Director of Production

Cincinnati Opera is seeking a Director of Production who will advance the company’s commitment to artistic excellence, uphold safety standards, and maintain careful stewardship of production resources in support of the company’s long-term financial health. The Director of Production will be a key member of the senior leadership team and will direct all production activities associated with the company’s summer festival, a large-scale annual gala, and various other events throughout the year.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Planning & Artistic Collaboration

• Participate in the season-planning process, advising on production feasibility, scheduling, and budgetary implications
• Working with the Artistic Director, engage, coordinate, and supervise teams of designers responsible for scenic, lighting, costumes, wigs & makeup, and projection/video
• Investigate and acquire physical productions, managing all logistical, financial, and legal elements of incoming and outgoing production transfers
• Develop and manage rehearsal and performance schedules in coordination with stage management, artistic, and technical teams
  Engage and supervise a team of stage management professionals across all rehearsal and performance activity
• Serve as a senior organizational resource on production, technical, and safety matters for all departments

Technical Operations

• Oversee all technical, design, and logistical elements of opera production from initial planning through final performance
• Engage and supervise lead positions across all stage unions, including Technical Director, Head Carpenter, Production Electrician, Construction Carpenter, Flyman, Head of Properties, Head Costumer, and Head Sound Technician, among others
• Lead a year-round department that includes the Stage Operations Director, Lighting Director, Costume Director, and Production Finance Coordinator, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth
• Coordinate and manage venue rental and usage, including scheduling, technical requirements, and production logistics
• Oversee the rental and loan of the company’s sets, costumes, props, and equipment to outside organizations, including negotiating agreements and enforcing condition, insurance, and return standards that protect company assets.

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Develop production budgets that support the planned season and align with the company’s overall financial goals
• Monitor expenditures across all production areas throughout the production cycle, identifying variances early and adjusting as needed
• Provide regular financial reporting to senior leadership

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Serve as the organization’s primary resource on stage safety, technical standards, and regulatory compliance across all production operations
• Remain current on industry standards, OSHA regulations, and emerging guidelines related to stage operations, rigging, machinery, and theatrical production environments
• Develop and implement safety protocols and training programs for all production staff and contracted personnel
• Ensure all production activities, facilities, and equipment meet applicable safety and regulatory requirements

Facilities & Warehouse Management

• Manage all production facilities including the paint shop, scenic shop, and costume shop, ensuring each operates efficiently and is maintained to a high standard
• Oversee the company’s warehouse and shop operations, including the scenic, paint, and costume shops, maintaining clear storage protocols and ensuring all production assets are well-organized, properly maintained, and accounted