REPORTS TO: Senior Director of Communications
STATUS: Full-time, exempt
Through artistic excellence coupled with innovative, relevant programming; initiatives to connect with and grow new audiences; engagement with communities to ignite creativity across Chicago; and a modernized Opera House that is the setting for truly great experiences, Lyric is leading the advancement of opera. This collaborative vision will deliver ever more exciting, thought-provoking and inclusive audience and community experiences – while increasing the gravitational pull of our art form, our company, and our city.
We are searching for a Public Relations Manager responsible for content creation and management, media relations, and public relations administration. Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Public Relations Manager will play a key role in communicating the company’s vision to the public in two major areas: content creation and media relations. This position is responsible for generating content across multiple platforms (blog, magazine, e-newsletter, program book, videos, etc.). This position also manages media relations for Lyric’s Learning and Creative Engagement division (Lyric Unlimited), The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, new initiatives, special projects, recitals, and the annual musical event. The Public Relations Manager is also responsible for managing critical administrative duties that assist with media monitoring, timely and accurate communication with the press, the company, and the general public.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Content Creation and Management
- Write newsletter, performance programs, book articles, and blog posts, as assigned.
- Research and interview artists for video features, help oversee the distribution, use, and re-use of these assets with the communications team and assist with other new production activities, as assigned.
- Create web and brochure copy as needed.
- Edit and proofread print, electronic, and video materials as needed.
Media Relations
- Supervise media relations for all Lyric Unlimited events, Lyric special events, original digital projects, the annual chamber opera, and the annual mainstage musical (writing press releases, identify and pitch stories, establish relationships with artists, and press partnerships. Supervise photoshoots, interviews, build upon existing press lists, etc.).
- Supervise media relations for the Ryan Opera Center, the post-graduate professional artists training program at Lyric.
- Assist with Lyric’s mainstage opera season, as needed.
- Manage day to day relationships with third-party PR firms hired to assist with special and main stage projects (musicals, Lyric Unlimited and grand opera).
- Write press releases; manage internal circulation and electronic distribution of all releases.
- Assist with managing and training of PR interns.
- Assist in planning and staffing of media events.
Public Relations Administration
- Manage press ticketing for events, including keeping season press ticketing spreadsheet, update records, and create orders in Tessitura.
- Build and maintain Lyric’s press lists.
- Maintain Lyric’s online press room.
- Staff the press table for select opening nights and other special events.
- Create and maintain season media calendar, including press release and pitch schedules.
- Participate in the creation and distribution of the company’s weekly roundup of online and print coverage of Lyric, other arts institutions, and general cultural news.
- Supervise the maintenance of comprehensive electronic media log.
- Select and distribute photo assets from individual operas and Lyric events.
- Respond to photo requests from media.
- Oversee data collection, as assigned, for monitoring press and media efforts efficacy and manage Lyric’s outside media monitoring service.
- Manage invitations and RSVPs for media events; maintain and update email press lists.
- As the business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as Lyric’s leadership identified the need at any time.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in English, journalism, communications, or equivalent experience.
- At least 3 years of solid communications experience, ideally with a nonprofit or cultural organization.
- Working knowledge of and comfort working with:
- Microsoft suite of products
- CRM expertise (Tessitura a strong plus)
- Airtable
- Slack
- ProofHQ
- Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to speak to journalists and other members of the public with clarity and discretion.
- Excellent writing skills with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
- Working experience with the Chicago-area media market, particularly classical music, theater, and cultural outlets.
- Knowledge of classical music and opera.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to work and think independently, a motivated self-starter who also works well in a larger team.
WORK CONDITIONS:
- Ability to occasionally oversee evening or weekend performances and special events.
- Sitting for extended periods.
- Ability to lift 30lbs.
- Ability to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and to handle other office equipment.
The Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to enhancing our diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Lyric does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Related jobs:
Student Driver (Featured Role)
Job Description
A popular YouTube series is casting featured talent to play a Student Driver in Atlanta, Georgia. This paid on-camera role is for performers who can portray a young new driver (or someone hilariously bad at driving) with strong reactions and comedic timing. If you’re comfortable on camera and can bring expressive, character-driven energy to a fun digital production, this role is for you.
