Opera Conference 2017: Full Schedule

9:00am CDT

Creating the Training Through-Line: Singers and Pianists as Citizen Artists

Limited Capacity seats available

Many singers and pianists graduating from the academy have the opportunity to work with and perform for a range of audiences in a variety of settings. This joint discussion among the members of the Singer Training Forum and Education and Community Engagement network will explore the qualities needed in the next generation of citizen artists and the steps that college and university faculty can take to prepare their graduates for work as ambassadors of opera and advocates for the arts.

Moderators

Laura Lee Everett

Chief Programs Officer, OPERA America

The Chief Programs Officer for OPERA America, Laura Lee Everett has more than two decades of experience in opera production management, collaborating with some of the most renowned artists in contemporary opera. She has produced the Opera America Songbook (50 commissioned songs for... Read More →

Saturday May 6, 2017 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Austin Ballroom 1, 2nd Floor

Think Tank

Network Edu, STF

9:00am CDT

Fundraising vs. Sales

Limited Capacity filling up

Fundraising and sales have much in common, and in other ways, they are worlds apart. It is logical that certain sales attributes would have crossover value for development. Hear how the staff at Houston Grand Opera has successfully employed proven sales techniques to increase their fundraising. Whether your company is large or small, you must solicit individual gifts. Learn practical sales tactics that can be a boon to your fundraising efforts.

Speakers

Greg Robertson

Chief Advancement Officer, Houston Grand Opera

A Houston native and alumnus of the University of Houston, Greg Robertson is the ChiefPhilanthropy Officer of Houston Grand Opera (HGO) and member of HGO’s ExecutiveLeadership Group.HGO is one of America’s most accomplished and distinguished performing artsorganizations. Greg... Read More →

Sponsors

Robert Swaney Consulting Inc.

Robert Swaney Consulting, Inc. (RSC) is a national provider of contributed revenue growth strategies, fundraising direct mail programs, and executive searches for arts and cultural institutions. RSC coaches and partners with organizations so their fundraising programs become stronger... Read More →

Saturday May 6, 2017 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Seminar Theater, 2nd Floor

Think Tank, OVI

Network Devo, OVI

9:00am CDT

Innovation and Ideas: Becoming a Learning Organization

Limited Capacity filling up

Where do your best ideas come from? Innovation is only possible when you stay in the flow of ideas and make smart choices. For opera companies, this means staying on top of field trends and social changes, while adapting models to suit an organization’s capacities and local needs. In this session, thought leaders and industry professionals reflect on how opera leaders learn and ideate. Hear takeaways from the recent launch of Innovation Grants, generously funded by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and then discover how these practices can inform better organizational decisions and create a culture of learning.

Suggested Reading:
Opera America magazine: "Learning Curves: A Conversation with David McIntosh"

Moderators

Marc A. Scorca

President/CEO, OPERA AMERICA

Marc A. Scorca joined OPERA America in 1990 as president and CEO. Under his leadership, the OPERA America membership has grown from 120 opera companies to nearly 2,500 organizations and individuals. The organization has also administered two landmark funding initiatives in support... Read More →

Speakers

David Bennett

General Director, San Diego Opera

David Bennett is the General Director of San Diego Opera and assumed leadership of the Company on June 15, 2015. Prior to his appointment he was the Executive Director of Gotham Chamber Opera in New York City.David Bennett joined the Gotham Chamber Opera as Managing Director in... Read More →

Annie Burridge

General Director & CEO, Austin Opera

Sarah Lutman

Principal, 8 Bridges Workshop

Sarah Lutman founded Lutman & Associates, now 8 Bridges Workshop, in March 2012. Since then she has pursued a wide variety of projects with clients in cultural, public media, and philanthropic organizations. Her experience as an entrepreneur and innovator is well-documented in projects... Read More →

David McIntosh

Founder and President, Creative Business Breakthroughs

David McIntosh is the founder and president of Creative Business Breakthroughs LLC, working at the intersection of innovation and effectiveness. Since founding his firm in 2003, David has served as a consultant to executives and their organizations. As a facilitator, he designs and... Read More →

Joseph Specter

President and General Director, Arizona Opera Company

Joseph Specter, an experienced administrator who draws from a deep understanding of the arts and corporate environments, became President and General Director of Arizona Opera in June 2016.Prior to coming to Arizona, Joe was General Director of Austin Opera, from 2012 to 2016. While... Read More →

Sponsors

Genovese Vanderhoof & Associates

Margaret Genovese and Dory Vanderhoof are management consultants in the arts with an unparalleled record of success in assisting their clients in executive search, effective organizational planning, capital campaign, successful facility development and dramatic improvement to contributed... Read More →

Schuler Shook

Sponsor: General Director sessions, Schuler Shook Theatre Planners | Lighting Designers

Schuler Shook is an internationally recognized theatre planning and consulting firm with extensive experience in opera facility planning. Our clients include Lyric Opera of Chicago, Sydney Opera House, Santa Fe Opera, Sarasota Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Seattle Opera, Portland Opera... Read More →

The Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation

Saturday May 6, 2017 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Austin Ballroom 3, 2nd Floor

Think Tank, OVI

Network GD, OVI, Trustee
Learning Theme LEAD

11:00am CDT

Achieving Liquidity

Limited Capacity seats available

Under the new FASB requirements, nonprofits will soon need to disclose more detailed financial information that reveals an organization’s fiscal year 2018 cash and reserve position. What can opera companies begin to do now to achieve liquidity or build working capital? Beyond budgeting for yearly surpluses, hear strategies for incorporating liquidity needs into donor cultivation, institutional funder requests and long-range planning. This session is paired with the “Minding the GAAP” session on Monday that will delve into preparing for the changes in financial reporting.

Speakers

Elisabeth Galley

Vice President, Arts Consulting Group

Elisabeth Galley has more than 30 years of experience as a fundraising and development professional for nonprofit arts and culture organizations. Ms. Galley rejoins Arts Consulting Group to open its Dallas office and expand its revenue enhancement and facility & program planning practice... Read More →

Marc A. Scorca

President/CEO, OPERA AMERICA

Sponsors

Genovese Vanderhoof & Associates

Saturday May 6, 2017 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Austin Ballroom 1, 2nd Floor

Think Tank

Network Fin, Trustee

9:00am CDT

Board Committees Designed for Success

At a time when the traditional staff structure is being questioned, rethinking the structure of board committees is essential. Should they mirror departments? Can they be aligned with different company priorities? How do executive committees add value without distancing other board members from important company business? This participatory session will introduce new ideas tailored to each company.

Speakers

Marc A. Scorca

President/CEO, OPERA AMERICA

James Wright

Field Consultant, For-Profit Organization

After leading Vancouver Opera for 17 years James Wright retired from the company in June 2016.He currently sits on the Nature Conservancy of Canada BC board of directors and The TELUS Vancouver Community Board; he has just completed a two-year term on the Vancity Community Foundation... Read More →

Sponsors

Genovese Vanderhoof & Associates

Sunday May 7, 2017 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Austin Ballroom 1, 2nd Floor

Think Tank

Network Trustee

9:00am CDT

Culturally Sensitive Producing

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

As stewards of the art form, opera leaders have the opportunity to foster important discussions and build understanding through the works they produce. With equity, diversity and inclusion in mind, this session explores issues around cultural sensitivity and the production of new works and traditional repertoire, including season planning, casting and community engagement strategies. At every stage of producing, there are opportunities for important internal and community considerations. Join a conversation and hear examples from the field.

