7QYP
Seven Questions with a Young Professional
Who: Roger Weitz
What: General Director of Opera Omaha
Omaha welcomes back native son Roger Weitz this month to take his new position as general director of Opera Omaha. The 1995 Westside High School graduate went on to earn a degree in music from Carleton College. He eventually became the general manager of the Chicago Opera Theater. Now 33, Weitz returns to Omaha to serve his hometown opera company and community. Weitz is a busy man, having also just taken on the full-time position of father this past week. Here are a few questions and answers with Opera Omaha’s new leader.
1. Roger we understand that you are returning to Opera Omaha after 10 years with Chicago Opera Theater. How do you feel about returning to work in your hometown?
I am thrilled to return to Omaha. I grew up in Omaha and still have a lot of family and friends that live here. Omaha is experiencing such growth now, it’s exciting to think that I can be a part of it and will do my best to add to the momentum. I look forward to rejoining the community.
2. We also learned you started your career with Opera Omaha as an intern. Can you tell us when did you intern with Opera Omaha and what was the best part of that experience?
I had a summer internship with Opera Omaha in 1998, between my junior and senior years of college. It was my first experience with a professional arts company and integral to my decision to pursue arts administration as a career. My eyes were opened to all of the work that goes on behind the scenes that drives the performing arts. If I hadn’t had such a positive and important experience with Opera Omaha, I would probably be doing something very different right now!
3. What did you do with Chicago Opera Theater?
From 2000-2007 I was the artistic administrator of Chicago Opera Theater. I ran the artistic department and much of the production department as well; this included everything from budgets to the daily rehearsal schedule. After an intensive year at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, I returned to Chicago Opera Theater in the role of General Manager. I became responsible for most of the financial management of the company, working closely with the company’s board of directors, and managed the senior staff, integrating marketing and development initiatives to increase effectiveness, for example. As general manager I fulfilled a wide range of duties from HR to managing the company’s education programs.
4. How has Omaha changed in the time you were away?
Omaha has grown so much! I saw recently that Newsweek magazine ranked Omaha in the top three cities that college graduates should consider after leaving school. I look forward to getting reacquainted with the city and finding new spots to add to my list of favorites.
5. What is your new favorite part of city life in Omaha?
I believe there are more cultural offerings in Omaha now than there were in the ‘80s and ‘90s. I can’t wait to spend significant time in the Holland Center with the Omaha Symphony and other groups as well as Film Streams, the KANEKO, the Slowdown, and old favorites like the Blue Barn Theatre, the Henry Doorly Zoo, the Playhouse, etc; too many to name them all!
6. What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?
I recently became a father, so parenting is my new favorite hobby and interest! It may be the only one I can afford outside of work….
7. What’s on your favorite T-shirt?
Chicago Bears