Director of Production, Curtis Opera Theatre

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Reports to: Artistic Director, Curtis Opera Theatre

Department: Vocal Studies and Curtis Opera Theatre

Status: Exempt

The Director of Production is a year-round, full-time position overseeing the daily operations of opera production. 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 the Curtis Institute of Music. The Director of Production facilitates the mission and values of Curtis through strategic 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 Artistic Director of Curtis Opera Theatre, works closely with the Senior Director of Administration and Operations of Vocal Studies and Curtis Opera Theatre, collaborates with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra production team, and oversees all opera production staff, while understanding the educational importance of teaching Curtis’ young artists proper rehearsal and performance etiquette, expectations, and citizenship as musicians.

Essential Functions:

Participates in ongoing strategic planning, engaging in short- and long-term production planning:

  • Informs Vocal Studies/Curtis Opera Theatre leadership of production issues and trends
  • Assists in identifying design teams and recommends staffing needs
  • Strives for operational innovation and efficient budget management while maintaining artistic excellence in production value

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

Manages and maintains production budgets:

  • Reconciles expense reports and tracks production expenses
  • Forecasts budgets and cash flow
  • Develops and maintains relationships with scenic shops and vendors
  • Negotiates and executes all production-related contracts, including designers, production staff, additional labor, and rental agreements
  • Requests reimbursements, processes payroll, and books travel/accommodations for visiting artists

Creates and maintains rehearsal and technical schedules for all Curtis Opera productions:

  • Enters calendar information into all Curtis databases (OPAS, Asimut, Outlook, Airtable, etc.)
  • Distributes production calendars as needed

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

  • Coordinates calendars and stage labor schedules; resolves disputes
  • Ensures adherence to all safety, schedule, contract, and union guidelines

Hires and oversees production staff:

  • Stage Management, Technical Director, Production Manager, Wardrobe Supervisor, Hair and Makeup Supervisor, and additional staff as needed
  • Leads production meetings for each opera, coordinating with other departments as necessary
  • 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, and equipment:

  • Designs strategic plan for improvement of the Curtis Opera Studio while maintaining current space
  • Manages storage facilities, creating and maintaining inventory records
  • Collaborates with Wardrobe Supervisor to maintain the Curtis Opera Wardrobe Room and stock

Provides support for all other Vocal Studies/Curtis Opera Theatre, coordinates with Production Department and facilitates any technical needs:

  • Student Recital Series
  • Chamber Music Concerts
  • Curtis Symphony Orchestra
  • Advancement performances
  • Curtis on Tour

Other duties as needed, including, but not limited to:

  • Occasional travel to facilitate scenic builds, production meetings, and other related events
  • Attend industry conferences as needed
  • General administrative support of the Vocal Studies and Curtis Opera Theatre Department

Requirements:

  • This position is based on the Curtis Institute of Music’s campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Valid driver’s license
  • 5+ years of technical theater experience, including direct experience as Director of Production or Production Manager
  • Experience with IATSE, AFM, Local 829, AGMA, and other unions

Competencies:

  • Level-headed, clear communication, with a dedication to the students and education provided at Curtis
  • Ability to simultaneously maintain 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:

  • CDL and experience driving a 26’ truck a plus
  • 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 softwares

Required Core Values:

  • A positive, “can-do” attitude
  • Devotion and dedication to Curtis, its students, alumni, and parents
  • Passion for their work, and contribution to the field and greater good
  • Commitment and Accountability for their work, and an ability to effect change
  • Desire and willingness to collaborate, think creatively, and make data-driven decisions
  • Respect, courtesy, and patience for colleagues, other staff, faculty, patrons, core constituents, and volunteers
  • An eagerness to make Curtis a more diverse and inclusive institution

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

  • Frequent walking, standing, pushing and pulling
  • The ability to lifting up to 50 pounds
  • Climbing of ladders and the ability to work at heights
  • Low light visibility
  • Flexible schedule – night and weekend work required frequently throughout the academic year

Salary and Benefits:

  • Annual Salary Range: $70,000 – $80,000
  • Curtis offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental insurance and retirement plans.

To Apply:

For best consideration, interested and qualified applicants should electronically submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and salary requirements to: human.resources@curtis.edu. Position will remain open until filled. Curtis offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and an attractive benefit package. Hire is contingent upon the successful passing of PA Act 153 and criminal (ADP) background screenings. No phone calls, please. EOE. URL: http://www.curtis.edu

  • To Apply

    For best consideration, interested and qualified applicants should electronically submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and salary requirements to: human.resources@curtis.edu. Position will remain open until filled.

    Curtis offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and an attractive benefits package. Hire is contingent upon the successful passing of PA Act 153 and criminal (ADP) background screenings. No phone calls, please. EOE.

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