Opera Conference 2026's second plenary session, "Designing the Future," explored the question: Can new tools, partnerships, and practices increase capacity and reduce costs in opera production? Attendees participated in a collaborative workshop to identify barriers to efficiency and design solutions that support long-term sustainability in opera production. Watch to:
Deborah Abramson Kroll leads the Research & Innovation Practice at Skeleton Key Strategies, helping nonprofits answer their most pressing questions through well-designed, tech and data-savvy research and participatory processes. Her arts and culture roots run deep: as technical lead for the Pew Charitable Trusts' Cultural Data Project (now SMU DataArts), she bridged technical and programmatic work in the field; at UK Research and Innovation, she built the AI funding portfolio for the Arts & Humanities Research Council. A retired professional dancer, she holds an MA in Public Humanities from Brown University. She is currently leading a feasibility study for the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia.
Justin Birdsong is the Founder and Principal of Skeleton Key Strategies, a boutique consultancy specializing in organizational development, technology strategy, and data systems for nonprofits. He brings senior leadership experience from the ACLU and The Pew Charitable Trusts, and holds a Master's in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. A lifelong musician, Justin earned his Bachelor's in Vocal Performance from the University of Georgia and has performed with Atlanta Opera, Opera in the Ozarks, Crested Butte Music Festival, and New York Lyric Opera Theatre. He brings both analytical rigor and an artist's sensibility to his work with mission-driven organizations.
Kira Troilo is the Founder and CEO of Art & Soul Consulting and creator of the Silence Tax™ methodology — a framework that helps creative organizations stop performing alignment and start building it. Drawing on a career rooted in professional theater and dramaturgy, Kira works with arts institutions and creative teams to surface the conversations that are quietly stalling their best work. She has partnered with Harvard University, Stratford Festival, and Boston Lyric Opera, and hosts the Inclusive Stages podcast. Kira believes the future of opera isn't just designed; it's rehearsed, honestly, together. She is based in Massachusetts and is a certified MBE/WBE.
Rebekah Diaz is President and Managing Partner of Management Consultants for the Arts (MCA), where she co-leads the firm’s work in executive search, strategy, and organizational health for cultural institutions nationwide. A Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), she brings over 15 years of experience helping arts organizations align leadership, culture, and operations to support long-term sustainability. Rebekah is known for a human-centered approach that integrates behavioral science with practical strategy, helping teams navigate interpersonal dynamics and work more effectively together. She partners with boards and leaders to translate values into clear, actionable systems that strengthen both people and performance.
