in identifying over-hire electricians, and prepare gel and gobos before load-in.
• Work with the TD, IATSE Steward, and IATSE Lighting Head to manage a mixed team of union and non-union electricians in the hanging and focusing of lighting instruments and practicals before the first cueing session.
• Participate in production meetings, load-in, focus and cueing sessions, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances as agreed upon with OSJ.
• Make prompt corrections to any lighting element found to be insufficient with regard to safety.
• Communicate any scheduling conflicts or planned non-attendance to the Technical Director in advance, and arrange coverage where possible.

Qualifications

• Professional experience as a Master Electrician or lead electrician in opera, theatre, or a comparable live-performance setting.
• Fluency in reading and executing light plots and lighting paperwork; experience preparing hang and focus documentation.
• Working knowledge of theatrical lighting consoles, dimming, and control systems; experience with rental gear sourcing and budgeting.
• Experience leading crews, including working alongside IATSE stagehands, with a collaborative and safety-first approach.
• Comfortable working at height (ladders, personnel lifts) and with the physical demands of load-in, focus, and strike.
• Availability for daytime, evening, and weekend calls per the production schedule below.

Key Dates

All technical work takes place at the California Theatre unless otherwise noted. A complete, day-by-day schedule will be provided in the letter of agreement.

Employment Details

This is a part-time, short-term employment position (employer–employee relationship) for the term of the production, paid biweekly at $35.00 per hour plus overtime if applicable, in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations. As a short-term, part-time employee, the Master Electrician is not eligible for paid vacation, medical insurance, or other benefits not required by local, state, or federal law (such as paid sick leave). The Master Electrician will receive a credit in the program. This engagement does not restrict the Master Electrician from employment with other organizations during the term.

To Apply

Please send a resume and two professional references to careers@operasj.org with the subject line “Master Electrician — Fiddler on the Roof.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Opera San José is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

Patron Experience Representative

Assistant Stage Manager

Opera San José is looking for qualified Bay Area/San José local Assistant Stage Manager candidates for its 2025-2026 season. Candidates should indicate which production(s) that are applying for.

2025-2026 Season

Cosi fan tutti: August 11 – September 28, 2025
Madama Butterfly: October 13 – November 30, 2025
Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci: January 12– March 1, 2026
La Traviata: March 16 – May 3, 2026 

Responsibilities:

• ASM will attend all staging, technical, and dress rehearsals, production meetings, and performances as indicated by the production calendar.
• ASM will report to the PSM, and support the PSM in the management of show paperwork including but not limited to rehearsal, tech, and performance reports, tech train schedules, contact lists, and daily rehearsal schedules, deck sheets, scene breakdowns, WWW’s, spice matrix, and first entrance timings.
• ASM will support the PSM in running daily rehearsals, and will step in to run the rehearsals themselves when PSM is not available.
• Ensure rehearsal venues are properly set up for daily rehearsal activities and ensure rehearsal preparation and coordinate daily needs with scenic, lights, props, and costumes departments
• Create an ASM score for personal track of the show (performer cues, prop hand offs, presets, wardrobe changes, etc.)
• During the tech period, in addition to regular rehearsal duties, ASM shall work and communicate closely with the PSM, run crews and TD on scenic moves.
• Supervise the work of 5-6 deck crew members and the prop runner
• ASM will report rehearsal, production, or artist issues or concerns to OSJ management in a timely manner.
• ASM will be fully conversant in OSJ COVID production safety protocols as well as Santa Clara County COVID health mandate in order to appropriately and safely execute their duties and activities in rehearsals and backstage.

Qualifications

• Experience working in professional opera
• Experience working shows with multiple scenic shifts
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to read music and piano/vocal scores

Compensation

This is a part-time, hourly, temporary position paid at $22/hour and is not eligible for benefits. No housing or travel stipend provided.

Location

All rehearsals and performances are held in San José, CA.

Company Culture:
Opera San José, in desiring a more equitable world, is committed to fostering equity in our art form. Opera in the twenty-first century can and should demonstrate today’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe in building, fostering, and sustaining a company that reflects, celebrates, and serves the diverse communities of the Bay Area. Opera San José cultivates a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all employees. We are firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds may grow personally and professionally.

Equal Opportunity:

Opera San José is an equal opportunity employer. It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all employees is central to the continuing success of our organization. We will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, physical disabilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, training, benefits, recommendations, rate of pay or other forms of compensation. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on qualifications and job requirements.

To apply: Please submit your resume at www.operasj.org/careers.