Director of Production

About Opera Santa Barbara

Founded in 1994, Opera Santa Barbara is the California Central Coast’s premier professional opera company. OSB presents three mainstage productions each season at the Lobero Theatre. With a repertoire that spans from classic favorites to contemporary works, the company has a strong established artistic brand. Performances have been consistently sold-out for the past two years. We are a results-driven organization with a strong sense of mission and a close-knit team of five full-time staff members who wear many hats.

Our production team consists of five seasoned department heads who are committed to the highest standards of excellence. We are planning to expand to four full productions starting with the 2027-28 season.

The Director of Production (Dir Pro) is a senior leadership position responsible for the planning, execution, and management of all production elements for Opera Santa Barbara's mainstage season and other large-scale events. The role combines the responsibilities of both Director of Production and Production Manager, blending VP-level strategic leadership with hands-on oversight. The Dir Pro will work closely with the Artistic and General Director (AGD) to ensure the artistic quality and aesthetic of all productions aligns with the company’s brand, managing a production budget of over $1 million.

The successful candidate will be a tech-savvy creative problem-solver, capable of turning ambitious ideas into reality. This role requires the experience and temperament to manage a team of seasoned professionals with strong personalities, keeping everyone focused on the shared mission.

• Lead all aspects of production planning and execution for four mainstage operas and other events, ensuring the highest artistic and safety standards.
• Direct, supervise, and support all production departments, including scenery, properties, costumes, lighting, audio/video, wigs/make-up, and stage management.
• Collaborate with and guide creative teams, including directors and designers, to ensure their artistic vision is successfully realized and aligned with the company’s brand.
• Create and manage production calendars, schedules, and deadlines.
• Schedule and lead all production meetings.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with designers, vendors, and collaborators.
• Develop and manage an annual production budget of over $1 million in collaboration with the AGD.
• Monitor and manage departmental expenditures, advocating for appropriate fund allocations while also seeking opportunities for cost savings and efficiencies.
• Provide regular financial reports, forecasts, and cost analyses to the AGD.

• Be the AGD’s second-in-command on all artistic and production matters, contributing to the company’s strategic planning.
• Foster a results-driven, professional work environment built on mutual respect and accountability.
• Hire, train, and supervise all production staff, providing direct feedback and professional development opportunities.
• Mentor emerging professionals, establishing high expectations with a commitment to their growth.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, as well as union and collective bargaining agreements.

• Minimum of five years of experience in opera production, such as production management, stage management, or a department role.
• Substantial experience managing production staff and budgets.
• Comprehensive understanding of all aspects of theatrical production.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and hold a team of seasoned professionals accountable.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible, solution-oriented approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Insatiable appetite for learning.
• Sense of humor.

• Experience with AutoCAD and Vectorworks.
• Experience in repertory opera.
• Experience using AI tools for management, scheduling, research, budgeting, and forecasting.

Opera Santa Barbara offers a competitive, senior-level salary commensurate with qualifications and a robust benefits package including health insurance, a 403b match, generous PTO, two weeks off in December, and Fridays off in July and August.

Please send a short cover letter, one-page resume, and salary expectations to Kostis Protopapas at kostis with "Director of Production" in the subject line.

Pay Range: $80,000 - $120,000 Annual