Sarah Watson
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Arts administration professional with over 10 years of experience supporting performing arts organizations through operations coordination, ticketing systems management, event planning, and production logistics. Experienced in supporting complex productions, managing patron services, and coordinating fundraising events while working closely with artistic, marketing, and development teams. Known for strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ensuring seamless experiences for both audiences and artists.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations & Ticketing Manager
Opera Carolina
Charlotte, NC
06.2023 - 02.2026
- Directed day-to-day ticketing operations utilizing AudienceView, coordinating Ticketmaster and Etix platforms.
- Managed season and single-ticket sales as primary patron services representative, providing event-day support.
- Coordinated front-of-house operations at performance venues, managing event logistics and staffing to ensure smooth events.
- Oversaw planning and execution of organizational events, including performances, special events, and annual fundraising gala, managing ticketing, guest logistics, seating, and vendor partnerships.
- Produced sales and attendance reports that guided marketing strategies and informed revenue planning initiatives.
- Managed production playbills by coordinating advertising sales, editorial content, and proofreading with design vendors.
- Created promotional content across social media platforms and facilitated patron communications.
- Maintained donor records and tracked gifts within Fundraising 50, preparing acknowledgments and tax documentation.
Operations Director
Opera Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
08.2014 - 05.2023
- Oversaw operational and administrative functions for professional opera company, ensuring seamless support for mainstage productions and special events.
- Coordinated production logistics, streamlining auditions, artist travel, housing, rehearsals, and vendor relationships.
- Managed facility operations and external rentals, overseeing maintenance vendors and contracts.
- Managed box office operations, facilitating event setup, seating maps, ticket orders, and will-call services using Ticketmaster.
- Prepared financial reports, reconciled corporate credit card accounts, and tracked production expenses.
- Compiled grant reporting data for Michigan Arts & Culture Council while managing nonprofit licensing for events.
- Supported major international vocal competition events by coordinating judges and livestream production logistics.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Group Social Studies Education & Theatre
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI08-2014
Skills
- Performing arts operations
- Ticketing systems management
- Event coordination and logistics
- Front-of-house management
- Donor database oversight
- Financial reporting
- Publication production
- Vendor management
- Social media communication
- Customer service and relations
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Special events planning
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Profit and loss management
- Budget administration
- Schedule management
Timeline
Operations & Ticketing Manager
Opera Carolina
06.2023 - 02.2026
Operations Director
Opera Grand Rapids
08.2014 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Group Social Studies Education & Theatre
Grand Valley State University