TRUSTEE SERVICES
OPERA America services to opera trustees are driven by a core belief that the success of companies depends on effective boards that demonstrate sustained commitment to understanding and fulfilling their unique roles and responsibilities. A growing portfolio of programs and resources is informed by the active participation of trustees of companies of all sizes from across the United States and Canada.
PROGRAMS
National Trustee Forum
The National Trustee Forum is a two-day symposium for trustees of OPERA America’s Professional Company Members. Sessions examine board recruitment and engagement strategies, committee structures, board/staff dynamics, leadership succession and other topics that build trustee understanding of company operations. Each fall, at the recommendation their general directors, trustees are invited to participate in the late winter meeting, which includes a number of special events and performances throughout the weekend.
Upcoming Dates:
• Winter Meeting, March 2020 | Washington, D.C.
• Winter Meeting, February 2021 | New York, NY
Opera Conference for Trustees
OPERA America’s annual Opera Conference is the largest assembly of opera administrators, trustees and artists in North America. As many as 600 stakeholders convene in a different city every May or June where attendees are hosted by an OPERA America Professional Company Member. Trustees have the opportunity to participate in discussion around civic leadership, artistic planning, marketing initiatives and fundraising strategies, as well as sessions related to good governance. A program of performances and special receptions supplement the daytime learning with opportunities to network with colleagues and peers. For more information, visit
conference.operaamerica.org.
Upcoming Dates:
• Opera Conference 2019, June 13–16, 2019 | San Francisco, CA
• Opera Conference 2020, May 14–17, 2020 | To Be Announced
National Opera Trustee Recognition Program
The National Opera Trustee Recognition Program honors opera company trustees for exemplary leadership, support and audience-building efforts on behalf of their opera companies. The program offers OPERA America’s Professional Company Members an opportunity to demonstrate their gratitude and bring national attention to the leaders who play a pivotal role in charting the future of opera in America. Every Professional Company Member is invited to nominate one trustee each year. At least four are chosen by a committee of peers to be honored at a special dinner in New York City.
Upcoming Dates:
• 2020 Nominations, October 16, 2019
• 2020 Awards Dinner, March 2020 | Washington, D.C.
For more information about participating in trustee programs, contact Dan Cooperman, director of development and membership, at DCooperman@operaamerica.org or 646.699.5266.
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Carol Lazier receives a National Opera Trustee Recognition Award. Credit: Jeff Reeder.
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Trustees at Opera Conference 2017 in Dallas. Credit: Karen Almond.
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RESOURCES
OPERA America Publications
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Across the Board: OPERA America’s semiannual newsletter for trustees highlights successful practices in governance and relevant news from the field. Full issues available to members by logging in above.
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Governance Report: A comparative study from 2018 about common practices in opera company board demographics, committee structures, giving requirements and more. Downloadable PDF accessible to members by logging in above.
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Opera America: OPERA America’s quarterly magazine addresses the issues most important to industry leaders, from audience development strategies and governance practices to the exciting new repertoire that is redefining opera for the 21st century. Full issues available to members at operaamerica.org/Magazine.
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Annual Field Report: Published in the winter issue of Opera America magazine, the Annual Field Report provides a detailed look at the financial, operational and audience trends among American and Canadian opera companies. Access available to members at operaamerica.org/Magazine.
Web Resources on Governance
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OPERA America Governance Library (available summer 2019): A searchable database of articles from OPERA America publications with pertinence to opera company trustees.
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BoardSource: BoardSource is an independent nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and supporting excellence in nonprofit governance and board and staff leadership across all sectors.
OPERA America Resource Hubs
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Anti-Harassment: Resources for helping opera companies prevent harassment, and for individuals who have been victims of harassment, abuse and/or assault.
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Audience Research: Studies, reports and data on audience development and field health.
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Civic Practice: An introduction, articles and case studies on how opera’s authentic creative assets can address public priorities and community needs.
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Education: Resources for and about opera in K-12 education.
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Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity: Articles, case studies and training opportunities to support learning and successful practices around racial, ethnic and gender equity, LGBTQ issues and more.
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Innovation: Documentation of field learning in areas of artistic vitality, audience experience, organizational effectiveness and community connections, supported by OPERA America Innovation Grants.
Company Workshops
OPERA America President/CEO Marc A. Scorca is available to lead board and staff workshops on a variety of topics related to governance, civic engagement, leadership transitions and financial health. Consultations can be arranged by contacting Meghan Taylor, executive assistant to the President/CEO, at
MTaylor@operaamerica.org or 212.796.8623.