Auditions for Stage Directors

Register now for the National Auditions for Stage Director, season 26-27 !

Registration deadline: Friday, December 12, 2025, at midnight.

Residency for Stage director

Program

A young artists program at the heart of the Opéra de Montréal, the Atelier lyrique is a springboard for professional development dedicated to artists who have completed their university training and whose goal is to launch a professional career in opera. Covering the broad spectrum of artistic and personal development in an innovative and bilingual setting, with world-class trainers and regular stage experience, the Atelier ensures that everyone has access to their full potential.

Click here to see the job description

Duration

The director residency runs from August 2026 to May 2027 (1 year).

Location

The program takes place in Montreal at the Opéra de Montréal.

Eligible candidates

Candidates must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or hold a valid open work permit* for the duration of the residency (until June 2027) at the time of application.

*An open work permit allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada.

Requirements

• Have completed their studies (university degree or equivalent in directing, musical theater, opera)
• Have significant experience as a director or assistant director
• Demonstrate a keen interest in opera and the fusion of musical and dramatic performance
• Have at least a basic knowledge of the opera repertoire or know how to read musical scores
• Work comfortably in French and English, and are motivated to learn languages
• Have a keen sense of collaboration, leadership, and communication
• Are comfortable with production constraints, know how to manage a team, and are comfortable speaking in front of an audience

Registration requirements

Documents required in addition to your online form:

• Up-to-date resume, including experience in directing and assisting (opera, musical theater, etc.)
• Visual portfolio (8 pages max.) with images of productions directed or assisted
• Photo (8“ x 10” format)
• Birth certificate or proof of citizenship (or permanent residence)
• Contact information for two professional references (name, title, phone number, email address)
• A Word document answering one of the following three questions (max. 500 words):

o What motivates you to pursue a professional career as a director?

o What do you expect from a residency at l’Atelier lyrique?

o What are your goals for the next 5 years?

• A project concept (5 pages max.), detailing your staging ideas staging (sets, costumes, lighting, music/text interaction, etc.). This project may be taken from your portfolio.

Important

Submitted documents become the property of the Atelier.

Audition process and selection of candidates

Registration deadline: Friday, December 12, 2025, at midnight.

Motivational interviews with selected candidates: The week of December 15, 2025, on Zoom.

In-person interview in Montreal: Selected candidates will be invited for an in-person interview on January 13 and 14, 2026, in Montreal.

Here is what they will need to prepare:

1. A 30-minute dramatic coaching session on an aria and a 60-minute staging of an ensemble scene. The repertoire will be chosen in advance and may be in German, French, Italian, English, or Russian.

2. The audition will end with an interview with the management of the Opéra de Montréal and the Atelier lyrique.

Registration fees

No registration fees are required.

Travel, accommodation, and per diem

For artists not based in Montreal, we will provide hotel accommodation for one night, as well as a daily allowance. Travel to Montreal will be at the candidate’s expense.

Questions?

Please write to Marie Maous, Program and National Auditions Manager, at : mmaous@operademontreal.com

LEARN MORE: PDF training and director’s responsibilities

REGISTER NOW: Link to registration form

INFORMATION – DIRECTOR AUDITIONS: PDF Memo

National Auditions Partner

Ms. Vanda Treiser, in memory of Mr. Benjamin Treiser