Position: Stage Director (2026-27 Mainstage Season)
Reports to: General & Artistic Director
Status: Independent contractor; per-production engagement
Honorarium: $2,000 per production
Productions: Two — November 2026 and March 2027 (titles TBA). Candidates may be hired for one or both.
About Loudoun Lyric Opera
Founded in 2007, Loudoun Lyric Opera (LLO) is the resident opera company of Loudoun County in Northern Virginia. LLO’s core mission is to engage, enrich, and inspire our community through intimate and compelling vocal performances. Loudoun Lyric Opera is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Loudoun Lyric Opera is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Position Overview
LLO seeks an experienced and collaborative stage director for its 2026–2027 mainstage season, comprising two productions in November 2026 and March 2027. Candidates may apply for one or both productions; selection for one engagement does not commit either party to the other.
The Stage Director will lead the dramatic vision of the production, working closely with the Music Director, designers, and Production Stage Manager to deliver a unified, audience-ready performance within the time and resource constraints typical of a community opera company.
Reporting and Working Relationships
The Stage Director reports to the General & Artistic Director and works in close partnership with:
- Music Director
- Production Manager
- Stage Manager
- Designers (set, costume, lighting, props)
- Cast (principals, comprimarios) and chorus
ResponsibilitiesPre-Production
- Develop and articulate a unified directorial concept; present it to the Artistic Director and creative team in advance of the rehearsal period
- Collaborate with designers on staging, scenic, costume, lighting, and prop concepts within the approved production budget
- Develop a preliminary blocking plan and rehearsal calendar in coordination with the Music Director and Production Stage Manager
- Attend pre-production design and planning meetings as scheduled
Rehearsal Period
- Lead all staging rehearsals for principals, ensemble, and chorus
- Collaborate with the Music Director to integrate musical and dramatic elements
- Communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully with cast, crew, and creative team
- Maintain rehearsal discipline, focus, and morale; uphold LLO's Code of Conduct
Tech and Performance
- Attend technical rehearsals, the dress rehearsal, and all scheduled performances
- Provide notes and adjustments through final dress rehearsal
- Hand off the production cleanly to the Production Stage Manager for performance runs
Public-Facing and Other
- Participate in marketing and PR activities (interviews, audience talks, donor events) related to the production, as requested and as schedule allows
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience directing operas, musicals, or staged classical works
- Working knowledge of operatic repertoire and standard performance practice
- Ability to work collaboratively within a small-organization, small-budget-opera context
- Strong communication and time-management skills
- Comfort working with mixed-experience casts (professional and advanced amateur)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience directing for community, regional, university, or educational opera companies
- Familiarity with non-traditional, minimalist, or limited-resource staging
- Experience working with chorus and supernumeraries
- Connection to or familiarity with the Northern Virginia / DMV arts community
- Reading knowledge of Italian, German, French, or other operatic languages
Anticipated Schedule
Specific rehearsal calendars will be confirmed upon contract execution. Candidates should plan availability for the following general windows:
November 2026 Production
- Music rehearsals begin: early September 2026
- Staging rehearsals begin: early October 2026
- Tech/dress: week prior to performance
- Performances: November 2026 (specific dates TBA)
March 2027 Production
- Music rehearsals begin: early January 2027
- Staging rehearsals begin: early February 2027
- Tech/dress: week prior to performance
- Performances: March 2027 (specific dates TBA)
Most rehearsals are held at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Leesburg, VA. The Stage Director must be available for the full staging period, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsal, and opening night performance.
Compensation
A flat honorarium of $2,000 per production is offered, paid in installments (typically 50% at first day of staging rehearsal, 50% at opening). Local mileage reimbursement may be available; LLO does not provide housing, per diem, or relocation support. Directors engaged for both productions receive separate $2,000 honoraria for each ($4,000 total).
Application Process
To apply, please submit the following via the online application form:
- Cover letter indicating your interest in LLO, a general artistic statement, and any relevant context
- A one page resume, which includes two professional references (name, title, email, phone, working relationship)
- Two or three production samples representative of your directorial work — links to video, production photographs, programs, or reviews
Pay: $2,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
