Opportunities

Position Summary

Central City Opera is seeking three (3) Assistant Stage Directors for mainstage productions in the 2026 Festival Season (THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, THE BALLAD OF BABY DOE, TITLE TBD). The Assistant Director supports a single production of the 2026 mainstage season and collaborates across production and artistic departments to assist in the development and maintenance the artistic vision of the Stage Director by assisting in all rehearsals and production meetings, maintaining necessary paperwork, collaborating on the logistical needs of the production including scheduling, and communicating blocking notes and other essential information on behalf of the Stage Director. In addition to working on a mainstage show, Assistant Directors will have the opportunity to direct members of the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program in “Short Works” opera scenes auxiliary programs presented in the intimate Williams Stables.

Responsibilities

Assisting the Stage Director in all staging rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and production meetings.
Taking detailed blocking notes.
Preparing necessary paperwork in collaboration with stage management (i.e. character scene breakdown, critical duties lists, bow sheet, etc.).
Coordinating daily rehearsal schedules with the Festival Production Scheduler.
Leading rehearsals and runs with covers.
Delivering notes to the company on behalf of the Stage Director during rehearsals and maintaining the show after its opening.
Researching and delivering pre-show “Opera Talk” lecture for patrons prior to each performance.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in theatre, music, voice, or related field.
Graduate degree and/or 2+ years of related work experience preferred.
Knowledge of opera, theater, music, and/or the performing arts strongly preferred.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Strong computer skills, including MS Office products: Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Skills & Abilities

An appreciation for and fluency in discussing and describing opera, music and the performing arts.
Patron-centric and customer service focused.
Meticulous attention to detail.
Strong organizational and analytical skills.
Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to function in a collaborative environment while also working independently.
Knowledge of theatrical, production, and technical practices in the field of opera, musical theatre, or related performing arts field.
High level of intercultural competence and experience working with diverse communities.
Takes independent actions and proactively seeks opportunities to connect resources, people and organizations with Central City Opera.

Compensation

THE ASSISTANT STAGE DIRECTOR belongs the Production Staff category of Artists covered by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and is eligible for all benefits as designated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Central City Opera and AGMA.

Weekly Stipend: $1,260.45
Daily Meal Allowance: $17.19
Travel included
Housing provided
May be eligible for weekly Overscale Payment of $130/week

Central City Opera employs singers, actors, dancers, and production staff under an AGMA (American Guild of Musical Artists) agreement and pays competitive wages.

Materials Required
Please submit the following:
Completed application form
Share the following via your Stagetime profile link:
Resume
Headshot

Prescreening
We will be reviewing content as available on your Stagetime profile, including samples of work (video/photo/paperwork). If you prefer to share samples of work by other means, please email auditions@centralcityopera.org.

Assistant Director Interview Requirements
Central City Opera’s annual in-person audition tour will take place in Baltimore, Denver, New York City, and San Francisco. Either in-person or virtual interviews may be scheduled.