Opera Stage Director

Position Description

Modern Vintage Opera (MVO) is now accepting applications for the position of Stage Director for the two one-act operas Bastien und Bastienne and Cavalleria Rusticana The selected individual will work directly alongside the Music Director, Technical Staff and Cast in all aspects of the production development throughout the rehearsal and performance process. This position will be responsible for offering creative development facilitation, production concept, and stage direction for the two, one-hour operas. Working nights and weekends will be required.

About the Operas

Bastien und Bastienne is a singspiel by Mozart featuring 3 characters. It is the story of a shepherdess who is in love with a shepherd and gets assisted by a charlatan magician to use his “magic” to reunite them. Cavelleria Rusticana is a tragedy by Mascagni that also features a small village with villagers with love affairs gone awry. In this case, it results in a duel which ends in the death of the male lead. The cast consists of 5 characters plus a chorus.

Duties and Responsibilities will include:

• The development of the production concept in collaboration with the producers.
• Maintaining communication between the production team and the Board members to ensure that everything is in line with the Company vision.
• Oversight of all aspects of the staging process.
• Creation of a rehearsal plan and schedule along with the producers to ensure that required dates are met.
• Communicating daily rehearsal schedule needs and changes to all parties.
• Attending all rehearsals on-site
• Identifying and communicating all prop requirements.
• Participating with the producers in the casting process.
• Working with actors to interpret their characters and get the most out of their effort.

Skills, Experience, & Qualifications:

• Professional stage director experience.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to perform under pressure and maintain professional demeanor.
• Strong attention to detail. Expectations Ability to work nights and weekends. Meet dates as scheduled. Will select score edition and translation. Any cuts must be determined before the cast is finalized. Must be on-site during the rehearsal process. Raise and discuss any developments and report progress and issues to the Producers.

Approximate Timeframes:

Select Score and Translation Sept 2024- Oct 2024

Define Approach / Concept: Oct 2024

Set Design: Nov 2024 Cast Selection: Oct 2024– Nov 2024

Rehearsal timeframe: May 25, 2025- June 11, 2025; including technical and dress. Performance Dates: June 13,15, 20, 22, 2025

Compensation: $1000  Additional allowance for travel and housing is not available.

How to Apply

Applicants for the position are asked to apply by one of the following methods.

1. Print and fill out the Director Application form https://modernvintageopera.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Application_Director.pdf and email along with a resume to ModernVintageOpera@gmail.com

2. Enter data into an MVO Online Application form https://modernvintageopera.com/application-director/ and email a resume to the above address.