Vice President, Artistic Planning

REPORTS TO:

Chief Artistic Officer STATUS:
Full Time, Exempt

Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings — and where Chicago comes alive.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric stands at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic purpose, harnessing the full power of opera — voice, orchestra, stagecraft, and story — to illuminate the questions, emotions, and experiences that define us as human beings.

Nearly 75 seasons of world-class performances have made Lyric one of the greatest opera companies in the world. What drives us now is what has always driven us: the belief that this art form, at its best, can move people in ways nothing else can. Lyric is also Chicago’s partner — in its neighborhoods, its schools, and its communities — through education, engagement, and a relentless commitment to making opera accessible, relevant, and irresistible to everyone.

At the heart of that commitment is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, which trains the artists who will carry this art form into its future. Every night when the curtain rises, Lyric reminds this city — and the world — why live performance still matters.

Lyric Opera of Chicago doesn’t just present opera, it redefines what opera can be. It’s where Chicago comes to be moved — come inside.

Lyric Opera of Chicago is seeking an experienced artistic administrator to lead its Artistic Planning department for a wide range of productions and special projects, including for the Main Stage (operas, concerts, recitals), Education and Engagement projects, Musicals, and digital work. This role is responsible for all artistic planning and administration for the entire company, including but not limited to casting, contracting, budgets, production planning and programming, and serving as a member of Lyric’s senior leadership team.

The ideal candidate will bring strong knowledge of casting, opera and concert repertoire, a background in artistic administration, excellent organizational and communication skills, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in casting and planning.

• Demonstrate leadership in accordance with Lyric’s mission and vision.
• Provide casting, contracting and production planning leadership and assistance in support of Lyric’s lines of business, including main stage opera and concerts, Education and Engagement, the Ryan Opera Center (ROC), Musicals, and other Lyric productions.
• Specific responsibilities include:

• Propose casting choices & set casting for all mainstage projects (including but not limited to Opera Productions, Concerts – Classical and Pops, Movies, Recitals and other Lyric productions) with General Director, Music Director and Chief Artistic Officer.
• Lead casting meetings and all casting discussions.
• Lead any in-season casting changes in collaboration with the General Director, Music Director and Chief Artistic Officer.
• Secure conductor and / or director approval on casting when needed.
• Participate in ROC selection and set their main stage and understudy assignments in collaboration with the ROC leadership and Chief Artistic Officer.
• Audition chorus roles and understudies with Head of Music and Chorus Director.
• Lead all local and out-of-town auditions for the main stage.
• Be a resource to the Manager of Artistic Planning for the Musicals casting process.
• Be a resource to the Manager of Artistic Planning for the Education and Engagement casting process.

• Contract main stage leading and featured roles, concert and recital artists, conductors, directors, associate directors, and choreographers.
• Oversee the contracting of all artists under the Manager of Artistic Planning’s purview, including…