Job Responsibilities
-
Portray a student/new driver in a featured YouTube series scene
-
Deliver natural, comedic reactions and follow performance direction
-
Follow direction for blocking, timing, and continuity across takes
-
Maintain a camera-ready look and professional set etiquette
Requirements
-
Ages 18–22
-
Must be able to work as a local hire in Atlanta, GA
-
Comfortable performing on camera with comedic, expressive energy
-
Able to take direction in a fast-paced digital production environment
-
Must provide name, phone number, and 2 current photos for consideration
Compensation
-
$150/day
Dallas Models (Women 21+)
Job Description
A paid modeling opportunity is seeking Dallas-based women ages 21+ for an activewear-style campaign. Production is looking for talent with strong presence, confidence, and natural movement on camera. If you’re comfortable posing, taking direction, and bringing expressive energy to an athletic lifestyle shoot, this is a great chance to build your commercial modeling portfolio.
Job Responsibilities
-
Model for an on-camera campaign with confident, movement-focused posing
-
Follow direction for poses, pacing, and performance beats
-
Maintain a polished, camera-ready look throughout the shoot
-
Bring strong presence and natural expressions in front of the camera
Requirements
-
Women ages 21+
-
Must be local to Dallas, TX (or able to work as a local hire)
-
Comfortable with activewear/lifestyle modeling and movement-based posing
-
Must provide name, age, size, and current headshot + full-body photo
-
Professional, reliable, and able to take direction well
Compensation
-
Paid modeling role (rate shared upon selection)
Unemployed Person (Featured Role)
Job Description
A popular YouTube series is casting a featured “Unemployed Person” role in Atlanta, Georgia. This paid on-camera opportunity is for talent who can confidently pitch their “story” with personality—sharing why they’re tired of their jobs and how much money they believe they deserve from the “unemployment office.” Strong comedic timing, expressive delivery, and the ability to stay natural on camera are key for this role.
Job Responsibilities
-
Perform as featured talent in a dialogue-driven YouTube series scene
-
Pitch a character “story” with clear, confident delivery and strong personality
-
Follow direction for pacing, timing, and continuity across takes
-
Maintain a camera-ready look and professional on-set behavior
Requirements
-
Age 18+
-
Must be able to work as a local hire in Atlanta, GA
-
Comfortable speaking on camera with personality and comedic energy
-
Able to take direction well in a fast-paced digital production environment
-
Must provide name, phone number, and 2 current photos for consideration
Compensation
-
$150/day
Men for Music Album Trailer (A-List Artist Project)
Job Description
A paid music project is casting men ages 25–45 for an upcoming album trailer tied to a major A-list Latin artist. This is an on-camera opportunity for NYC-based talent who can bring confident presence, natural style, and strong camera energy. Talent must be able to work as a local hire in New York City.
Job Responsibilities
-
Appear on camera in a promotional album trailer scene
-
Follow direction for movement, timing, and performance beats
-
Maintain a professional, camera-ready look on set
-
Work efficiently through multiple takes and setups
Requirements
-
Men ages 25–45
-
Any ethnicity
-
Must be local to New York City, NY
-
Comfortable on camera and able to take direction well
-
Reliable, punctual, and professional on set
Compensation
-
$200 for 10 hours
Key of Bones (Independent Film) – Multiple Roles Casting
Job Description
An independent feature film is casting multiple speaking and featured roles for a horror-comedy project filming in Key West, Florida. This is a paid, non-travel casting—talent must be based in Key West or able to work as a local hire (no lodging or transportation provided). Roles range from locals and tourists to supernatural characters, with some parts requiring stunts or light fight choreography. If you’re comfortable on camera and can bring strong character energy, this is a great opportunity to build credits in an indie film.
Job Responsibilities
-
Perform as a named character in an independent film
-
Follow direction for blocking, timing, and continuity
-
Bring authentic comedic, dramatic, or supernatural energy depending on the role
-
For stunt roles: perform physical action safely and professionally as directed
-
Collaborate on set with cast and crew in a fast-moving indie production
Requirements
-
Must be able to work as a local hire in Key West, FL (no travel/lodging provided)
-
Ages, genders, and ethnicities vary by role (see role list below)
-
Comfortable performing in a horror-comedy style project
-
Some roles require stunts, choreography, or physical performance
-
If the role requires a special skill (example: swimming), you must be able to do it
Compensation
-
$249/day
-
Local hire only (no travel or lodging)
Roles Available
-
Dave – Male, 30s–50s, any ethnicity. Local historian and paranormal enthusiast.
