Education and Participation Administrator

Company: The Cape Town Opera Company

Position: Education and Participation Administrator
Reports to: Head of Education and Participation
Location: Artscape Theatre Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
Period: Full-time

Company Overview

Cape Town Opera, which celebrates its 25th birthday in 2024, is one of the largest full-time performing arts institutions in South Africa and the only continuously active opera company on the African continent. The Company offers a diverse array of productions annually, from mainstage operas to musicals and concerts, catering to audiences of all ages.

Our role in championing South Africa’s exceptional vocal talent is crucial. We provide support and development opportunities through programmes like the National Schools Tour, the internationally award-winning Foundation Studio for high-school learners and the Judith Neilson Young Artist Programme for postgraduate singers, pianists, and conductors.

As a recipient of numerous accolades, Cape Town Opera is a torchbearer for excellence, inclusivity and employment within the theatre and arts industry. The Company is dedicated to safeguarding opera as part of South Africa’s cultural heritage, a commitment that spans the entire theatre industry, from singers to set builders, fostering the incredible talent found in every corner of South Africa.

Position Overview

The Education and Participation Facilitator plays a key role in supporting the Head of Education and Participation in delivering an extensive number of Cape Town Opera’s CREATE (Community, Relationships, Education, Access, Training, and Employment) initiatives. This role is essential for the effective implementation of educational and community engagement programmes, enhancing arts accessibility and fostering a deeper connection to opera across diverse communities.

Applicant requirements

The ideal applicant possesses the following:

  1. Relevant experience in arts education, community engagement, or youth programmes, with preference for a background in performing arts or arts management.
  2. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant computer programmes.
  3. Proactive, dynamic and enthusiastic attitude, demonstrating a drive to take ownership of projects and see them through to completion.
  4. Strong organisational and project management skills, capable of handling and prioritising different aspects as needed.
  5. High level of attention to detail.
  6. Self-motivated and able to work independently to solve problems.
  7. Ability to travel and manage logistics for inter-provincial tours and local events.
  8. Passion for community arts engagement, with a commitment to upholding Cape Town Opera’s policies on inclusivity, safety and cultural sensitivity.

Additional requirements:

  1. Ability and willingness to work after hours, including nights, weekends and holidays, as required.
  2. A valid SA driver’s licence and own transport to and from work.
  3. Clear criminal and credit record.
  4. Must be legally able to work in South Africa.

Applicant responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the position are:

National Schools Tour

  1. Provide administrative and logistical support to the Head of Department in planning, organising and executing all aspects of the tour, including scheduling, travel arrangements, accommodation, transportation and on-site coordination to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
  2. Communicate with provincial and district coordinators to confirm venues and tour dates.
  3. Serve as lead facilitator and/or project manager, overseeing daily logistics, including transportation between accommodation and venues, as well as coordinating travel between towns and provinces.
  4. Conduct daily physical and vocal warm-ups, if required; manage workshop setups and schedules.
  5. Ensure all company members’ health, safety and well-being, following Cape Town Opera policies.

Foundation Studio

  1. Coordinate, in conjunction with the transport manager, transport for learners, ensuring safe transit to and from lessons.
  2. Manage, in conjunction with the Foundation Studio Assistant and Childminder, distribution of pre-packed meals; maintain cleanliness in transit vehicles.
  3. Support Foundation Studio teachers with lesson setup, materials, and attendance tracking.

Children’s Chorus and Community Programmes

  1. Copying and distributing all sheet music for productions, concerts and other events in consultation with the Cape Town Opera Children’s Chorus Master.
  2. Act as a primary childminder for children during rehearsals, performances and events, ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being at all times.
  3. Track and keep record of attendance of all children in CTOCC
  4. Coordinate meals and transport for learners that are on the Cape Town Opera transport roster.
  5. Act as primary point of contact for parents and participants in community programmes. 

School Productions, Workshops and Opera Blocks

  1. To provide comprehensive administrative and logistical support to the Head of Department in the planning, organising and execution of various school productions, workshops, and our Opera Blocks programme. This role involves key responsibilities in project management, communication with schools and teachers and coordination with other departments within Cape Town Opera.

Arts Access

  1. To provide administrative and logistical support in planning, organising and coordinating all aspects of Arts Access. This role involves managing key operational tasks such as, invitation management, ticketing and transport coordination, on-site support, to ensure a seamless and accessible experience for all attendees at Cape Town Opera productions and concerts.

Other CREATE Programme Initiatives

  1. Manage or support additional CREATE programmes as needed.
  2. Assist with educational events, workshops and other outreach efforts to ensure maximum community impact.

Application procedure

The position is full time and is based at the Artscape Theatre Centre, Foreshore, Cape Town, South Africa.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 11 December 2024. 

Please submit:

  1. A motivational letter detailing your specific interest in and skills applicable to the position.
  2. Your CV.
  3. Three contactable references.

Please note that applications that do not meet all three of the requirements listed above will not be considered.

Applications should be sent via email to geraldp@capetownopera.co.za; all information will be kept confidential.

Cape Town Opera celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.

Cape Town Opera reserves the right not to make an appointment.