Des Moines Metro Opera Welcomes New Full-Time Production Staff

Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) is excited to introduce the three newest members of the full-time staff: Head Scenic Artist Rose Wilde, Head Scenic Carpenter Nolan Moralez and Scenic Carpenter Cade Huslig. These three artists work year-round under the leadership of Clayton Rodney, DMMO's Director of Production, forming the core of a newly expanded production department.

While DMMO operates as a summer festival with fully staged productions presented during its seven-week season, the work required to produce opera at the highest level never truly stops. Sets are conceived, designed, built, painted, repaired and refined across the entire year. The addition of these three full-time positions marks a significant investment in the artistic and operational infrastructure that supports both our productions and our seasonal production personnel.

Historically, sets have been built by external scenic shops across the country, a model that can introduce variability in both cost and quality. By expanding our year-round production department, DMMO is taking a strategic step toward greater artistic control, improved long-term cost efficiency, and increased consistency across all three productions. Together, this team establishes a strong foundation that will support the Festival's artistic standards and operational sustainability for years to come.