Director of Production

Company: Des Moines Metro Opera

Company Location: Indianola, IA

Job Location: On Site/In Person

Job Type: Full Time

Date Posted: September 4, 2024

Network(s): None

DESCRIPTION

About Des Moines Metro Opera:

Des Moines Metro Opera is a major American summer opera festival and is one of the state’s largest performing arts organizations, annually producing over 100 performances in the metro area and around the region. DMMO offers a first-rate artistic experience in an affordable environment. The company’s summer festival season runs from May through July of each year during which three operas are performed in repertory for 15-17 mainstage performances, generally in entirely new productions. The summer festival season takes place in the intimate 467-seat Pote Theater at the Blank Center for the Performing Arts in Indianola, Iowa, a suburb community southeast of Des Moines and about 10 miles from the Des Moines International Airport. The company’s recently completed 2024 season was highly acclaimed and experienced record ticket sales. Des Moines Metro Opera was recently nominated for Festival of the Year for the 2024 International Opera Awards.

The company’s programming encompasses a distinctive mix of styles from five centuries of composition, presented in original productions, utilizing a spectacular array of professional talent and offers high quality productions in one of America’s most unique and intimate theatres. DMMO receives annual reviews from industry publications such as Opera News and Opera Today. The company has also been featured in the pages of the Wall Street Journal, the Kansas City Star, The New York Times and The Chicago Tribune and the Wall Street Journal, which said, “Such high production values and careful casting make Des Moines Metro Opera a find,” (2022) and the New Yorker magazine which said, “One of America’s boldest smaller companies…sending psychic shivers into the hot summer night” (2024).

About the position:

Responsible for the technical implementation of Des Moines Metro Opera’s Summer Season during which DMMO produces 3 new productions in a rotating repertory. The Director will maintain high artistic standards and initiate and engage in early, efficient and thorough communication with design teams and department heads to ensure that new production designs are realized on time and within budget. This position works closely with the General & Artistic Director in the implementation of the artistic vision of the organization and has primary responsibility in this area along with the Director of Artistic Administration. This position has direct supervision for departments including scenery, props, stage operations, costumes, lighting, audio/video, wigs/make-up and designer relations. Previous experience as a Technical Director of Assistant Technical Director is ideal.

The position will work closely with the current seasonal Technical Director in ensuring that complex, new productions can effectively share the same theatre spaces and to ensure that designs work together to fulfill the artistic vision of the company while creating effective work schedules for all crews. The position is a part of the senior leadership team and works closely with all departments in planning and executing strategy for DMMO, its productions and events. 

Primary responsibilities include directing all production planning and operations in a safe, orderly and efficient manner and in keeping with the overall mission of the company. The individual in this position will be directly involved in a potential set of renovations in the short to mid-term to the technical theatre spaces in the company’s main performance venue at the Blank Performing Arts Center. Previous experience in theatre renovations is ideal.

Duties / Responsibilities:

·       Promote an inclusive, respectful and compassionate working environment that prioritizes the Company’s values towards equity, diversity and inclusivity.

·       Assist the General Director in the search for designers. Negotiate designer agreements.

·       Interview and/or hire all Production Staff in collaboration with Department Heads.

·       Work in conjunction with leadership team to develop annual production budget.

·       Work with the design and production staff in the execution and supervision of all off-site construction within budget parameters during the pre-season. This includes communicating and working with all theatrical shops and vendors for off-site bidding and construction.

·       Oversee occasional new scenic build on-site during summer season.

·       Manage all mainstage theatre-related activities at the festival. This includes advancing all aspects of the incoming productions, equipment, and rentals along with projecting and adhering to budget.

·       Develop and maintain professional business relationships with all staff, board, union representatives, industry colleagues and producing partners as well as relevant local and national vendors.

·       Establish and maintain a workplace that prioritizes health and safety standards.

·       Ensure compliance with all applicable Simpson College theatre facility policies.

·Represent management on collective bargaining teams as appropriate and oversee adherence to CBA terms.

 Season Planning:

·     Participate in season planning discussions as they relate to budgeting and workability of new productions for

approval approximately 12-18 months before the start of the season.

·       Schedule and attend off-season design meetings in person, by phone or video conference.

 Design and Production Internship Program:

·       Embrace the role of mentor and teacher, sharing knowledge, experiences and best practices.

·       Facilitate documentation for academic credit as needed by members of intern program.

·       Schedule and help prepare the Stage Supervisor to lead a basic Stage Safety course for all interns.

·       Moderate post-show talkback production-related forums with designers and production staff.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE:

The list below is intended as a starting point for conversations. We welcome inquires and discussions about this position from applicants who have serious interest but may possess each quality listed below.

·       Successful senior leadership of a sizeable production staff consisting of both professionals and interns is highly   desirable.

·       Experience or background in technical direction is strongly preferred.

·       Experience in repertory opera or theatre is highly valued.

·       Experience in leading a professional scenic and costume design process including reading and interpreting designs and build drawing and renderings, stewarding a fair bidding process, working with build shops and integrating their delivery into a complex rehearsal pattern.

·       A BA is required. An MFA in Theatre or comparable professional experience in technical theatre production is preferred but not required. Experience and understanding of set and prop construction and rigging, lighting and video projection, sound reinforcement and costuming is preferred.

·       Training in and understanding of safe practices for the theatre environment.

·       Training in and understanding basic scenery, props, costumes, lighting, video projection, and sound designs and implementations.

·       Previous experience in theatre renovation and redesign is helpful.

·       Strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.

·       Flexibility and solution-oriented focus within fast-paced and ever-changing environments and personalities.

·       Ability to maintain and work within a budget.

·       Willingness and ability to work with a variety of different personalities and skill levels.

·       Strong computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word. Auto CAD is a plus.

·       Valid Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS:

This position involves moderate work with lifting or moving up to 50 pounds occasionally, occasional climbing and work from ladders and standing for long periods of time. The position requires ability to use computer equipment, manual dexterity, and the ability to communicate verbally and in written word. This position requires long hours and a flexible work schedule in support of rehearsals, performances and special events.

Desired Start Date: September 4, 2024

BENEFITS

Pay Range: $90 - $105 Annual