Director of Production

Department: Production Classification: Director of Production Work Schedule: Full-Time How to Apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to employmentdetroitopera.org Position Summary The primary goal of the Director of Production (DoP) is to execute the organization’s vision on stage, replicating it in all aspects of Detroit Opera (DO) performances to the highest standards. Through careful planning and budgeting, the DoP prepares all elements of a DO performance to align with both the Artistic Director’s intent and DO values. The DoP manages full time and seasonal staff, unionized production personnel, and is responsible for the technical aspects presented onstage—such as scenery, lighting, audio, and costumes—while simultaneously administering or overseeing budgeting, planning, performing artists and collective bargaining agreements. The DoP is a collaborative partner, who works with and advises the President & CEO and Artistic Director in future season planning. The DoP supervises, trains, and manages the entire Production Department. The DoP provides deliverables on time, and within budget. The DoP is an inspiring leader to production staff, an advocate for DO among outside vendors, and maintains a high artistic standard for all onstage elements of production. Specific Responsibilities: · Leads development and planning of productions and rehearsal processes, including running production meetings, communicating schedules, budgeting, and ensuring deadlines are met. · Acts as a liaison between production personnel and the artistic leadership at DO. · Attends rehearsals and performances and troubleshoots technical problems. · Oversees the creation or rental of productions for DO performances. · Coordinates with the Director of Operations and Patron Experience regarding specific front of house requirements for each performance. · Works with the Events Manager and the event management software, coordinates load in/load out schedules, rehearsal schedules, and tech schedules for production crews. · Collaborates with the Artistic Director to determine both long term and short-term production goals and planning. · Collaborates with the Artistic Director, determines costume, scenery, and other physical production needs, and establishes a production budget 12-24 months ahead of the season start date. · Participates and engages in season planning discussions, especially regarding the availability of productions, workability of productions, and development of new production needs. · Creates and maintains a master production schedule, with an accurate timeline of necessary deliverables required for each performance. · Works with director of dance to build production budgets for dance presentations. · Monitors and manages departmental expenditures within established and approved annual budgets and seeks opportunities to reduce unnecessary expenses. · Develops and presents financial reports in senior leadership meetings on a continual basis. · Represents Detroit Opera in collective bargaining with IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees), AGMA (American Guild of Musical Artists), and AFM (American Federation of Musicians). · Builds and maintains relationships with local unions; works with respective union representatives to resolve any disputes. · Oversees contracting of all artistic and production personnel. · Negotiates and manages co-production contracts with other theatrical companies. · Participates in regular duties of staff supervision, including performance reviews, proper delegation of tasks, approval of vacation time, and advocation for production staff. · Meets and enforces all necessary safety requirements and guidelines provided by OSHA and other labor agencies at the Detroit Opera House. Required Qualifications: · Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in performing arts or performing arts management. · Seven or more years managing a production department in a large, nonprofit performing arts organization. · Demonstrated ability to create, track, and manage a complex and large budget. · Experience leading collective bargaining agreements with local production unions. · Demonstrated knowledge of technical stage craft, including scenic construction, lighting, sound, props; and theater production. · Anticipates unexpected production challenges and strives to develop alternative measures promptly. · Ability to understand diverse perspectives and acknowledge the significance of differences and complexities in background, cultures, values, and viewpoints as the foundation for an inclusive environment. · Demonstrated organizational skills with a strong attention to detail. · One year experience with MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint. · Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion with highly sensitive and confidential information. · Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment. · Demonstrated multi-tasking skills and ability to organize workload. · Strong customer service, interpersonal and communication skills are critical. Desired Qualifications: · Experience as a technical director, or other hands-on work in stage craft · Extensive knowledge of opera repertoire · Experience working with an events management software · Direct experience with unions – rules, regulations, and best practices Physical Demands/Work Environment : · May require work during early mornings, nights, and/or weekends. · Ability to navigate buildings including stairwells, backstage, work areas, study rooms, labs, and common areas. · Ability to move and/or transport materials that may weigh up to 25 pounds. Application Deadline Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled. Additional Information Detroit Opera is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the DO mission. About Detroit Opera: Founded in 1971, Detroit Opera (DO) is the premier multi-disciplined producer and presenter for opera, musical theatre, and dance in the Great Lakes Region. Based in the city of Detroit, the organization engages artists of national and international stature for stellar main stage and outreach performances, and provides compelling cultural enrichment programs for the diverse audiences and communities that it serves, making it one of Detroit’s pillars of arts and culture. DO is among a select few opera companies nationwide to own its theatre, the historic 2,700-seat Detroit Opera House, which is located in the heart of downtown Detroit. DO is seen as the most innovative opera company in America. DO garnered great critical and popular acclaim during the pandemic for its socially-distanced, drive-thru production of Twilight : Gods , an adaptation of Wagner’s Götterdämmerung . Brainchild of new Artistic Director Yuval Sharon, Twilight : Gods was performed across multiple levels in DO’s own parking structure, and provided performance opportunities for local cast and orchestra members, in addition to international opera stars. Lauded for past projects such as his reverse chronological staging of Puccini’s La Bohème, Sharon in July premiered a high-tech reimagining of a Wagner opera. For more information, please visit https://detroitopera.org