Opera Santa Barbara · 18 hours ago
Director of Production
Santa Barbara, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
5+ years expOpera Santa Barbara is the California Central Coast’s premier professional opera company seeking a Director of Production to join its senior leadership team. This role involves overseeing all production elements for the company’s mainstage season and other performances, combining strategic leadership with hands-on management.
MusicNon ProfitPerforming Arts
Hiring Manager
Kostis Protopapas
Responsibilities
Lead all aspects of production planning and execution for four mainstage operas and other events, ensuring the highest artistic and safety standards
Direct, supervise, and support all production departments, including scenery, properties, costumes, lighting, audio/video, and wigs/make-up & stage management
Collaborate with and guide creative teams, including directors and designers, to ensure their artistic vision is successfully realized and aligned with the company’s brand
Create and manage production calendars, schedules, and deadlines
Schedule and lead all production meetings
Negotiate and manage contracts with designers, vendors, and production personnel. Issue principal artist contracts
Develop and manage an annual production budget of over $1 million in collaboration with the AGD
Monitor and manage departmental expenditures, advocating for appropriate fund allocations while also seeking opportunities for cost savings and efficiencies
Provide regular financial reports, forecasts, and cost analyses to the AGD
Be the AGD’s second-in-command on all artistic and production matters, contributing to the company’s strategic planning
Foster a results-driven, professional work environment built on mutual respect and accountability
Hire, train, and supervise all production staff, providing direct feedback and professional development opportunities
Mentor emerging professionals establishing high expectations with a commitment to their growth
Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, as well as union and collective bargaining agreements
Qualification
Required
Minimum of five years of experience in opera production, such as production management, stage management, or as a department head (e.g., costumes, props, lighting)
Substantial experience managing production staff and budgets
Comprehensive understanding of all aspects of theatrical production
Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and hold a team of seasoned professionals accountable
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
Flexible, solution-oriented approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Dramaturgical curiosity
Insatiable appetite for learning
Sense of humor
Preferred
Experience with AutoCAD and Vectorworks
Experience in repertory opera
Experience using AI tools for management, scheduling, research, budgeting, and forecasting
Benefits
Health insurance
A 403b match
Generous PTO
Two weeks off in December
Fridays off in July and August
Company
Opera Santa Barbara
Opera Santa Barbara is a non-profit organization for passionate music.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase