Careers at Opera San Jose

Carpenter

4Description

Reporting to the Assistant Technical Director, the Carpenter is a member of the theatrical scenery production team. This position joins colleagues in ownership of responsibility for the professional execution of technical production issues. This position works closely with the Scene Shop Supervisor and other craftsmen, as well as with the Production Manager, Head of Properties, Costume Director, and Production Stage Manager as per the needs of each production.

Now entering its 42^nd season, Opera San José is one of the leading cultural institutions in Silicon Valley and is distinctive in supporting Resident Company Artists, with onsite Scenic and Costume shops, as well as a local scenic warehouse. With a $6M budget, Opera San José’s mission and commitment is to incubating talent and innovation across the field.

Responsibilities

• In coordination with the Master Carpenter and Scene Shop Supervisor, construct scenery per design specifications.
• Assist Head of Props with construction assistance on larger scenic props on request.
• Assist direction of load-ins and load-outs.
• Provide hands-on advanced carpentry skills, and from time to time supervise crews of carpenters.
• As needed, consults with Artistic, Music, & Production (AMP) colleagues on technical requirements for events in the Heiman Digital Studio.
• Ensure scenery meets all safety and mobility standards.
• Construct special projects for outside customers.

Ideal Skills & Experience Sought

• 3+ years’ experience as Carpenter or 1+ year experience as Master Carpenter of a scenery construction company or similar.
• Experience effectively leading multiple IATSE crews of up to 16 people total
• Knowledge of current OSJ Cal-OSHA standards and a strong proclivity for shop safety
• Ability to train inexperienced crew on proper/safe tool use of all shop tools
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point) or comparable.
• Good organizational skills and multi-step task retention 
• Basic knowledge of electrical and shop tool repair
• Eye for detail 
• Adept at troubleshooting and providing solutions 
• Experience assisting charge painter with simple painting when absolutely necessary

Minimum Requirements for Consideration

• Able to drive a 26’ box truck
• 2 years technical theater college or professional theater construction experience. 
• Ability to lead a crew of 4 or more
• Valid driver’s license and driving record which passes insurance company check of DMV records.
• Read and build from design and technical drawings
• Able to collaborate and effectively communicate with colleagues
• Safely use standard carpentry tools: table saw, miter saw, jig saw, grinder, sander, etc.
• MIG welding experience
• Self-motivated
• Scenery load-in and load-out experience inside a theater
• Forklift operation
• Comfortable on a 16’ ladder or 32’ personnel lift such as a Genie lift
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Compensation

This position is classified as full-time non-exempt with an hourly wage range of $29.00 to $34.00 depending on expertise and experience. This position is eligible for company benefits, which currently include 15 days vacation, generous sick and holiday time, 403b savings with a 3% match, employer-sponsored health plans with a shared premium, and pre-tax flexible spending accounts. Professional development opportunities are available and encouraged for all employees. Benefits may change from time to time as Management determines

Work Location & Schedule

Work is required primarily on-site in order to interface with team members and artists. The principal work location is Opera San José’s Scene Shop at 2245 Paragon Drive, San Jose CA, and the California Theatre in downtown San Jose when in production. Regular business hours are Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm with evening and weekend work during in-theater load-ins, tech rehearsals and performances. The ideal candidate for this role must live or be willing to live in the San Jose Bay Area.

Physical Expectations

• Ability to lift 50 pounds safely.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.

Company Culture                     

Opera San José, in desiring a more equitable world, is committed to fostering equity in our art form. Opera in the twenty-first century can and should demonstrate today’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe in building, fostering and sustaining a company that reflects, celebrates and serves the diverse communities of the Bay Area. Opera San José cultivates a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork and respect among all employees. We are firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds may grow personally and professionally.

Opera San José is an equal opportunity employer. It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all employees is central to the continuing success of our organization. We will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, physical disabilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, training, benefits, recommendations, rate of pay or other forms of compensation. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on qualifications and job requirements.

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit a resume at www.operasj.org/careers

Director of Production

The Director of Production is a key senior leader responsible for managing all technical and production aspects of Opera San José’s performances and events. Working closely with the General Director & CEO, Associate Director of Artistic and Music Operations, Associate Technical Director, and creative teams, this position ensures that all productions are executed to the highest artistic standards while staying within budget and schedule. The Director of Production oversees scenic, costume, lighting, and technical operations, managing department heads and union crews to deliver world-class opera experiences.

Primary Responsibilities

Production Management

• Serve as lead producer for all technical aspects of productions (mainstage, digital, and special events).
• Supervise all production departments including Scenic, Costumes, Props, Lighting, Sound, and Stage Management.
• Manage the Production Manager, supporting their leadership in coordinating production logistics, budgeting, calendars, rentals, and crew operations.
• Develop and manage production calendars, ensuring alignment with artistic and music schedules.
• Oversee production budgets, working closely with department heads on labor, materials, and rentals.
• Track production expenses, reconcile actuals, and flag overages proactively.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Hire, manage, and evaluate production staff, crew heads, and over-hire technicians.
• Foster collaboration across departments and ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful working environment.
• Serve as liaison with IATSE and oversee implementation and compliance with Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Production Operations

• Oversee load-in, tech, performances, and strike for each production.
• Lead weekly production meetings and ensure accurate dissemination of production notes and schedules.
• Ensure all union and safety regulations are followed.

Creative Collaboration

• Collaborate with directors and designers to realize their artistic vision within OSJ’s resources.
• Manage communication between designers and production departments throughout pre-production and rehearsal.

Facilities, Rentals & Inventory

• Supervise maintenance and improvements for OSJ’s scenic shop, costume shop, and warehouse.
• Oversee inventory tracking and resource sharing across productions and rentals.
• Lead OSJ’s Set, Prop, and Costume Rentals and Build for Hire program, a key component of the company’s revenue generation strategy.
• Ensure safety, functionality, and cost-efficiency in facilities and production equipment.

Planning & Strategy

• Participate in long-term season planning and production feasibility analysis.
• Provide input on co-productions, rentals, and capital equipment needs.

Other Duties

• Represent OSJ at production-related community and industry events.
• Attend all performances and production weeks.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in theatrical production management, preferably in opera or performing arts
• Proven leadership of teams and complex projects
• Strong budgeting and organizational skills
• Familiarity with union contracts and technical production workflows
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends

Compensation

Salary range: $85,000–$95,

This position is classified as salaried exempt, which will be paid an annual salary and is not eligible for overtime pay. This position is eligible for company benefits, which currently include 15 days vacation, generous sick and holiday time, 403b savings with a 3% match, employer-sponsored health plans with a shared premium, and pre-tax flexible spending accounts. Professional development opportunities are available and encouraged for all employees. Benefits may change from time to time as Management determines

Location & Hours

This role is based in San José, CA. Work is primarily in person at OSJ’s scene shop, costume shop, rehearsal studio, and the California Theatre. Evening and weekend availability is required during production periods.

Company Culture

Opera San José, in desiring a more equitable world, is committed to fostering equity in our art form. Opera in the twenty-first century can and should demonstrate today’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe in building, fostering and sustaining a company that reflects, celebrates and serves the diverse communities of the Bay Area. Opera San José cultivates a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork and respect among all employees. We are firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds may grow personally and professionally.

Opera San José is an equal opportunity employer. It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all employees is central to the continuing success of our organization. We will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, physical disabilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, training, benefits, recommendations, rate of pay or other forms of compensation. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on qualifications and job requirements.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your interest at www.operasj.org/careers