The Lehrer Vocal Institute Production Manager (LVIPM) is responsible for the day-to-day production and stage management needs of the Music Academy’s summer vocal program, including one mainstage opera and up to two other smaller productions. This position reports to the Vice President of Artistic Planning and works closely with the Lehrer Vocal Institute Manager, Lehrer Vocal Institute Co-Directors, and vendors.

Lehrer Vocal Institute (LVI) Productions

• Identify, hire, onboard, and coordinate responsibilities of the production team for the mainstage opera and up to two other smaller productions in consultation with the Artistic Operations department
• Devise, refine, update, manage, and communicate technical duties for the effective and timely preparation, rehearsal, and performance of productions featuring LVI fellows

General Duties

• Guide creative and production teams through the design process from concept to closing night and strike.
• Be available for in-person and/or remote meetings throughout the year to discuss the progress of each production and address any concerns and/or potential conflicts.
• Supervise Stage Manager(s), Assistant Stage Managers, and other summer creative teams, production staff and independent contractors.
• Create and maintain a professional and safe production environment.
• Coordinate operations with LVI Co-Directors and Music Academy administration.

Planning (September - December)

• In collaboration with Vice President of Artistic Planning and LVI Manager, track budgets for LVI production activities and ensure budget stays within the approved scope.
• Collaborate with each production’s director, venue technical personnel, and other personnel including technical, design, lighting, wardrobe, property, supertitle projection, etc.
• Develop technical and production schedules with due consideration for the expenses of venue union production personnel and the regulations of the theatres; achieve production requirements while minimizing personnel and equipment use costs.
• Develop Concept Proposals in concert with the creative teams.
• In consultation with Academy administration and LVI leadership, recruit, contract and manage approximately 30 seasonal personnel including designers, technical, and staging staff.

Pre-production (September - May)

• Maintain project timelines to ensure tasks are accomplished on time.
• Provide oversight of construction of production elements including scenery, costumes, props and video media.
• Liaise with venue to advance and manage technical logistics and schedule.
• Conduct regular production meetings with creative teams, production staff and Music Academy administration.
• Establish and maintain relationships with vendors for rental, construction and installation of scenery, lighting, video, costumes, wigs and makeup, and props.

Production (June - July)

• Oversee day-to-day production for rehearsals and performances. Nights and weekends will be required depending on rehearsal/performance schedule.
• Update Vice President of Artistic Planning on each production’s budget upon request, tracking all expenses and working within limits of authorized budgets.
• Serve as liaison to house management, administrative staff, and IATSE stage crew of rented venues.

Review and Closure (August)

• Manage tracking and payment of all expenses related to productions, ensuring payment in full is made to all vendors by August 31.
• Following the completion of the productions, manage the return or repurposing of all sets, props, and costumes used in the performance. 
• Debrief with administration on summer productions and processes.

Candidate Profile

The Music Academy of the West seeks to hire candidates who thrive in a collaborative, highly communicative workplace. Our administration collectively informs and agrees upon the organization’s expectations for teamwork, including a positive, goal-oriented environment that positions every employee for success. The ideal candidate will demonstrate some, if not all, of the following:

• Previous opera production experience, preferably at a managerial level
• Experience with theatre audio, lighting, scenery, and costumes
• Experience with ArtsVision, or similar scheduling software
• Experience managing budgets and teams
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Strong critical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work on a team and adapt to changing work priorities
• Positive and professional demeanor

Compensation and Benefits

This is a non-exempt, part-time position. It is remote in the off-season months and in-person in Santa Barbara during the summer Festival. Compensation is $30 per hour. This part-time year-round position is not eligible for benefits except as required by law including paid sick time. Housing is provided for in-person work during the summer festival for non-local candidates, as well as travel reimbursements up to a specified amount for travel to in-person summer work.

Please upload a resume and cover letter as part of the application.

About the Music Academy of the West

The mission of the Music Academy of the West is to educate musicians through intensive study with exceptional teachers and transformative performance opportunities, while broadening access to musical experiences for the Santa Barbara community.

The Music Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We aim to create a diverse and inclusive work environment and we value each employee’s unique experiences and perspectives. 

As part of its annual Summer Music Festival & School, the Academy presents the Fellowship Institute, which trains up to 150 fellows ages 18–34, alongside the High School Intensive, a two-week program for gifted musicians ages 14–18. The Festival showcases more than 100 performances and events, including masterclasses, competitions, and a fully staged opera. Year-round programs include Sing!, a youth choir that performs with local, national, and international partners; and the Mariposa Concert Series, featuring Academy-affiliated artists. 

The 80th Anniversary of the Summer Music Festival & School will take place June 16–August 7, 2027. The complete performance lineup will be unveiled in early 2027. 

For more information, please visit musicacademy.org.