Kaiser Consultation Results in Staff Additions and Intensified Focus for Opera Orlando

Michael Kaiser, chairman of the DeVos Institute of Arts Management and president emeritus of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, recently completed a six-month organizational analysis of Opera Orlando. He worked closely with the organization's board and staff to create a five-year strategic plan.

"Opera Orlando is an incredibly vital start-up," said Kaiser, who has been celebrated for his ongoing contributions to arts organizations in America. "Through hard work and vision, the organization has already accomplished a great deal. With new staff and a comprehensive strategic plan, I expect the organization to become a major player in the Central Florida arts ecology for years to come."

Opera Orlando formally superseded Florida Opera Theatre in January 2016 as the region's preeminent presenter of the operatic arts. In only one year, the organization received the endorsement of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, which had been producing semi-staged operas in the wake of 2009's demise of the 50-year-old Orlando Opera Company. The philharmonic now is partnered with Opera Orlando, assuring the company's fully staged opera productions will have superb instrumental support.

"Michael's analysis of Opera Orlando was a welcome affirmation of the hard work our board and staff has done so far and a very valuable roadmap for the company as we move forward," said John Wettach, the president of the Opera Orlando Board of Directors "He strongly recommended that we invest in some critical areas by augmenting our staff and enhancing our board representation. While we are not a sports team, I feel we've filled in some gaps that will translate into some very exciting 'winning seasons' in our future."

Priority number one, as specified by Kaiser's analysis, was hiring professional-development staff, and Opera Orlando has done just that by retaining the services of Melanie Miller and Amy Kosiewski, development professionals with the firm Reliant ES. This duo will function as the development team for Opera Orlando, tapping into the latest technology in the fields of fundraising.

Kaiser was pleased with the way Opera Orlando's marketing message has been rolled out but stressed that the current cultural climate requires intensive efforts in the cyber world. Accordingly, Jeheira Amaez, past director of marketing and communications for the Orlando Ballet, has been hired as a specialist in digital marketing and social media. She will be assisted by Courtney Ruckman, also new to the team.

Executive and Artistic Director Gabriel Preisser agreed that the creative side of Opera Orlando was ready for an influx of talent. "As we planned our current second season, we pushed the artistic envelope significantly," he explained. "With two key additions, we feel we are ready to grow with our audience."

The company's new production manager, Grant Preisser, will take on the responsibility of overseeing all mainstage productions' technical and visual elements. In addition, he will design the sets for all productions in 2017-2018 and will be the stage director for Amahl and the Night Visitors this December. With the hiring of Ron Wolek as director of hair and makeup, Opera Orlando is gaining an award-winning artist who has been a key cog in Walt Disney's legendary creature creations. Within the company's production schedule, Wolek will implement a hair-and-makeup internship program.

As director of music and education, Robin Jensen is overseeing a growth initiative for the Opera Orlando Youth Company. "It's become obvious that Central Florida is ready for a more professional and rigorous training program for future opera and musical theater performers," she explained. "Our youth company has logged a successful track record [of] preparing our members for the future. The addition of new faculty will allow us to have an even greater impact within the arts education community."

Sarah Purser, an Opera Orlando studio artist who teaches music at Bishop Moore High School, will act as Jensen's assistant director and help coordinate music programs throughout Central Florida schools while also teaching for the Youth Company. Julia Foster, an accomplished professional soprano who was a featured performer in Opera Orlando's Boisterous Rebirth operas in April 2016, will be a vocal instructor for the company.

Other key additions to the Opera Orlando staff include Beatriz Ramirez as an executive assistant to Preisser and Wendy Demandante as the company's editorial assistant. Aaron Penfield and Aaron Kohl will coordinate the Forte Society, Opera Orlando's young-professional group.

An attachment is enclosed that lists the entire staff and board of Opera Orlando and denotes all new staff members with an asterisk. Complete information on the 2017-2018 season can be found at www.operaorlando.org.