Pros
Incredible place. Company Office superb and backstage team acknowledged as amongst the best in the industry. Supportive management, excellent chorus master and a strong union. Music making is world class and the experience of singing on the main stage unforgettable. Benefits include subsidised canteen and restaurant (lunches), green room and dress rehearsal tickets for family and friends. A wonderful company.
Cons
Salary dependent on distribution of opera, roles and covers each season, therefore can vary wildly year to year. Working week is Monday to Saturday and performances can fall on Sundays during the festival. Lots of time off during smaller contracts but larger contracts can entail very long working hours (70/80 hour weeks) and a day off is only mandatory every fourteenth day. Location near Lewes means long commutes from London or local accommodation for the duration of the festival.