Opportunities

Central City Opera is seeking three (3) Assistant Stage Directors for mainstage productions in the 2027 Festival Season (LA BOHEME/PUCCINI, H.M.S. PINAFORE/GILBERT & SULLIVAN, END OF THE RAINBOW/QUILTER). The Assistant Director supports a single production of the 2027 mainstage season and collaborates across production and artistic departments to assist in the development and maintenance of 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 St. James Church. 

2027 Festival Dates

• Tuesday, May 25 to Sunday, August 1, 2027
• Assistant Directors are engaged for a prep week, four weeks of staging, and the duration of performance weeks for their assigned production (up to five weeks).

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 Notes” 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.

 Central City Opera is unable to sponsor foreign visas at this time.

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.

2027 Weekly Stipend: $1,291.96
2027 Daily Meal Allowance: $17.62
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.