Leadership Launch
Leadership Launch is OPERA America's online course about the fundamentals of opera administration.
The program offers early-career administrators an opportunity to gain an introductory understanding of the opera field. Through ten 90-minute sessions, participants will learn from experts and engage in discussion of how opera companies operate.
How to Register
Leadership Launch is OPERA America's online course about the fundamentals of opera administration. Individuals who identify as being at an appropriate career stage to participate may register for the course, availability permitting.
The program is designed to offer early-career administrators an opportunity to gain an introductory understanding of the opera field. Through ten 90-minute sessions, participants will learn from experts and engage in discussion of how opera companies operate.
Eligibility: Leadership Launch is open to all individuals (members and non-members) who currently work in or wish to advance their professional careers in the opera field. Enrollment is limited to 40 participants.
There is a registration fee of $145 for members or $220 for non-members (including a one-year individual digital OPERA America membership).
Schedule
All sessions will take place from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. E.T. Session recordings are available to participants afterward.
| February 18, 2025 | Session 1: Overview & Introductory Framework |
| February 20, 2025 | Session 2: Risk Taking and Owning Your Place at the Table |
| February 25, 2025 | Session 3: Governance: Working with Boards |
| February 27, 2025 | Session 4: Introduction to Individual Giving |
| March 4, 2025 | Session 5: Marketing for Beginners |
| March 6, 2025 | Session 6: Introduction to Opera Finance |
| March 11, 2025 | Session 7: Opera Production Primer |
| March 13, 2025 | Session 8: Civic Practice: Strengthening Communities |
| March 18, 2025 | Session 9: New Works Development: Creating a New Repertoire Landscape |
| March 20, 2025 | Session 10: Focus on the Future: Season Planning and Course Conclusion |
Program participants will be invited to attend an optional in-person meetup at Opera Conference 2025 in Memphis, May 20-23, 2025. Conference registration is not included in the program fee. To learn more and register visit Opera Conference.
Application Cycle
| January 14, 2025 | Registration Opens |
| February 11, 2025 | Registration Closes* |
*Registration is limited and on a first-come basis. Applicants are encouraged to register early to secure a spot. A waitlist will be created when registration is full and applicants may apply to that waitlist through February 11.
Program Guidelines
The rubric below should be used by individuals interested in participating in the Leadership Launch to determine whether they are at an appropriate stage of their careers to participate.
- Participation Rubric (PDF)
Applicants who are in a more advanced stage of their leadership development may want to consider the Mentorship Program for Opera Leaders of Color, the Mentorship Program for Women Administrators, or Leadership Intensive.
How to Apply
Registration opens on January 14 and closes on February 11 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Apply early to secure your spot. Registration is limited and on a first-come basis.
There is a registration fee of $145 for members or $220 for non-members (including a one-year individual digital OPERA America membership).
For questions, contact Vincent Rutter-Covatto, director of leadership services, at VRutterCovatto@operaamerica.org or 212.646.5237.