-
Ezekiel – Male, 20s–40s, African American. Resurrected spirit of a freedman who died in Key West in the 1800s; physically imposing.
-
Barbara – Female, 60s–80s, White. Former lighthouse keeper; minimal stunts; emotional wisdom and ghostly authority. Moderate stunt work and choreographed fight moments typical of horror-comedy (including pirate swordplay and physical comedy).
-
Ernesto – Male, 40s–60s, Hispanic. Cuban-American city councilman. Must know how to swim.
-
Desiree – Male/Female (in drag), 25–50, any ethnicity. Tall, glamorous drag performer at a Key West club; fearless, funny, magnetic.
-
Chelsea – Female, 20s–30s. Haunted tour guide; high energy, funny/dramatic, great storyteller who sells spooky stories with flair.
-
Stella – Female, 60s–70s. Local activist for “Save Houseboat Row”; eccentric, outspoken, determined.
-
Beth – Female, 20s–50s. High-strung and paranoid; overreacts with comedic panic in a memorable scene.
-
Deb – Female, 20s–50s. Down-to-earth and practical; warm, no-nonsense presence during tense moments.
-
King & Pierce – Males, 20s–40s. Best friends/tourists; laid-back bros with comedic chemistry and a touch of action.
-
Kyle & Brad – Males, 30s–50s. Beach bros; small but funny moments with local flavor and comic energy.
-
Delilah – Female, 30s–60s. Homeless woman who becomes possessed by dark forces; must convey vulnerability, terror, and transformation.
-
Police Officer – Any gender, 30s–50s. If you own your own uniform, note it.
-
Man on Beach – Male, 20s–50s. One-liner role; simple comedic beachgoer moment.
Liberian/West African Family & Friends + Featured Dad (Background Actors)
Job Description
An independent film is casting paid background actors in Atlanta, Georgia to portray an authentic Liberian/West African family and friends gathering during a lively home celebration scene. Production is prioritizing talent who can naturally represent the culture and already own wardrobe that fits the look of a modern Liberian household with American influence. One featured background role is also available for an attractive, clean-cut male in his 30s to portray a featured family dad with strong on-camera presence.
Job Responsibilities
-
Portray family members and friends in a vibrant home celebration scene
-
Create natural background action (mingling, laughing, reacting, social moments)
-
Follow direction for blocking, timing, and continuity across takes
-
Arrive camera-ready in the required wardrobe and maintain the look throughout filming
Requirements
-
Must be able to work as a local hire in Atlanta, GA
-
Ages 18+; seeking Liberian, West African, Black/African-American talent to authentically fit the scene
-
Featured BG Dad: Male, 30s, attractive, clean-cut, confident presence on camera
-
Must bring your own wardrobe that matches production guidelines (required)
-
Wardrobe style includes patterned button-downs, solid polos, sweaters/light layers, optional African/West African-inspired accents, jeans/chinos, loafers/sneakers
-
Comfortable on camera and able to take direction in a busy group scene
Compensation
-
$125 for up to 8 hours
Family for Arcade Game Scene (Mom or Dad + Kids)
Job Description
A paid casting is seeking a real family for a fun arcade scene filming in Buffalo, New York. Production is looking for either a mom or dad with two kids (one child around 8–10 and one teen). This is a great opportunity for families who are comfortable on camera and can naturally play arcade games with energetic, joyful reactions.
Job Responsibilities
-
Participate on camera as a real family in an arcade setting
-
Play arcade games naturally while following simple direction
-
Show fun, upbeat reactions and family interaction on camera
-
Maintain a professional, on-time presence during the shoot window
Requirements
-
Mom or dad with two kids:
-
One child ages 8–10
-
One teen
-
-
Must be able to work as a local hire in Buffalo, NY
-
Comfortable on camera in a public arcade environment
-
Reliable and available during the scheduled shoot window
Compensation
-
$125 per talent (each person)
Hospital Scene Extras (Doctors, Nurses, Patients)
Job Description
A production is casting background extras to portray doctors, nurses, and patients for a hospital scene filming in the Atlanta area. This paid background acting opportunity is open to adults of all ethnicities who can take direction and look natural on camera in a medical setting. Some talent may be booked with their vehicle, so if you have an eligible car and want to be considered for driving/parking work, be ready to include your vehicle details.
