Above: An Academy Intern staffs the Connects table at the Don Giovanni simulcast in 2023.

The LA Opera Leadership Academy and the College Advisory Committee help bridge the gap between education and the workforce while sharing the joy of opera with the next generation of music lovers. Through these programs, high school and college students have unique opportunities to explore different areas of interest, try out jobs they might enjoy and gain volunteer and paid work experience. Hundreds of students have gained invaluable insight and expertise from their time at LAO, which they carry with them to all future endeavors.

LA Opera’s Leadership Academy offers an unprecedented opportunity to start working toward career goals. Each fall, a small cohort of high school juniors enters a six-year paid internship with LAO, rotating between various administrative departments including marketing, fundraising, community engagement and more. Academy interns develop their skills while building the professional experience required in today’s competitive job market. As one former intern told us: 

“The skills and professionalism I gained at LA Opera well prepared me for the jobs and opportunities I received during college.”

After completing the Leadership Academy, students are empowered to achieve their goals in higher education, the work force and beyond. Applications for the next class of interns open this summer. If you or someone you know might be interested in this life-changing opportunity, visit LAOpera.org/Academy to learn more.

Students can also enjoy incredible access to the arts via the College Advisory Committee, which offers behind-the-scenes experiences as well as networking and volunteer opportunities. Committee members enjoy social gatherings, College Night tickets and exclusive talks with The 2023 members of the College Advisory Committee meet up at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. professional artists and administrative staff at LA Opera. They also share their passion for music with peers, fostering friendships and serving as opera ambassadors on their college campuses. Many students volunteer alongside LA Opera Connects staff, getting an inside look at how we serve the community and the many arts career paths available to them. One recent member shared with us:

“If it weren’t for the College Advisory Committee, I would’ve never been exposed to the various career paths at LAO which cemented my decision to pursue a career in the arts.”

Applications for the 2024/25 College Advisory Committee open soon; sign up at LAOpera.org/CAC to discover what’s possible.

Through the Leadership Academy and the College Advisory Committee, students gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed. To learn more about these and other opportunities, visit LAOpera.org/Connects today.

Above: The 2023 members of the College Advisory Committee meet up at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.