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About Us

To Bring Opera to the Hearts and Minds of All

The mission of Loveland Opera Theatre is to tell stories through music in Northern Colorado by creating transformative experiences, and approachable, professional performances for our audiences.

 

We commit to advancing artistic excellence and education, attracting new audiences, and engaging and inspiring our diverse communities. We create artistic and professional employment opportunities for our Colorado arts community.

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Our Story
A picture from the LOT performance of La Boheme

Our Story

Loveland Opera Theatre (LOT) was founded in 2005 by Dr. Juliana Bishop Hoch, for the purpose of “bringing opera to the hearts and minds of all”. LOT is a 501c3 not-for-profit opera company based in Loveland, Colorado. Dr. Hoch founded LOT to give opportunities to many talented “emerging young artists” and “community” singers in Colorado needing a venue in which to perform. LOT has provided a nurturing environment in which these local talents could learn and grow and bring the performing arts to the community of Northern Colorado.

Our Team

Meet The Team

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Kelsie Furst

Executive and Artistic Director

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Emily Morris

Associate Director

Professional Background

Prior to joining Loveland Opera Theatre as an administrator, Kelsie worked for three years as owner-operator of a regional youth sports franchise with her husband. She navigated small business ownership through the Covid-19 pandemic, growing the business from the ground up in the aftermath. Kelsie built partnerships that expanded organizational reach and revenue for her business while continuing her passion of performing and serving on the Board of Loveland Opera Theatre. Ms. Furst has more than 25 years of experience in the performance industry, as a professional and community artist with LOT for the past decade and as a member of the Board of Directors for five years. With a deep passion for opera and music theater, she is dedicated to promoting the art forms and ensuring their vibrant future in Northern Colorado.

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Vision, Leadership & Community Engagement

Kelsie brings a fresh vision to champion our mission and complement our rich heritage of advancing artistic excellence and education, attracting new audiences, and engaging and inspiring our diverse Northern Colorado Communities. She is committed to fostering innovation and creativity within the company. Under her leadership, LOT is embarking on several ambitious projects,including several in conjunction with other arts organizations and local establishments. Her approach emphasizes strategic collaboration and community engagement, ensuring that storytelling through music remains accessible and relevant to all audiences.

New to the administrative team this season, Emily Morris is no stranger to the spotlight as a LOT performer. Known for her acting chops, 

Our Board of Directors

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Nathan Hoch

Member At-Large

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Victoria Junkins

Member At-Large

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Lawrie Bolger

Member At-Large

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Chris Davis

Member At-Large

Juliana Bishop-Hoch

Juliana Bishop Hoch

​Founder Emerita

Help Shape the Future of Loveland Opera Theatre!

Now in Search of: New Board President!

  • Are you a visionary leader with strong organizational skills who would like to make a meaningful impact in the Northern Colorado community?

  • Do you have a passion for the arts and a desire to guide a vibrant performing arts organization into its next chapter?

Join Loveland Opera Theatre (LOT) as the President of the Board of Directors to steward the company with the same entrepreneurial spirit on which it was founded 20 years ago.

About our Board and Company

LOT has been enriching the Loveland area community since 2005, bringing the magic of opera and musical theater to local venues and to elementary school students through our educational outreach programming. Our mission is to tell stories through music by creating transformative experiences, and approachable, professional performances for our audiences. We are committed to creating opportunities for the many talented emerging young artists and community singers in Northern Colorado. On January 1, 2025, we welcomed a new Executive Director who is bringing an innovative vision and fresh energy to champion our mission and complement the rich heritage that our founder created. As we seek to grow and reach new audiences, we’re looking for a dedicated individual to lead these initiatives alongside our Executive Director and Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers to ensure the company’s continued success.

About the Role

The President of the Board of Directors will serve as the chief volunteer leader of
LOT and plays a critical role in advancing our mission through the execution of
our business plan:

  • Guide Strategic Direction

  • Ensure Fiscal Responsibility

  • Drive Revenue Growth

  • Expand Outreach

  • Deliver Portfolio Performances

  • ​Assemble and Lead a High Functioning Board

Apply Today! Together, we’ll continue to create unforgettable performances and inspire our community for generations to come!

Application Deadline: June 17th , 2025
Contact: Kelsie Furst, Executive Director
Phone: (970) 286-4809
Email: Marketing@LovelandOpera.org

Job Description

Position Summary

The President of the Board of Directors for Loveland Opera Theater (LOT) plays a critical leadership role in advancing the mission: "To bring opera to the hearts and minds of all." As the top officer of the board, the President stewards strategic direction, fosters organizational transparency, ensures financial responsibility, and collaborates closely with the Executive Director to deliver professional, transformative opera experiences across Northern Colorado. This role is essential in guiding LOT’s business plan execution, driving revenue growth, expanding outreach, and strengthening board performance.

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Key Responsibilities

Governance and Leadership

  • Chair and oversee all board meetings, including developing and distributing agendas.

  • Lead the planning and facilitation of an annual in-person board retreat.

  • Maintain regular communication with the Executive Director, offering strategic guidance and support. Hold the Executive Director accountable to annual goals aligned with the LOT business plan and budget.

  • Lead the hiring and performance evaluation of the Executive Director.

 

Strategic & Financial Oversight

  • Collaborate with the Treasurer, ED and subcommittee leads to review and vet the organization’s business plan and budget.

  • Ensure the board tracks and meets key performance indicators (KPIs), such as increasing donor contributions by 15% and expanding audience base by 10% annually.

  • Monitor execution of strategic initiatives, including outreach to elementary schools, young artist programming, and donor cultivation.

Board Development

  • With the LOT business plan as the guide, lead efforts to identify, recruit, and onboard new board members, filling skill and diversity gaps.

  • Provide mentorship to other officers and committee chairs.

  • Oversee subcommittee performance and deliver progress reports to the full board.

 

Community Relations and Fundraising

  • Serve as an official ambassador and public representative of LOT alongside the Executive Director at community events, productions, and donor appreciation events.

  • Lead and participate in donor cultivation, fundraising events, and high-level sponsorship outreach.

Must-Have Qualifications

  • Executive-level business acumen with demonstrated ability to drive growth and revenue.

  • Proven knowledge of the performing arts industry (opera, musical theater, etc.).

  • Strong collaboration and networking skills with commitment to inclusivity and transparency.

  • Reside in Northern Colorado with deep local community ties.

  • Ability to unify diverse perspectives and foster constructive dialogue.

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Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior board governance experience (ideally in Colorado, with knowledge of fiduciary duties and legal compliance).

  • Background in nonprofit leadership or community-based arts organizations.

  • Knowledge of fundraising strategies and grant writing processes.

  • Innovative mindset with ability to evolve traditional arts models.

  • Proficiency in digital platforms (Google Workspace, Zoom, collaborative tools)

 

Time Commitment

Approximately 10–15 hours per month, including board meetings, community events, committee work, and regular ED check-ins.

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Benefits of the Role

While this is a volunteer position, the President will have the opportunity to lead one of Northern Colorado’s most vibrant cultural institutions and make a measurable impact on arts accessibility, community engagement, and arts education.

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Loveland Opera Theatre is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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Loveland Opera Theatre puts on amazing productions full of tremendous, local talent. The sets, the costumes, and of course the music are magical. Northern Colorado needs to wake up and

realize what a gem they have in LOT!

Sarah Clegern

Our Partners

Bank of Colorado
Bohemian Foundation
Embassy Suites
Nutrien Ag Solutions
Platte River Power Authority
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Contact

P.O. Box 7293

Loveland, CO 80537

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970-593-0085

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