Moderators

Leah D. Barto

Director of Learning and Leadership, OPERA America

Leah D. Barto is an arts and culture professional specializing in leadership development, arts education, and strategic impact. As director of learning and leadership at OPERA America, she oversees field learning at the annual conference and is the lead administrator for OPERA America’s... Read More →

Speakers

Michael Bolton

Vice President, Community Initiatives, Opera Philadelphia

Randall Eng

Resident Composer, New York University

I am an opera composer. I also teach at New York University's Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, a 2-year MFA program training composers and librettists to create opera and musical theatre. At NYU, I run the Tisch Opera Lab, in conjunction with American Opera Projects and director... Read More →

Cayenne Harris

Vice President, Lyric Unlimited, Lyric Opera of Chicago

Cayenne Harris was appointed the Director of Lyric Unlimited for Lyric Opera of Chicago in July 2012. As the lead administrator for Lyric's community engagement and audience development initiatives, Ms. Harris has played an essential role in the creation of Lyric Unlimited – its... Read More →

Anh Le

Assistant Director of Marketing, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Anh is the Assistant Director of Marketing at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL), overseeing all direct mail and print collateral in addition to providing key strategic support for audience building and community outreach efforts. In addition to her duties at OTSL, Anh has spoken... Read More →

David Lomeli

Casting Manager & Hart Institute for Women Conduct, The Dallas Opera

David Lomeli joined The Dallas Opera in July of 2014 as Artistic Coordinator. In June of 2015 he was promoted to Associate Artistic Administrator. In April of 2016, David was promoted to Casting and Hart Institute for Women Conductors Manage where he assisted Music Director Emmanuel... Read More →

Nkeiru Okoye

Composer, HARRIET TUBMAN Opera

www.nkeiruokoye.com

Sean Waugh

Artistic Planning Manager, San Francisco Opera

Sean Waugh joined San Francisco Opera in May 2010 and currently serves as artistic planning manager, assisting with casting, season planning, and overseeing artistic operations for the company. Sean has helped lead a number of strategic initiatives at SFO including the formation of... Read More →

Sunday May 7, 2017 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Seminar Theater, 2nd Floor

Think Tank

Network Artists, ARTS-ADMIN, Devo, Edu, GD, Mktg, NWF, OVI, STF, Tech-Prod, Trustee
Learning Theme EDI, REP

9:00am CDT

Shared Values for Production and Operations

Limited Capacity seats available

Staff from the finance and production departments bring different mindsets to managing company priorities. This session will explore how both departments can improve communication and operate more collaboratively once core values are understood. With shared values as the basis, planning, budgeting and financial reporting become a team effort.

Moderators

Kurt Howard

Director of Programs and Services, OPERA America

After three years as OPERA America's managing director, Kurt Howard shifted into the position of director of programs services in 2017. Howard is responsible for professional development programs, annual conference planning and execution, supervision of grant programs (specifically... Read More →

Speakers

David Levy

Vice President of Artistic Operations, Opera Philadelphia

Cynthia Marino

Director of Production, Tri-Cities Opera

After more than 10 years as a Freelance Stage Manager, I moved into the world of Production Management. I am now completing my 2nd season as the Director of Production at Tri Cities Opera and starting my 3rd season as the Production Stage Manager at Bel Canto at Caramoor.

Sarah Squire

Director of Operations, Opera Memphis

Sarah Squire, Director of Operations at Opera Memphis, has been with the company since 2006. In her current position, she has helped develop and produce Opera Memphis' annual "30 Days of Opera" and the Midtown Opera Festival. She has held various positions at Opera Memphis including... Read More →

Sunday May 7, 2017 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Majestic 2, 37th Floor

Think Tank

Network Fin, Tech-Prod

9:00am CDT

Succeeding Together: Marketing and Development

Limited Capacity filling up

It is essential that marketing and development departments work together in achieving revenue goals and creating a seamless patron experience. In this session, learn from marketing and development representatives of companies large and small about how to establish a culture of shared goals, implement systems for productive communication and adapt patron-centered strategies that drive revenue.

