Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Compensation and Benefits

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.

To apply for this role, please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and contact information for three professional references to human.resources@curtis.edu. No phone calls please.
Curtis offers a competitive salary 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. URL: https://www.curtis.edu

Position will remain open until filled.