Arts Admin

Arts Admin

The Prague Summer Nights Young Artist Music Festival Arts Administration Program aims to provide students practical experience on the logistical and operational needs required for the successful completion of an international summer music festival.

Offering exposure to the world of opera, orchestra, and chamber music, this diverse program allows its participants a wide range of administrative experiences while also exposing them to the culture and history of some of Europe’s most historic and beautiful cities.

Participants will have the opportunity to work directly with the Festival Administration, Prague Summer Nights faculty, guest artists and students throughout the entirety of the program. Over the course of 30 days, they will develop the skills necessary to work effectively in a collaborative and team-oriented environment.

Learn about the experiences of the Prague Summer Nights Arts Admin team:

Hear firsthand how they navigated the behind-the-scenes world of festival planning, managed events, supporting talented musicians and performers.

Position Descriptions

Festival Coordinator

The Festival Coordinator will report directly to the Festival Manager and will aid in all logistical aspects of the day-to-day operations of the program. He or she must demonstrate a strong ability to multitask, a high-level of organization and a keen attention to detail. This position requires an individual with a collaborative spirit and calm demeanor who can communicate directly with the PSN staff, guest artists and students.

*This position requires pre-festival internship at Classical Movements including schedule training

The duties of this position include but are not limited to:

  • Manage the scheduling of all festival rehearsals in direct collaboration with the Festival Manger. This includes coordinating multiple schedules of all 95 participants and 10 faculty involved in opera and orchestra productions, as well as coachings, lessons and chamber music rehearsals for all participants
  • Send company-wide schedule and festival communications and updates
  • Work collaboratively with the Voice, Orchestra and Production Coordinators on all needs pertaining to opera productions, opera scenes and the cabaret recital, ensuring all logistical needs are met for each performance and communicating directly to the Festival Manager any issues or concerns
  • Work collaboratively with the Orchestra Personnel Coordinator and Librarian on all needs pertaining to orchestra concerts and the chamber music, ensuring all logistical needs are met for each performance and communicating directly to the Festival Manager any issues or concerns
  • Oversee the well-being of participants and faculty

Program Operations and Guest Artist Liaison

The Program Operations and Guest Artist Liaison will report directly to the Festival Manager, assisting in all aspects pertaining to the successful execution of all festival operations. This individual will exhibit an existing knowledge of orchestra production and a passion to further his or her understanding of the logistical needs required for an entire festival. He or she must possess a keen attention to detail, a strong ability to multi-task and an ability to work collaboratively.

*This position requires pre-festival internship at Classical Movements

The duties of this position include but are not limited to:

Program Operations

  • Oversee student ground transportation and accommodation check-in/check-out
  • Create and manage rooming lists and transportation rosters
  • Supervise the count and handling of equipment
  • Assist with set up and breakdown of rehearsal and concert space (Orchestra)
  • Oversee practice rooms/availability/sign ups and equipment
  • Comp tickets
  • Communicate with the Festival Manager any new production requests and work in collaboration with festival administration to fulfill these requirements
  • Work in collaboration with the Festival Coordinator to create and disseminate load-in, room requests, technical rehearsal and load-out calendars to all opera participants and staff

 

Guest Artist Liaison (Orchestra)

  • Create guest artist schedules (assign students to masterclasses and individual lessons)
  • Greet and accompany guest artists to their locations and ensure their well-being
  • Follow up with students scheduled for Masterclasses and track their attendance
  • Work collaboratively with festival coordinator for room scheduling

Vocal Program Operations and Guest Artist Liaison (voice area)

The Vocal Program Operations and Guest Artist Liaison will report directly to the Festival Manager and Head of Voice, assisting in all aspects pertaining to the successful execution of all voice related activities. This individual will exhibit an existing knowledge of opera production and a passion to further his or her understanding of the logistical needs required for opera production. He or she must possess a keen attention to detail, a strong ability to multi-task and an ability to work collaboratively.

