Opportunities

Non-performance Opportunity

Flat fee

$1,000/wk

Description

Virginia Opera is seeking an Assistant Stage Director for mainstage productions in the 2026-2027  (Pagliacci, Hansel & Gretel, and Turandot). The Assistant Director will support the production(s) by collaborating across production and artistic departments to facilitate 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. Rehearsals, tech, and opening take place in Norfolk, VA; the Assistant Director will also work closely with Stage Management in transferring the production(s) to additional venues in Richmond and Fairfax.

2026-2027 Dates

• Preference will be given to candidates who are available for all or multiple productions, but single-show applicants will also be considered.
• Pagliacci: Oct. 12 – Nov. 22, 2026. Prep starts 10/12; Rehearsals start 10/19; Performances are Nov. 6 & 8 (Norfolk), Nov. 13 & 15 (Richmond), Nov. 21 & 22 (Fairfax).
• Hansel & Gretel: Dec. 28, 2026 – Feb. 7, 2027. Prep starts 12/28; Rehearsals start 1/27; Performances are Jan. 29 & 31 (Norfolk), Feb. 5 & 7 (Richmond).
• Turandot: Feb. 1 – Mar. 21, 2027. Prep starts 2/1 (between H&G performance weekends); Rehearsals start 2/9; Performances are Mar. 5 & 7 (Norfolk), Mar. 12 & 14 (Richmond), Mar. 20 & 21 (Fairfax).

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.).
• Working with stage management as needed in schedule coordination.
• Preparing covers as needed.
• Delivering notes to the company on behalf of the Stage Director during rehearsals (as requested) and maintaining the show and giving notes as needed after its opening.
• Working closely with Stage Management and communicating with cast in the transfer of the production(s) to subsequent venues.

Qualifications

• Must read music well. 
• Graduate degree and/or 2+ years of related work experience.
• Prior professional work in opera strongly preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office products: Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

 Virginia Opera is unable to sponsor foreign visas at this time.

Skills & Abilities

• Facility around music and scores; prior study of music is beneficial.
• 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. Some prior directing experience preferred.
• Foreign language skills/knowledge a plus.

Compensation

Weekly fee of $1,000

Travel included
Housing provided (in Norfolk and on tour)
Per diem provided when production travels outside of Norfolk