Metropolitan Opera Association Reviews

No official performance reviews for administrative staff, which means likely no raises unless you get promoted. During my time there I saw numerous supervisors of mine fired and/or laid off for things beyond their control. People literally cower in fear of senior management. No one ever questions authority, even when middle management knows a bad decision is being made. People are stressed out and unhappy. Hours are long (operas don't stop at 5,6, or 7 nor do galas). A lot of the artistic departments never change personnel (and seem happy), but that's likely because senior management doesn't hold them responsible for raking in the dough/filling seat--even though they decide what's on stage. A lot of the artistic staff are lifers. The rest of the administrative staff has a ridiculous turnover or at least it seems that way. I often wondered how people filled their days.

Seriously think twice before you decide to spend your time and energy working at the Metropolitan opera. The development department can be quite toxic, especially toward lower level staff. The head of the department expects far too much from her employees and pays next to nothing. I have watched her turn on people and use a tone with them that is never appropriate in the work place. The rest of the department does nothing and just turns a blind eye to the bad behavior. There is very little care toward any of the junior staff. They see anyone who is a coordinator or below as dispensable. There is a huge issue with delegation and piling work on these lower level staff because none of the higher ups actually know how to do anything. The HR department is useless and there were many days where I felt helpless and defeated. There are some very kind people that I met while working here but they cannot make up for the bad ones who control everything. I know it is appealing to get to say that you work at the Metropolitan opera but believe me, that is not a perk, it does not excuse the toxic environment. Quality of life is important. Consider that before you agree to work here.