About Cape Town Opera

Cape Town Opera is one of South Africa’s largest full-time performing arts institutions and the only permanently active opera company on the African continent. Founded in 1999, the award-winning Company presents an annual programme of opera, musical theatre, concerts and programmes for young audiences. From Europe and South America to Asia and Australia, Cape Town Opera has taken its productions to audiences around the world, most recently on a highly successful European tour of Porgy and Bess.

In 2026, Cape Town Opera built on its record of artistic excellence and commitment to access and South African talent by launching its most ambitious development yet: the Judith Neilson Theatre Development Centre at historic Mill House in District 6, with the Cape Town Opera Academy at its heart. Backed by a major founding commitment from the Judith Neilson Foundation, the Centre will provide purpose-built facilities for performance, rehearsal and production. Crucially, the Academy will extend Cape Town Opera’s established performer- development programmes into the vital production arts of scenery, costume and technical theatre, creating practical pathways into work for performers, technicians and craftspeople across the wider theatrical sector.

Purpose of the role

Cape Town Opera’s artistic programme is growing in scale, reach and complexity, at home and on international tours. We are looking to appoint an Artistic Manager to manage the artistic operations of the Company — coordinating casting logistics, artist contracts and engagements, artistic scheduling and the smooth delivery of the artistic programme. The successful candidate will be the bridge between artistic vision and operational delivery, working closely with the production, music and finance teams, and will have the opportunity to develop toward senior artistic management.

Key responsibilities

• Artistic planning and scheduling — building and maintaining accurate artistic schedules, rehearsal and casting calendars and diaries across each production and season cycle.
• Artist relations – Serve as the primary point of contact between the Artistic Director and staff and engaged artists and their agents, communicating artistic decisions, casting offers and schedule changes
• Artist contracting and engagement (supervision) — overseeing the Artistic Administrator, who prepares and issues artist contracts, fees and riders and processes visas and work permits; reviewing and approving contracts so that every engagement is correct, lawful and within budget.
• Casting coordination and logistics — coordinating auditions and casting, and arranging artist travel and accommodation.
• Production: artistic liaison — acting as the link between the artistic team and production, technical and music staff so that artistic intent is translated into deliverable plans.
• Budget and artistic administration — tracking the artistic budget, managing fees and expenses, and reporting monthly on variances.
• Repertoire and rights coordination — securing performing rights, scores and materials hire and licensing, including commissioning and agreements for new works.
• Compliance and records — maintaining artist data in line with POPIA, and keeping contract and immigration records complete and current.
• Stakeholder coordination — liaising professionally with artists’ agents, partners, conductors, directors and visiting artists.
• Supervision and development of the Artistic Administrator.

Other Duties

• Attend relevant staff meetings, rehearsals, performances and other functions as required, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Contribute to a collaborative, supportive and resilient team culture that can absorb the pressures of a high-performance arts environment without losing its sense of humour.
• Perform other artistic management duties as reasonably required by the Artistic Director or the CEO.

Qualifications and experience

• A relevant degree or diploma (NQF 6 or higher) in Business Administration, Project Management, Arts or Cultural Management, or a related field will be advantageous.
• Experience in theatre or music is required.
• Experience with artist contracts, fees, immigration / work permits and performing rights will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of the opera / musical theatre / performing arts industry, artists and agents is required.
• Working knowledge of POPIA and contract compliance.

Additional requirements:

• Ability and willingness to work long hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, as required.
• A valid SA driver’s licence and own transport to and from work.
• Clear criminal record.
• Must be legally able to work in South Africa. Skills and attributes we’re looking for

Skills and attributes we’re looking for

• Strong planning, scheduling and organisational skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Budget discipline — this is a non-profit organisation; every rand belongs to the mission.
• Excellent stakeholder-management and interpersonal skills, ability to work with artists, agents and colleagues with tact and professionalism.
• The ability to work independently and manage multiple productions and deadlines without close supervision.
• Integrity and discretion in handling confidential artist and contract information.
• A genuine passion for opera and the performing arts, and the ambition to grow into artistic leadership.

How to apply

The position is full time and is based at the Artscape Theatre Centre, Foreshore, Cape Town, South Africa.

The deadline for applications is 15 November 2026.

Please submit:

• A motivational letter detailing your specific interest in and skills applicable to the position.
• Your CV.
• Three contactable references.

Please note that applications that do not meet all three of the requirements listed above will not be considered.

Applications should be sent via email to grenvillem@capetownopera.co.za. All information will be kept confidential.

Cape Town Opera celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.

Cape Town Opera reserves the right not to make an appointment.