2024-2025 New Works Collective Stage Director Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Description

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ (OTSL) Stage Director is a temporary, full-time position. They work directly alongside the Conductor, Designers, Stage Managers, and Singers in all aspects of the production development throughout the rehearsal and performance process. This position will be responsible for the duties of Stage Director, offering creative development facilitation, production concept, and stage direction for the three 20-minute new works/opera commissions and their development and presentation premiere as part of the 2024-2025 New Works Collective.

Nights and weekend hours will be required.

This is a temporary, full-time position.

Dates of Engagement:

  • TBD May/June 2024: Table read of libretti
  • March-December 2024: New work development period for 2024-25 Commissioning Cycle. Each creative team will have regular check-ins with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis staff and stage director. (Frequency of check-ins to be determined with creative team input; no on-site requirements)
  • September 9-11, 2024 (3 days): Development work based on piano vocal score and midi files; local engagement with St. Louis community partner organizations (On-site in St. Louis, MO)
  • November 18-21, 2024 (4 days): Workshop for 2024-25 Commissioning Cycle with a final reading/work-through open to invited guests. (On-site in St. Louis, MO)
  • December 2024-February 2025: Final scores due (December 15, 2024) and preparatory calls/meetings with stage director, design team, and music director in preparation for February 2025 performances. Each creative team will have regular check-ins with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis staff and director. (Frequency of check-ins to be determined with creative team input; no on-site requirements)
  • Approximate dates: January 25-February 8, 2025 for rehearsal and performances – final dates to be confirmed: Public performances of 2024-25 Commissioning Cycle. (On-site in St. Louis, MO)

Compensation: $6,000.00-$6,500.00 total fee; Per Diem: $75/day, dates listed above

Company Bio: Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

About New Works Collective Initiative:

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis believes true representation on our stages and within our creative teams requires thoughtful, intentional disruption to the established commissioning process. The New Works Collective is a three-year commissioning cycle (2023–2025) that will push the boundaries of opera by combining music and storytelling in powerful new ways. To adopt practices that ensure we are not only diverse in our programming but are also authentically inclusive, the New Works Collective initiative is guided by a group of St. Louis community members who will shape an open call for commissions, review submissions, and annually select three projects for development.

New Works Collective Initiative Objectives:

  • To create and develop a 20-minute opera (defined as a story told through music/text).
  • To include new voices in the creation of opera.

Responsibilities

Stage Director responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • The development of the production concept in collaboration with the designers.
  • Maintaining communication between both the production’s design team and OTSL’s Artistic and Production administrative departments.
  • Maintaining communication with the three Composer/Librettist teams during the development phase of the process.
  • Clearly communicating daily rehearsal schedule needs to Artistic and Production administration teams.

Qualifications / Requirements

  • Minimum 3 years of professional stage director experience.
  • Ability to read music.
  • Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.
  • Ability to perform under pressure and maintain professional demeanor.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to work nights and weekends.

Applicants for the position are asked to fill out and submit the form, inclusive of uploading a resume and a cover letter that describes their interest in the position and outlines their relevant experience and qualifications.

Applications due by Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

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