The duties of this position include but are not limited to:

Vocal Program Operations

  • Work with the stage directors and assistants to realize and execute rehearsal room set-up and needs, gathering of props etc.
  • Oversee costume fittings in collaboration with stage director assistants
  • Coordinate student workers in the opera program, making sure they are present to help with rehearsal set up and take down and scheduling them for any special performance, load-in or load-out days that occur during the program
  • Communicate with the Festival Manager any new production requests and work in collaboration with festival administration to fulfill these requirements
  • Work in collaboration with the Festival Coordinator to create and disseminate load-in, room requests, technical rehearsal and load-out calendars to all opera participants and staff

 

Vocal Competition

  • Coordinate Vocal Competition sign ups and communication
  • Prepare competition rosters and judging materials
  • Coordinate and supervise the preliminary and finals venue set up and break down, student attendance and student helpers

 

Guest Artist Liaison (Voice)

  • Create guest artist schedules (assign students to masterclasses and individual lessons)
  • Greet and accompany guest artists to their locations and ensure their well-being
  • Follow up with students scheduled for Masterclasses and track their attendance
  • Work collaboratively with festival coordinator for room scheduling
  • Report to the Head of Voice and Festival Manager

Production and Stage Coordinator

The Production and Stage Coordinator will report to the Festival Manager and work to facilitate smooth running productions for all voice and orchestra performances. He or she will possess a keen understanding of pre-show, front of house, and backstage activities, maintain a calm demeanor and the ability to work collaboratively with locals while overcoming possible language barriers. This individual will work directly with the Festival Manager on all aspects pertaining to concert and stage production.

The duties of this position include but are not limited to:

  • Create concert production sheets and oversee all concert productions accordingly
  • Coordinate student workers and plan with Co-Interns for performances, making sure they are present to help with set up and take down and scheduling them for any special performance needs, load-in or load-out days that occur during the program
  • Coordinate and oversee pre-performance activities front and back of house
  • Create concert programs – (knowledge required in Publisher/InDesign)
  • Create concert posters
  • Manage supertitles for operas
  • Call the show/curtain
  • Oversee the needs for props and costumes
  • Oversee stage set up and breakdown
  • Work collaboratively with co-interns to coordinate all concert productions. Coordinate companywide notifications with the Festival Coordinator

Orchestra Personnel Coordinator and Librarian

The Orchestra Personnel Coordinator and Librarian will report directly to the Festival Manager and Artistic Director. He or she will demonstrate an existing knowledge pertaining to orchestra production and a keen understanding of the logistical needs for a symphony orchestra. In addition, this individual will serve as the Orchestra Librarian, editing and preparing all parts as needed for distribution to students.

*This internship requires time prior to the Festival to prepare the orchestra music

The duties of this position include but are not limited to:

  • Create and share stage plots
  • Work closely with Production and Stage Coordinator for orchestra musicians needs
  • Regular check ins with orchestra conductors and their needs
  • Track the attendance of orchestra members, ensuring all necessary personnel are present for rehearsals and communicating attendance issues to the Artistic Director and Festival Manager
  • Ensure that all rehearsal and performances are properly set prior to the start of rehearsal
  • Coordinate the student workers in the Festival Orchestra, making sure they are present to help with orchestra/chamber set-up and take-down and scheduling them for any special load-in or load-out days that occur during the program.
  • Oversee the distribution and collection of all orchestra music during the festival
  • Oversee the editing of orchestra parts prior to the start of the festival including adding bowings, marking edits or cuts and copying all page turns
  • Communicate directly with the Festival Manager and Artistic Director any production concerns or needs that arise
  • Work collaboratively with the Festival Coordinator on scheduling needs pertaining to orchestra concerts and the chamber music program, relaying any specific scheduling requests that may arise and communicating any scheduling issues or concerns pertaining to the orchestra
  • Reports to the Artistic Director and Festival Manager

Marketing & Social Media Coordinator

The Marketing & Social Media Coordinator will report to the Festival Manager and work to promote and maintain the marketing tone of the program. He or she will possess a keen understanding of social media platforms and marketing initiatives as well as an ability to work collaboratively with both faculty and staff. This individual will work directly with the Festival Manager on all aspects pertaining to concert and festival promotion.