Moderators

Joe Gfaller

Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Joe Gfaller has served as Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Opera Theatre since February, 2011. In that time, he has managed some of the company's most successful sales campaigns, including record-setting campaign for the world premiere of Terence Blanchard and Michael... Read More →

Speakers

Jason Hardy

Director of Development, Opera Memphis

Jason Hardy currently serves as the Director of Development at Opera Memphis. He joined the company in 2016 after serving as the Managing Director at OperaDelaware. Prior to this work, Hardy had an 18-year career as a leading operatic bass with a complimentary career providing data... Read More →

Rebecca Kirk

Manager of Education Programs, Boston Lyric Opera

Rebecca Ann S. Kirk, M.Ed. has worked in the overlapping fields of creative youth development, arts education, and community engagement for nearly fifteen years. She has managed youth programs and school partnerships for Boston Lyric Opera for three seasons and has previously worked... Read More →

David Walker

Managing Director, Palm Beach Opera

Responsible for all company contributed and earned income goals, as well as all expenses used to achieve them; Oversee Fundraising, Marketing, Box Office, and Education & Community Engagement departments; Design, implement, and manage company marketing, promotion, and fundraising... Read More →

Sponsors

Robert Swaney Consulting Inc.

Sunday May 7, 2017 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Majestic 3, 37th Floor

Think Tank

Network Devo, Mktg

11:00am CDT

Opera’s Paradox: Mission and Business Model

Limited Capacity filling up

“Opera is for all” is a mantra that permeates the field’s messaging about performances and community engagement efforts. Providing access to opera aligns with the nonprofit aspiration to serve the general public and better communities. Yet many practices at opera organizations suggest that “opera is for a select few.” Much of the revenue that supports an opera company’s existence is a result of time-tested efforts that offer exclusive benefits to the highest-level donors. Hear from a range of opera practitioners about how they grapple with this paradox and what strategies companies are employing to harmonize this intrinsic tension.

Moderators

Marc A. Scorca

President/CEO, OPERA AMERICA

Speakers

Carrie Ellen Adamian

Director of Marketing and Ticket Sales, The Dallas Opera

Carrie Ellen Adamian’s passion and love of the performing arts began with dancing and singing at the age of 4 years. Her lifelong dedication to the art form carried her to the Broadway stage where she performed in productions that included Tommy Tune’s Grand Hotel and Grease! After... Read More →

Carol Lazier

Trustee, San Diego Opera

Carol Lazier led the effort to avoid closure of San Diego Opera in 2014 and assumed the position of Board President. Lazier is the co-founder, lead underwriter, and Board President of Ex;plore Solutions, a nonprofit which provides best-fit college and career information to San Diego... Read More →

Andrew Morgan

Director of Development, San Francisco Opera

Andrew Morgan has served in various roles in San Francisco Opera’s development team since 2008, including multiple giving officer positions as well as Director of Individual and Leadership Giving. In his current position as Deputy Director of Development, Andrew oversees a team... Read More →

Timothy O'Leary

General Director, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Timothy O’Leary has been General Director of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis since 2008, heading a leadership team that includes OTSL Music Director Stephen Lord and Artistic Director James Robinson. Mr. O’Leary currently also serves as Chairman of the Board of OPERA America, the... Read More →

Richard Russell

Executive Director, Sarasota Opera

Richard Russell is Executive Director of Sarasota Opera. A former singer, he performed with the company for four seasons beginning in 1989 as an apprentice artist, studio artist, and principal. After transitioning out of professional performing he joined Citigroup’s Emerging Markets... Read More →

Eva Toia

Associate Director of Development and Planned Giving, The Dallas Opera

Eva James Toia has been a fundraising professional in the arts since 1998, when she joined her alma mater, University of North Carolina School of the Arts as Director of Alumni, Career Services and Outreach. In 2009, she returned to her hometown of Dallas, where she served as Director... Read More →

Monday May 8, 2017 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Austin Ballroom 1, 2nd Floor

Think Tank

Network Artists, ARTS-ADMIN, Devo, Edu, Fin, GD, Mktg, NWF, OVI, STF, Tech-Prod, Trustee
Learning Theme LEAD