EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Full-time exempt, hybrid

Posted 10/8/25

Production Manager

Wisconsin’s oldest fully professional performing arts organization, the Florentine Opera, has been bringing a little bit of the world to Milwaukee since 1933. We’re on a journey of discovery, exploring the glory of the human voice. We’re a powerhouse for all different voices and stories, which have endured through the centuries and resonate with our humanity and passion. We’re a live, supersized experience, created in-the-moment through theater, staging, lighting, lavish costumes, and beautiful song, bringing you the most immersive and all-encompassing artistic experience possible.

The Florentine Opera is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on all legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.

Reports to: General Director & CEO  
Supervisory Requirements: production staff, contractors

Responsibilities

Managing Designers, Personnel, and Contracts

• Hire, contract and supervise all production staff and contractors including, but not limited to: designers, TD, ME, PSM, stage managers, assistant stage managers, titles, costume shop manager, resident wig and make-up designer, properties manager, production associates, potential interns, stagehands, and any additional personnel required for production needs.

• Advise General Director/CEO on potential scenic, lighting, and costume designers,  and rental package selections.

• Contract set and costume rental package choices per General Director.

• Actively seek and maintain professional contacts with industry colleagues to benefit Florentine production efforts, with emphasis on Opera America cohort members.

• Guide and set expectations for all director/design teams through the design process to guarantee the timely completion of all designs. With the input of appropriate technical staff, analyze all designs submitted to determine feasibility of execution within the allotted time, money and personnel available.

• Schedule, coordinate and conduct all design and production meetings.

• Attend staging rehearsals, designer run, technical rehearsals and performances as necessary. 

Budgeting and Administration

• Develop and supervise production budgets (including some facilities and artistic); process, track and reconcile all production expenses.

• Develop and administer production calendars and design deadlines for all productions, concerts and events.

• Coordinate all archival photo/video sessions for artistic and production related documentation.

• Determine load-in and tech schedules; consult with TD/ME  on IATSE Labor needs and orders for staffing production-related and back-of-house requirements.

• Distribute parking information and QR codes/passes for all personnel at performance venues.

• Communicate backstage security list for the performance venue.

• Act as production liaison with MSO orchestra staff, and other community partners as required.

• Hire and oversee light walkers and their schedules when needed.

• Serve as liaison to labor unions for actors, stage managers, MSO musicians, designers, and crew. Ensure company compliance with all union rules.

• Maintain department contact information and production rosters.

• Responsible for HR documentation for all production personnel, including but not limited to: prepare contracts, collect tax forms, process and sign timesheets and handle the initial paperwork for Workers' Compensation for all production personnel related claims.

• Develop and oversee illness plan and overall safety for staff and shows, in conjunction with the General Director/CEO.

Collaborating Internally

• Facilitate clear Company communications throughout the production process, acting as a liaison between directors, designers, stage managers, and FOC Production, Music, and Administrative staff.  

• Participate fully as a member of Florentine’s Senior Staff team, presenting Production Department information and priorities  at Senior Staff and Board Levels.

• Collaborate with Education Manager on technical needs for Florentine’s School Tour, including hiring of costume design, scene design, fine artist, and prop personnel; Facilitate the design and technical development process starting at concept meetings through Final Invited Dress and Filming of school tour product.

• Assess and advise on feasibility of alternative concert and event venues for Florentine programming. Serve as a strong partner to Florentine Company Manager for technical aspects of Concerts, Galas, and other Florentine programming.

• Facilitate a stream of entry level interns to Florentine Technical Internship program; network with colleges/university programs to identify intern candidates; Monitor and support Tech Department Head/Intern curricular and professional objectives.

• Embrace and Support Florentine’s Representing Milwaukee mission through commitment to continued learning, daily conduct, thoughtful communication, and in hiring practices.

• Other administrative and staff responsibilities as needed. As the business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as company leadership identifies the need at any time.

Managing Facilities and Assets

• Serve as main point of contact and manager of the Marcus Center and other venues. Facilitate clear communications with MCPA Technical Director and MCPA Facilities and Security staff (or other venue staff as necessary) to ensure a smooth transition from Opera Center to Venues; inclusive of Technical Needs, Tech Schedule, Ancillary Space Use, Security, Parking, and house crew interface.

• Contract atypical producing venues and assess outside production support needed  to succeed in those alternative spaces.

• Oversee Florentine stock set, prop, and costume rentals, musical equipment rentals, and rental page maintenance on Florentine website.

• Oversee inventory and maintenance of all acoustic and electronic pianos, scene/paint shop, lighting, costume, and supertitle equipment. 

• Oversee all routine facility supply stocking, general facility hardware, and stage supplies. 

• Responsible for general upkeep of the Opera Center, costume storage, and warehouse facilities through either the execution of small repairs or identifying the need for outside labor and working directly with the landlord. 

• Maintain accurate and up to date asset evaluation in all FOC locations for insurance purposes; monitor assets and facilitate exchange of information with FOC staff and insurance representatives on policy coverages, claims, and changes thereto.

Skills and Experience

• Extensive  production experience that corresponds to the requirements of this position.

• Experience working with IATSE, USA, AGMA and AF of M union contracts and maintaining positive union relationships is ideal.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact and communicate promptly and consistently with all staff, management, donors, artists, and the public in a professional and tactful manner.

• Highly organized: ability to coordinate many tasks, problem solving under pressure, setting appropriate priorities, and completing work on schedule with attention to detail.

• Valid Driver's license required.

• Proficiency in Google Suite and basic MS Office skills required. 

• Photoshop and Vectorworks or AutoCAD skills are desirable.

• Project Management software knowledge a plus, focusing on agile processes including KanBan, Propared, etc.

• Ability to work independently, exercise judgment and initiative. 

• Demonstrate leadership in accordance with the Florentine's mission and vision.

Work Conditions

• The job sometimes requires six-day work weeks, as well as evenings during tech rehearsals and performances. 

• Sitting and standing for extended periods of time.

• Ability to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and to handle other office equipment. 

• Ability to use stairs (historic building limitations)

• Ability to transport and set up keyboards and other staging equipment (lifting up to 50lbs).

• Be a motivated self-starter who also works well in a cross functional team.

• Comfortable  integrating hybrid working styles and communication with show to show production and design personnel working off site.  

• Greater Milwaukee area residence.

Salary and Benefits

The Production Manager is a full‐time exempt position (Salary range $62-68K). The Florentine Opera offers generous benefits and an excellent working environment. We are hybrid, with 2 days a week work from home and flexible hours.

Benefits Offered:

To Apply

Please email Maggey Oplinger at moplinger@florentineopera.org with your resume, three references and a cover letter.