The duties of this position include but are not limited to:

  • Create and monitor PSN internal social media
  •  Maintain the online profile of the festival throughout the entirety of the program, update all festival social media outlets and serve as the festival photographer throughout the program
  •  Create regular social media stories (blog posts) and share with CM marketing team to publish
  • Take pictures and keep them sorted to share with all participants
  •  Work directly with the Festival Manager and outside vendors to help promote PSN’s performances as well as masterclasses and workshops
  •  Assist in the creation of promotional materials for the festival including posters, flyers, brochures and programs for each PSN performance (Knowledge in Publiser/InDesign)
  •  Communicate with faculty and students as needed to assist in the scheduling of interviews and other marketing initiatives during the festival

What Our Students Say

  • “I cannot say this enough, this has been one of the most rewarding and fun opera experiences I’ve had! Not only because we were lucky enough to perform in the Estates Theater, but more so because of the camaraderie and friendships I have made, that will last a lifetime."

    Jessica Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Mezzo-Soprano

  • “It truly is a joy to be here in Prague and spending so much time with this group of people. Everyone works so hard, and when all the different parts come together, the music we create is absolutely magical. There is much pleasure in growing and bonding with a very talented group of musicians.”

    Andy Kim, Violinist

  • “Today I attended the Brass sectionals of Sibelius Symphony No. 2 and Dvorak Symphony No. 9, led by clinician Ladislav Kozderka who holds the position of principal trumpet of the Czech Philharmonic. I offered to be his personal metronome and he humbly laughed, saying "no, no, you must know this piece so much more than me!" He let me conduct the entirety of both symphonies, stopping every section to give feedback. I kept wanting to pinch my cheek because I knew all the words of wisdom was coming from one of the leaders of the orchestra that loves and owns Dvorak more than anywhere else in the world.”

    Euan Shields, Conducting Apprentice

  • Participating in this incredible program was life changing! I strongly encourage people interested to apply, you won’t regret it. Easily one of the best summers of my life ❤️

    Hayden Clarke, Arts Admin PSN 17

  • “I have had the most wonderful 4 weeks I could hope for!"

    Nico Laruina, Vocalist

  • “I really enjoyed working with Dr. Jelena Nosková in the masterclass. She had wonderful suggestions and I felt my voice blossoming in the short time we worked together. I felt that it was very valuable to get some suggestions from someone I’d never worked with before. I thoroughly appreciate having this opportunity!”

    Beth Compton, Vocalist

  • “It was a pleasure for me being part of the festival, I learned a lot in Prague! Thank you for believing in my talent.”

    Brenda I., voice

  • “Thank you so much for the opportunity! I learned so much in that month, that I’m just hoping to retain a tiny bit of it! My teacher even noticed that my high notes have improved in tone. The program was absolutely amazing, and the people you brought together for it were even more so.”

    Laura M., voice

  • “Thank you again for the incredible opportunity! I had an amazing trip and made so many memories.”

    Heather G., violin

  • “Thank you for giving me the opportunity. It was an amazing experience with countless memories. Thank you again.”

    Preet S., cello

  • "Thank you PRAGUE SUMMER NIGHTS so much for the incredible opportunity to work with you in Prague, and the amazing opportunities I’ve received!"

    Isabelle M., cello

  • “A better experience could not have taken place for me during the first annual Prague Summer Nights Festival. I will forever take with me the memories and knowledge gained during my time with many wonderful musicians.”

    Maya M., violin

  • "Prague Summer Nights was an incredible experience for me. I made friendships that will last a lifetime and learned so much about myself as a performer. Sometimes when you are engrossed in the whirlwind of hard, dedicated work it is difficult to see your own progress. Just months after the program I already feel a difference and ease of approach to my performing, as well as a greater awareness of not only what I can improve, but HOW I can improve. Having sung an opera where Mozart first conducted it is no small honor either! Thank you for the experience of a lifetime."

    Stephanie K., soprano

  • “Such an incredible experience getting a lesson and performing in a masterclass today with Walter Seyfarth, 30-year clarinetist of the Berlin Philharmonic, my favorite orchestra. My time in Prague has been a clarinetist’s dream! Very grateful.”

    Eric S., clarinet

  • “Thanks for a great summer! The Prague experience was unforgettable. Thanks again.”

    Will R., viola

  • “I just wanted to take the opportunity again to thank you for this wonderful program you have created. I am still in awe of what took place over this last month, from Smetana Hall, to the Dvorak Museum, and finally Don Giovanni at the Estates Theatre! I honestly don’t know how you did it!"

    John H., baritone