WHY RIDER UNIVERSITY?? – We take pride in our progress and the positive impact it has on our students and the University.

The Department of Performance Studies at Rider University seeks an adjunct instructor to serve as Opera Director for the Spring 2025 semester beginning January 28, 2025. This position is to teach VC 593 Opera Theater, specifically to direct the spring production, with performance dates of April 13 and April 14, 2025.

Pre-Production

• Conversations with Director of Westminster Opera Theatre

• Pre-Production meetings to discuss design concepts and vision for the production

• Creates a unique vision for the production through the lens of the repertoire, budget, and student population

• Understanding about design and production process

• Critical and creative thinking to establish a staging and concept for the production

• Research and analyze dramatic and musical aspects of the opera

• During Production

  • Responsible for shaping every detail of the performances including cast and designers

  • Blocks the production and guides the singers through the process physically, intellectually and emotionally

  • Supervises the transition from rehearsal space to performance space to ensure the vision and concept are achieved

  • Regular dialogue with the Production Team

  • Excellent communicator to all constituents involved in the production

    • Introduce the production concepts to the cast 

  • Strong time management skills

  • Ability to adapt to unexpected shifts or changes

  • Work collaboratively with the Director of Westminster Opera Theatre and Conductor

  • During technical rehearsals on stage work with the design team to oversee the integration of all aspects in the production

Applicants should demonstrate significant professional and/or teaching experience with graduate and undergraduate singers. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree; a Master’s degree is preferable unless the candidate demonstrates significant professional experience. Experience working with a diverse (across all measures) population.

Rider University is consistently highly ranked as a best college by U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review for student success, academic programs, veteran friendliness, and its sustainability efforts. 

Rider University is committed to fostering an inclusive, vibrant living and learning community that embraces students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds and enables them to achieve success. 

Rider University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to excellence through diversity.