Typical Theatre/Non-Profit Issues - Anonymous employee Seattle Opera Employee Review

2.0
Jul 6, 2021
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I had a few very good colleagues during my tenure and got to be a part of some good productions.

Cons

As with most theatre organizations and non-profits, the hours can be extremely long, the pay is woefully inadequate for everything you're asked to do (at least for those under Director-level), and nearly all initiatives are wildly understaffed/under resourced. The amount of guilt heaped upon employees to do much more than should be humanly possible given the funding/staffing is enormous and back-breaking. It is not a healthy environment and burn out is incredibly common. Despite sweeping budget cuts, employees were asked (and coerced) to do more with less to please management. It was the only time in my career that I envied hourly workers, as salaried employees were badly taken advantage of and guilted into working much more than was reasonable for the money we were paid. Though hourly workers were also not paid fairly, at least they got overtime for additional hours.

Explore other reviews about Seattle Opera

5.0
Jun 13, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Incredible staff, rehearsal spaces, and contract details

Cons

I do not have any cons to provide

3.0
Mar 25, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Professional environment with protections for workplace discrimination and harassment Passionate people on the music side with much to share and give to the other musicians Getting to enjoy performing and the craft of opera to share with the audiences

Cons

Lack of communication from top level to others amongst the company. Can feel like you don't matter at times Low pay in comparison to other cities with much lower cost of living. Late night rehearsals so hard to pair with a morning day job (this is standard in the industry though) It's only part time.

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