Director of Production
DESCRIPTION
ARIZONA OPERA
Director of Production
Arizona Opera is seeking a highly creative, communicative, organized, and dedicated Director of Production to join its senior leadership team as the company continues to pursue its vision of artistic excellence, community engagement, audience expansion, and institutional sustainability.
Arizona Opera, founded in 1971, is a cornerstone of the arts and culture community in Arizona, serving both Phoenix and Tucson with a mission to connect and inspire its communities through artistically vibrant programs and productions that combine music, storytelling, and the human voice. Over the years, Arizona Opera has become known for its innovative productions, prolific education and community-centric programming, and commitment to both classic and contemporary works. Alumni of Arizona Opera’s Marion Roose Pullin Opera Studio regularly appear with leading opera companies throughout the world.
At the heart of Arizona Opera’s vision is a deep commitment to creating transformative experiences through the power of opera. This commitment is evident in Arizona Opera’s mainstage productions, its community engagement initiatives, and its education programs that reach across the state, bringing the art form to diverse audiences and inspiring future generations of artists and opera lovers alike.
Like many performing arts organizations around the country, Arizona Opera is navigating the challenges of the post-pandemic landscape, including issues affecting attendance and contributed income. To address these challenges, Arizona Opera has recently adopted a new strategic plan, focused on financial and organizational sustainability; community impact and awareness; and innovation.
The company is currently producing three operatic main stage offerings each year in both Phoenix and Tucson and offers in-school touring productions and numerous educational and community engagement events for audiences of all ages. The 2025/26 Season includes co-productions of Zorro and Madama Butterfly, and a semi-staged concert performance of La Cenerentola.
Job Title: Director of Production
Location: Phoenix Arizona
Department: Production
Reports To: President and General Director
FLSA Status: Not Eligible for OT (Exempt)
Classification: Full time
Salary range $80,000-85,000, commensurate with experience
Benefits: Include a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and life insurance; short-term and long-term disability coverage; two weeks of paid vacation; and eight paid holidays annually.
Summary:
The Director of Production is responsible for the execution of the physical artistic product appearing in Arizona Opera productions and programs. The Director of Production facilitates the company’s mission by planning, executing, and actively managing all aspects of the technical and physical components of producing opera, as well as supporting production needs of other programs across the company as necessary. The Director of Production reports to the President and General Director and works closely with other senior leadership staff daily.
Essential Functions:
· Research and recommend appropriate physical components for each production, including scenery, costumes and properties and negotiate and administer all contracts.
· Identify and contract Scenery, Costume, Lighting, Projection, and Sound Designers as needed and negotiate and administer contracts.
· Oversee production rentals and purchases, including the purchase and rental of incoming and outgoing productions, both domestic and international; creating and implementing contracts, transportation, and technical materials; as well as negotiating any related fees, insurance, deposits, royalties, and per diems.
· Manage co-productions, negotiate agreements, review design plans, and ensure smooth transition from co-producers’ theaters to company’s theaters.
· Administer the building of all new productions, including recommending designers, monitoring the development of designs, and overseeing the realization of all physical components.
· Manage the Arizona Opera Marlu Allan and Scott Stallard Costume Shop and the Arizona Opera Scenic Studio.
· Create and maintain production budget, providing budget forecasts including annual, monthly and weekly cash flows as required, with a focus on sustainability and resourcefulness in spending, as well as revenue generation.
· Create and maintain multi-year Production Calendars for AZO productions in multiple venues and related activities.
· Budget, administer and provide support for Resident Company Agreements with Phoenix Symphony Hall and Herberger Theater Center and rental agreements with Tucson Music Hall and Arizona Theatre Company, among others.
· Oversee company and rental events in the Roma and Raymond Wittcoff Black Box at the Arizona Opera Center.
· In collaboration with the President and General Director, lead collective bargaining negotiations for Phoenix and Tucson I.A.T.S.E. and administer the agreements.
· Assist the Director of Administration in overseeing facility operations, including maintenance and the overall standards and readiness of the Opera Center and Black Box Theater
· Maintain a safe working environment, ensuring all facilities meet current safety codes.
· Lead the creation of physical components of the company’s special events and other programs as needed.
· Serve as a resource for outward facing departments as public speaker, author, or by providing general information for print and online materials.
· Arrange for seasonal trucking needs, local and long haul, by receiving and evaluating bids, contracting and communication with vendor(s) and Arizona Opera personnel regarding schedules, and reconcile bills.
· Establish working relationships with companies and vendors. Stay informed about industry standards and new products.
· Approve and track all vendor invoices related to departmental expenditures.
· Oversee the generation of all required technical drawings.
· Attend all performances.
· Other related duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility:
· Production Manager, Technical Director, Costume Shop Manager, Wig and Make-up Manager, Production Stage Manager, and any other per-production personnel including Scenery, Lighting Costume and Sound Designers.
Qualifications/Certificates/Licenses:
5 years’ professional experience in opera or theater with a demonstrated successful track record in production management, technical direction and/or shop management
Bachelor’s degree in technical theater, design, production, or another relevant area, or proven equivalent experience.
Knowledge of the latest industry and field techniques and trends
Awareness of theatrical rigging, automation, hydraulics, and other systems
Competencies:
Superior people skills
Excellent management abilities
Energetic, forward thinking, and creative individual with high ethical standards
Strategic visionary with sound analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus
Outstanding oral and written skills, comfortable with public speaking and able to give polished presentations to audiences from varying levels of experience with opera.
Organized self-directed individual who is a team player.
Ability to think outside of the box with regards to creative problem-solving, resourcefulness, and sustainability
Ability to respond effectively to inquiries, complaints, or criticism.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
Computer Skills:
Computer literate and proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, and experience with AutoCAD, Vector works, Lightwright, Propared, and Photoshop
Physical Demands:
Extended periods at workstation (in the office or theater), using a keyboard, viewing a computer screen, and communicating by telephone and in person.
Work Environment:
The work environment is generally quiet, and in an office setting, but intensifies during periods when the company is in production.
Travel/Other Requirements:
Primary residency in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area is required. Reliable transportation required and must be able to travel statewide. A flexible schedule that will require working some nights and weekends for rehearsals and performances, attending events, etc.
Instructions to Apply: Interested candidates should email a résumé, cover letter, and a list of professional references to HR@azopera.org. Please include the job title in the subject line of your email.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.
The Arizona Opera is an Equal Opportunity employer. The Arizona Opera does not discriminate against an Employee or candidate for employment because of his or her race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin or nationality, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, engagements, assignments, training, discipline, termination, promotions or other conditions of employment or career development. We offer Reasonable Accommodations where necessary to candidates for employment and to our qualified employees with disabilities.
Desired Start Date: June 23, 2025
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $80,000 - $85,000 Annual
Include a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and life insurance; short-term and long-term disability coverage; two weeks of paid vacation; and eight paid holidays annually.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should email a résumé, cover letter, and a list of professional references to HR@azopera.org. Please include the job title in the subject line of your email.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
Application Email/Link: hr@azopera.org
JOB CONTACT
hr@azopera.org