Director of Production, Curtis Opera Theatre

Job title: Director of Production, Curtis Opera Theatre

Reports to: Senior Director of Administration and Operations, Vocal Studies & Curtis Opera Theatre

Department: Vocal Studies and Curtis Opera Theatre

Status: Full-time; Salaried; Benefits Eligible; Permanent; Exempt

The Director of Production, Curtis Opera Theatre is a year-round, full-time position overseeing the daily operations and future planning of opera productions. Curtis maintains a robust performance calendar, and the Director of Production plays an integral role in ensuring that each event meets the standard of excellence associated with Curtis Institute of Music.

The Director of Production facilitates the mission and values of Curtis through planning, execution, and active management of all technical and physical components of opera production, as well as supporting the production needs of other performances by the Vocal Studies & Opera Department as necessary. This position reports to the Senior Director of Administration and Operations, Vocal Studies & Curtis Opera Theatre, works closely with the Director and Hirsig Family Chair in Voice and Opera and Administrator, Vocal Studies, as well as the Curtis production team. This position oversees all opera production staff, including stage management and Costume Shop Manager. This role understands the educational importance of teaching Curtis’ young artists proper rehearsal and performance etiquette, expectations, and citizenship as musicians.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Facilitates short- and long-term production planning

Strives for operational innovation and efficient budget management while maintaining artistic excellence in production value

Serves as primary liaison between creative teams, shops, and venues to ensure clear and efficient lines of communication throughout the entire production process

Determines rental and crew needs for all technical departments in conjunction with designers and venue management

Solicits bids from shops and vendors for the construction of scenery, props, costumes, and rental of equipment

Maintains a consistent and active presence in rehearsals to support the student experience and the creative teams, oversees stage management, and communicates with department heads

Supervises the tech process from load-in to load-out and interfaces with all personnel from venue staff, crew, cast, and creatives

Serves as the lead operational resource during Opera Theatre events, acting swiftly and calmly to address unforeseen challenges, ensuring safety for all students and staff, upholding quality standards, and supporting the successful execution of the creative/pedagogical vision

Manages and maintains production budgets

Reconciles expense reports and tracks production expenses

Maintains consistent dialogue with Senior Director around forecasting expenses

Executes all payroll and invoices related to productions via check requests

Develops and maintains relationships with scenic shops and vendors

Works with Senior Director to negotiate and execute all production-related contracts, including designers, production staff, additional labor, and rental agreements

Requests reimbursements and books travel/accommodations for visiting artists

Creates and maintains accurate and detailed rehearsal and technical schedules for all Curtis Opera Theatre productions and adjacent departmental performance opportunities

Enters and updates calendar information in all Curtis databases (OPAS, ASIMUT, Outlook, DropBox, etc.

Distributes production calendars to all relevant parties

Works with Senior Director to create release calendars and music staff assignments for each production, maintaining accurate records and dissemination of changes throughout the process

Acts as primary venue liaison for rented spaces, including the Philadelphia Film Center and Kimmel Center

Coordinates calendars and stage labor schedules

Resolves disputes

Executes payments and reconciles labor bills

Ensures adherence to all safety, schedule, contract, and union guidelines

Facilitates production logistics as needed, including transportation of equipment

Hires and oversees contracted production staff

Stage Management, Technical Director/Production Manager, Wardrobe Supervisor, Hair and Makeup Supervisor, Supertitling, and additional staff as needed

Leads opera production meetings

Supervises stage crew at various venues, both union and non-union

Manages student workers when production assistance is needed

Ensures proper maintenance and storage of all Curtis-owned props, set pieces, costumes, and equipment

Provides support and in-person presence for other performance events involving Vocal Studies and Curtis Opera Theatre singers, such as scene recitals, Curtis New Music Ensemble, chamber concerts, and CSO, and facilitates any tech, as needed.

Other duties as assigned, including, but not limited to

Occasional travel to facilitate scenic builds, production meetings, and related events

General administrative support of the Vocal Studies and Curtis Opera Theatre Department
 

Curtis welcomes applications from people with a wide variety of experience and backgrounds, who are eager to work hard, learn, and contribute.

Requirements:

This position is based on the Curtis Institute of Music’s campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and in-person on-campus work is required during the academic year.

Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

5+ years of technical theater experience, including direct experience as Director of Production, Production Manager, or Stage Manager

Experience with IATSE, AFM, Local 829, AGMA, and other unions

Competencies:

Has a deep understanding of venue operations and production process with a robust working knowledge of all aspects of technical theatre

Ability to make informed, well-considered decisions swiftly and calmly while in venues or rehearsals

Up-to-date knowledge of industry standards and practices and relevant union rules

Level-headed, clear communication, with a dedication to the students and education provided at Curtis

Ability to simultaneously advance multiple projects on various timelines and achieve results in a timely manner

Strong attention to detail and ability to deliver high-quality work

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of the Philadelphia and Northeast Corridor cultural community, rental shops, and vendors

Previous experience in opera preferred, along with the ability to read music

Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, VectorWorks, Lightwright, database and scheduling software

Working Condition and Physical Demands

Frequent walking, standing, pushing, pulling, lifting

Climbing ladders and the ability to work at heights

Flexible schedule – night and weekend work required frequently during the academic year

Low-light visibility conditions.

This position is located on the Curtis campus in Philadelphia, PA, and in-person work is required.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire.

The final candidate will be required to successfully pass a background check and obtain PA Act 153 clearances.

Gross annual salary for this position is within the range of $80,000 – $90,000. Final compensation will be based on experience and qualifications.
The Curtis Institute of Music offers a number of perks for full-time staff, including complimentary on campus meals during the academic year and commuter support.
This position is benefits eligible. Curtis offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees including health, dental, and vision insurance, basic term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, supplemental insurance options, and paid parental leave.
401k plan participation begins after one (1) year of eligible service consistent with the plan requirements.