Des Moines Metro Opera Welcomes New Full-Time Production Staff

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.

Meet the New Full-time Production Team

Rose Wilde is a scenic artist from Manhattan, Kansas. After studying at Kansas State University and working as a freelance scenic artist, she joined DMMO on the 2025 festival team as the Head of Scenic Art. Following the very successful 2025 Festival Season, she serves as the new full-time Head Scenic Artist. Rose is excited for the opportunity to continue working with DMMO on the 2026 Summer Festival in this new position to help lay the groundwork for not only high-quality opera, but future production development.

Nolan Moralez is ecstatic to join Des Moines Metro Opera as the new Head Scenic Carpenter. Born in Texas, he has been a part of the theatre world since he was eight years old and despite his early start it wasn't until he graduated high school that he discovered his real love for the stage was not on it, but behind it. Since then, Nolan has continued to develop his carpentry and technician skills, working as a Scenic Electrician for Meow Wolf, the Assistant Technical Director for Dallas Children's Theatre, and as a director and choreographer with various community theatres and performance venues across the Dallas/Fort Worth. What drew Nolan to DMMO was their strong commitment to producing ambitious productions. Now, he is thrilled to continue creating art and to be able to create on such a highly detailed level that DMMO offers.

Cade Huslig is the new full time Scenic Carpenter at Des Moines Metro Opera. A Texas State University graduate with a BFA in Technical Production; Cade has built a strong foundation in theatrical construction and collaboration. Previous work includes Head Carpenter at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, where he led scenic builds for large-scale productions in a fast-paced repertory environment. This passion for creating a repertory environment is what brought Cade to DMMO. With previous festival experiences Cade is eager to bring his craftsmanship and problem-solving skills to such an ambitious opera company.