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Key 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 for
• Manage company vehicles and all production-related transportation assets, including maintenance schedules, insurance compliance, and usage policies
• In consultation with senior leadership, plan and prioritize capital improvements and ongoing maintenance across production facilities and equipment

Labor Relations & Human Resources

• Negotiate and maintain collective bargaining agreements, with particular focus on IATSE and AGMA
• Serve as the organization’s primary management representative in ongoing labor relations with all production union groups
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and professionally accountable working environment across all production departments and union groups

Special Projects

• Serve as an internal production consultant across departments, supporting Development and others in planning large-scale events by advising on venue logistics, production design, labor, and budget, bringing the same operational rigor applied to mainstage productions.
• Manage special projects as assigned by the General Director
• Regularly update the General Director and senior leadership on departmental status, priorities, and emerging operational needs

Leadership and Organizational Culture

• Establish and maintain a work culture that prioritizes health and safety standards.
• Cultivate a high level of familiarity with the latest in theater technology and the art form of opera.
• Embrace the role of being a mentor and teacher, sharing learnings, experience, and best practices.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of all components of production.
• Serve as a key resource on available productions and potential partnerships.
• Promote an inclusive, respectful, and compassionate work environment that advances the company’s vision
• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with staff, board members, industry colleagues, and producing partners, such as the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Arts Association.

Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience. Demonstrated supervisory experience planning, budgeting, building, rehearsing, and running large-scale theatrical productions is required. Familiarity with opera repertoire and experience producing opera are strongly preferred. The ideal candidate brings a collaborative, solution-oriented approach to problem-solving and communicates effectively in written, verbal, and listening contexts. This position requires evening and weekend availability during the company’s mainstage season in June and July, in support of rehearsals, performances, and special events.

Compensation and Reporting
Salary range: $110,000–$125,000, commensurate with experience, plus a competitive benefits package. This position reports to the General Director & CEO.

How to Apply
Submissions will be accepted beginning June 12, 2026, and an initial review of candidates will take place on June 25, 2026.

Cincinnati Opera is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.

+ Supernumeraries

For anyone who’s dreamed of appearing on the Cincinnati Music Hall stage, Cincinnati Opera is ready to give you your moment in the spotlight. No singing skills are required!

Supernumerary—or “super”—roles are non-singing, non-speaking roles, much like extras in film and television. Supers will share the stage with internationally renowned artists and work with celebrated directors and conductors. No singing experience is necessary and all super positions are filled on a voluntary basis. Individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Attending the casting call does not obligate a person to participate. Interested individuals may attend the casting call to simply learn more about supernumerary opportunities.

Casting calls for the 2026 Summer Festival have concluded. Information about about supernumerary roles for the 2027 Festival will be available in late March 2027.

For more information, please email supers@cincinnatiopera.org.

+ Opera Guild Ambassadors

The Cincinnati Opera Guild is a membership-based group of enthusiastic ambassadors for Cincinnati Opera that seeks to promote a deeper understanding of opera throughout the Greater Cincinnati community. For 60 years, the Guild has played an active role in supporting Cincinnati Opera's mainstage, community outreach, and education programs by serving as volunteers and ambassadors at events throughout the community. Click here to learn more about the Cincinnati Opera Guild, fill out a volunteer profile, and become a Guild Ambassador.

+ Music Hall Ushering

Ushers make it possible for patrons to have a truly enjoyable Music Hall experience by providing a smile, a friendly greeting, accurate directions, or an extra service. Usher candidates are reviewed by Cincinnati Arts Association. Click here to learn more about volunteering as an usher.