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 Apply
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.
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 OPERA America membership).
Schedule
All sessions will take place from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. E.T. Session recordings are available to participants afterward.
| February 21, 2024 | Session 1: Overview & Introductory Framework |
| February 28, 2024 | Session 2: Risk Taking and Owning Your Place at the Table |
| March 6, 2024 | Session 3: Introduction to Individual Giving |
| March 13, 2024 | Session 4: Digital Marketing for Beginners |
| March 20, 2024 | Session 5: Introduction to Opera Finance |
| March 27, 2024 | Session 6: Governance: Working with Boards |
| April 3, 2024 | Session 7: Opera Production Primer |
| April 10, 2024 | Session 8: Civic Practice: Strengthening Communities |
| April 17, 2024 | Session 9: New Works Development: Creating a New Repertoire Landscape |
| April 24, 2024 | 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 2024 in Los Angeles, June 5 – 8. Conference registration is not included in the program fee. To learn more and register visit Opera Conference.
Application Cycle
| January 10, 2024 | Applications Open |
| February 7, 2024 | Applications Close* |
*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 7.
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 10 and closes on February 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Apply early to secure your spot. Registration is limited and on a first-come basis.
Registration is $145 for OPERA America members.
Registration for non-members is $220 and includes a one-year individual OPERA America membership.
For questions, contact Vincent Rutter-Covatto, director of leadership services, at VRutterCovatto@operaamerica.org or 212.646.5237.