Opal Wade

Experience

Your Theatre Inc. – New Bedford, Massachusetts – 2024

Executive DIRECTOR – 2024-current

• Direct development, grant writing, and fundraising efforts supporting three programs.

• Manage nonprofit operations, special projects, and historically compliant renovations.

• Lead strategy and implementation for growing organizational capacity and community impact

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Northwind Art – Port Townsend, Washington – 2022 to 2024

Operations DIRECTOR – 2023-2024

• Directed new projects and managed the leadership team for effective programming.

• Oversaw day-to-day internal operations and directed general fundraising efforts.

• Supported the executive director with strategic planning, staff development, and special projects.

Development Manager – 2022-2023

• Developed and coordinated fundraising appeals and donor engagement events.

• Assisted the executive director with major gifts and development communications.

• Managed reporting, trends, and donor tracking for contributed income and grants.

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Amelia Community Theatre – Fernandina Beach, Florida – 2016 to 2021

Executive DIRECTOR – 2019-2021

• Reported to the Board of Directors and served on all Board committees.

• Oversaw all day-to-day operations and led with a strong vision to fulfill the organization’s mission.

• Responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with swift adaptation, ensuring near-continuous operation.

  • Redesigned all production processes to support limited audiences and quality live streaming.

  • Enacted safety measures leading to zero onsite infections for staff or volunteers.

  • Provided live stream and recording opportunities to multiple other nonprofit organizations.

  • Increased individual donations by 50% and concluded the fiscal year with no unplanned losses.

Associate Director – 2017-2019

• Developed and maintained an active theatre season of almost 120 performances each year.

• Directed summer educational programming for children ages 7-17.

• Directed productions and coached new directors, ensuring the quality of production and process.

• Maintained positive relationships with volunteer leaders, donors, and sponsors.

Production Manager – 2016-2017

• Managed budgets and schedules for all in-house productions and guest artists.

• Implemented Theatre for Young Audience programming.

• Coordinated more than 400 active volunteers each year.

• Developed and executed long-term capital improvement projects.

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Encore Event Technologies – Amelia Island, Florida – 2016 to 2017

Onsite Technician and Event Liaison – 2016-2017

• Provided production, lights, audio, and projection services for Omni Convention Center events.

• Taught guest presenters how to use projection and conference equipment with swift professionalism.

• Resolved communication errors between technicians and guests before noticeable event impact.

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Walt Disney World – Orlando, Florida – 2015 to 2016

Entertainment Technician and Trainer – 2015-2016

• Worked in groups and as a team leader to install and maintain lighting, audio, projection, and pyrotechnics for stage shows and events.

• Trained new employees in spotlight operation, moving light repair, and lighting control systems.

• Worked backstage for standing shows, primarily through Hollywood Studios.

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Bryan College  – Dayton, Tennessee – 2011 to 2015

Technical Director – 2013-2015

• Managed and instructed student crews for lighting and scenic construction.

• Planned, budgeted, and executed capital improvement projects.

• Designed productions and drafted technical specifications for student crews.

• Promoted from Carpenter(2011) to Shop Foreman(2012) to Technical Director(2013).

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Cumberland County Playhouse – Crossville, Tennessee – 2014

Assistant Director internship – 2014

• Directed specific scenes while assisting the Producing Executive Director.

• Managed technical crew and oversaw production expenses and records.

• Facilitated communication with third parties, venues, and volunteers.