Job Responsibilities
-
Portray a doctor, nurse, or patient as background talent in a hospital scene
-
Follow direction for movement, timing, and continuity on set
-
Maintain a professional, camera-ready appearance during filming
-
If booked with a car: stage or drive your vehicle on camera as directed
Requirements
-
Ages 18+, all ethnicities
-
Must be able to work as a local hire in the Atlanta area
-
Comfortable working in a hospital-style scene environment
-
If submitting with a car: vehicle must NOT be red, black, or white
-
Able to provide the year, color, make, and model of your car (if applicable)
-
Reliable, punctual, and able to take direction well
Compensation
-
$96 for 8 hours
-
Additional $35 car bump if booked with your car
Prosecutor (Featured Role)
Job Description
A network television true crime recreation series is casting a featured Prosecutor role for an on-camera reenactment scene filming in Tennessee. This paid opportunity is ideal for talent who can deliver a confident, professional courtroom presence and appear polished on camera. Production is looking for someone who can closely match a reference look and already owns appropriate professional wardrobe.
Job Responsibilities
-
Portray a prosecutor in a true crime reenactment scene for network television
-
Follow direction for blocking, timing, and continuity
-
Maintain a professional, courtroom-ready appearance on set
-
Match required hair/look to fit the reference style for the role
Requirements
-
Must be able to work as a local hire in the Knoxville, TN area
-
Able to match a reference look (including hair)
-
Must own professional wardrobe appropriate for a prosecutor/courtroom setting
-
Comfortable on camera and able to take direction well
-
Reliable, punctual, and professional on set
Compensation
-
$125/day
Attorney (Featured Role)
Job Description
A network television true crime recreation series is casting a featured Attorney role for an on-camera reenactment scene filming in Tennessee. This paid opportunity is ideal for talent who can present a polished, professional look and deliver a believable attorney presence on camera. Production is seeking someone who can closely match a reference look, including hair and facial hair, and who already owns appropriate professional wardrobe.
Job Responsibilities
-
Portray an attorney in a true crime reenactment scene for network television
-
Follow direction for blocking, timing, and continuity
-
Maintain a professional, camera-ready appearance throughout filming
-
Match required hair/facial hair look and present a credible attorney vibe
Requirements
-
Must be able to work as a local hire in the Knoxville, TN area
-
Able to match a reference look (including hair and facial hair)
-
Must own professional wardrobe appropriate for an attorney
-
Comfortable on camera and able to take direction well
-
Reliable, punctual, and professional on set
Compensation
-
$125/day
Kids Extras (Schoolyard Scene)
Job Description
A docu-film is casting kids to appear as background extras in a schoolyard scene filming in Savannah, Georgia. This is a quick, paid shoot looking for children who can take simple direction and look natural on camera in a period setting. Production will be pulling costumes, so accurate kid sizing is important. This is a local hire only—no travel or lodging provided.
Job Responsibilities
-
Appear on camera as a student in a schoolyard background scene
-
Follow direction for simple movement, reactions, and continuity
-
Arrive on time and remain attentive during filming
-
Work with wardrobe/costumes for a period-appropriate look
Requirements
-
Kids ages 8–12
-
Must be local to Savannah, GA (no travel or lodging provided)
-
Parent/guardian must be available for communication and supervision
-
Must provide recent photos and accurate sizing details
-
Reliable transportation to and from set
Compensation
-
$100/day
Stand-In (Caucasian Female, Red/Reddish Hair)
Job Description
A television production is casting a Caucasian female stand-in to work on set in the Chicago area. This paid stand-in role is for someone with red or reddish hair and a slim to medium build who can match an actor’s general look. As a stand-in, you’ll be used for lighting, camera blocking, and setup before the principal actor steps in—so being patient, professional, and comfortable taking technical direction is key.
Job Responsibilities
-
Stand in for an actor during lighting setups and camera blocking
-
Follow direction from the crew for marks, timing, and positioning
-
Maintain continuity in posture and movement while scenes are prepped
-
Remain focused and available on set for repeated technical adjustments
Requirements
-
Caucasian female, ages 20s–40s
-
Red or reddish hair
-
Slim to medium build
-
Must be local to Chicago, suburbs, or surrounding border states to IL
-
Comfortable working closely with the crew in a technical stand-in role
-
Must provide a current color photo showing your current look (no headshots, no sunglasses, no hats, no cropped head/hair)
-
Prior stand-in or extra experience helpful but not required
Compensation
-
Paid stand-in role (rate provided if selected)


