Seattle Opera

Celebrations last night for all of the Puget Sound's incredible business folks under 40 making an impact on our region including our own Dennis Robinson Jr.! Thank you Dennis for all you do for Seattle Opera and our arts community! https://lnkd.in/geJHtgwW

We're very excited to announce that Kenneth Kellogg has been appointed our inaugural Artistic Ambassador! Kenneth will take over for Dr. Naomi André, who concludes her impactful five-year term as our Scholar in Residence at the end of this season. As Artistic Ambassador, Kenneth will serve as a representative of Seattle Opera in the community, engaging with audiences through our various events, as well as advising staff and board on season planning, racial equity initiatives, and community partnerships. Kenneth made his Seattle Opera debut in 2021 as the Commendatore in the filmed version of Don Giovanni, and later returned as The Father in Tazewell Thompson and Jeanine Tesori's contemporary opera Blue, a role that he describes as "a game-changer" for his life and career. In 2023 he took the stage as Fafner in this season's Das Rheingold, and most recently gave a triumphant performance as Malcolm X in X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X. Beyond his roles on stage, his passion for music and community shines through in his work. "Opera has the power to be a truly community-based art form," he says. "A place where people can see themselves represented in a larger-than-life space, feel comfortable, and feel welcomed. Making opera matter on that level, with every production we mount, will connect us to the humanity of our community." Please join us in congratulating Kenneth and welcoming him to this new role! https://lnkd.in/gA5W6q89

We're proud to share that Director of Programs and Partnerships, Dennis Robinson Jr., has been recognized as one of Puget Sound Business Journal's "40 Under 40" honorees for 2024! This program recognizes work from across sectors including health care, real estate, tech, and the arts. A full story of Dennis’ accomplishments will be published later this spring. Congrats, Dennis!

Last week we welcomed Ashley Costa, cosmetologist and area manager for Disney Cruise Lines, to the Opera Center for a hair and makeup workshop titled “Diversity in Beauty.” The workshop was open to all, and included training on makeup techniques for medium to dark skin tones, tools and products for naturally curly hair, locs, twists, cornrows, and microbraids, and wig preparation techniques for various textured and protective hair styles. Participants learned how to prep textured and protective hairstyles for wig application, which helps singers and performers maintain their personal hairstyle while getting into a stylized look for the stage. This workshop is part of our ongoing efforts to make our industry more inclusive and supportive for all, by making sure staff are trained to style and care for all skin tones and hairstyles.

Seattle magazine has named General Director Christina Scheppelmann one of Seattle's top 25 Most Influential People for 2023! 🎉 This honor is given to community leaders who have made significant changes in their industry, and who have worked to make our constantly growing region more equitable and accessible. Congrats, Christina! https://lnkd.in/gfYANpSN   Photo: Phillip Newton

Thank you Omari Salisbury and Converge Media LLC for covering this event and partnership with Seattle Opera!

Calling all Seattle Hair and Makeup professionals! On January 9th and 10th we will be hosting a training session covering: -color theory -Makeup techniques for multiple skin tones ranging from medium to dark -Hair tools and products for naturally curly texture hair, locs, twists, cornrows, and microbraids -Basic hair styling and wig prep for various textures and styles We are thrilled to be bringing Ashley Costa, a licensed cosmologist for 20+ years, to Seattle to lead these sessions. She has worked at Walt Disney World for 17 years in Cosmetology, and has done freelance wig work for SeaWorld Orlando, Blue Man Group, and local Orlando theatres for the last 18 years. We have space for up to 20 observers. Interested? Sign up and learn more here:  https://lnkd.in/di9TjQ39

Seattle Opera is hiring! We are currently recruiting for: -Production Stage Manager -Audience Services Representative -Assistant Production Manager -General Director Full details at www.seattleopera.org/jobs Data shows that women and BIPOC candidates more frequently do not apply to a job because they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed. Our job descriptions are general overviews, not a mandatory comprehensive list. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe that you have the skills to contribute to the growth of our organization, we want to hear from you!

This week we are celebrating Christina Scheppelmann! She was recently recognized as one of Puget Sound Business Journal's Women of Influence 2023. We couldn't agree more! Read the profile of her here: https://bizj.us/1qjyn5 Congrats, Christina! 👏

Christina Scheppelmann announced today that Chris Burkett, longtime member of Seattle Opera’s development team, has been appointed our next Director of Development. Chris brings years of experience building donor relationships to the role, which he began in October 2023.   Throughout his career, Chris has focused on fostering long-term relationships with donors and creating meaningful community connections. Burkett started at Seattle Opera in 2018, when he was hired as an Individual Giving Officer overseeing mid-level giving. In 2021, he was promoted into the role of Associate Director of Development for Individual Giving, leading the individual giving team, helping to shape broader departmental strategy, and spearheading the fundraising plan for the company’s annual fundraiser, the Big Opera Party. Chris has served as Interim Director of Development since June 2023 “Chris has grown immensely as a leader during his time with Seattle Opera,” said Scheppelmann. “His long track record has earned him the trust, respect, and support of his department, our donors, our board members, and the rest of the Seattle Opera staff. I’m excited to see what he accomplishes next.” Congrats, Chris!