VCUarts Adjunct Instructor, Department of Music - Opera Stage Director

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts seeks a part-time Opera Stage Director in the Department of Music, starting January 19, 2027, in Richmond, VA. The role directs fully staged operas, casts students, coordinates with the vocal coach and conductor, and participates in audition panels.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience with a national profile as Opera Stage Director, and have university or professional directing experience, plus a record

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent professional experience with a national profile as Opera Stage Director.
• Thorough knowledge of operatic literature.
• Experience directing opera performances at the university or professional level.
• Record of excellence teaching students at the highest professional level.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Responsibilities

• Direct opera productions as Stage Director for the Opera program.
• Cast student performers for fully staged productions.
• Coordinate with vocal coach and conductor for rehearsals and performances.
• Serve on audition panels and contribute to program outreach.

Skills

Opera direction

Teaching excellence

Universities/academic environment

Professional experience

Education

Master's degree or equivalent professional experience

Doctorate or ABD status

Job description

Job Description / Duties

The Department of Music at Virginia Commonwealth University seeks to hire a part‑time, non‑credit adjunct instructor specializing in Opera Directing beginning on January 19, 2027.

The Department offers the Bachelor of Music degree in Performance, the Bachelor of Arts, and the Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. The department boasts a vibrant opera program that was founded 77 years ago. Throughout the years, the program has received numerous awards from the National Opera Association.

This position includes directing opera productions. Productions take place in the Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall of the Singleton Center on the Monroe campus at VCU. Stage directors with professional opera experience and/or within a university program are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate embraces both the traditional stagings of opera and modern approaches to the art form.

The Opera Stage Director is responsible for directing and producing a fully staged opera production starting in the Spring semester, casting student performers, coordinating with the vocal coach and the conductor, serving on appropriate audition panels.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be a dynamic opera director with a broad knowledge of repertoire at the University or professional level. The responsibilities of this position include:

• Serve as Stage Director of the Opera program in coordination with the Producer.
• Prepare students for staged opera productions including attending all room staging and onstage rehearsals in collaboration with the conductor and/or the vocal coach.
• A commitment to promoting VCUmusic opera program and experience with community engagement is desired.

Required Qualifications

Qualifications / Required Skills

• Master's degree or equivalent professional experience with a national profile as Opera Stage Director.
• Thorough knowledge of operatic literature.
• Experience directing opera performances at the university or professional level.
• Record of excellence teaching students at the highest professional level.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate or ABD status at time of appointment.
• Evidence of leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills.

What To Submit

• a brief cover letter describing the candidate's qualification for the position.
• a detailed curriculum vitae.
• the names and contact information for three references.

Please do not send recordings or any other additional materials at this time. References and additional materials may be sought for applicants as they advance through the search process.

Application review will begin on October 9, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled.