Frustrated with the lack of programs specifically tailored to train Opera Directors? Tired of learning this important craft as “additional” information when studying the direction of a play? How do you become an accomplished operatic stage director?
“It seems to be an elusive pathway for some – imagined to be an innate talent that evolves through experience. I believe it is a skill that can be learned and developed so I have created a complete curriculum program that will offer you the skills you need to develop your vision and direct with confidence. The Ithaca College Opera Direction Certificate provides you with a focused way to develop your opera direction technical skills and aims to support you in becoming a confident, successful opera stage director.” -Chuck Hudson, Stage Director
My Opera Stage Directing Certificate Program has run successfully at Ithaca College for 3 seasons, however we will not be running it in 2025. Two of the Faculty Members at Ithaca College who are responsible for the program on the College end of things (one from the Opera Program in the School of Music and one who is the coordinator for the School of Graduate and Professional Studies) have left the College for other institutions.
The co-creator of the program and I are re-working the content now to approach other host institutions for a new Certificate Bearing Program in 2026.
I am currently offering the 14 Video Masterclasses directly to interested individuals while I am revising them for that future Certificate Program.
-
- Each video session is 90 min to 2 hours long and costs $70
- My private mentoring sessions for Stage Directors are $70 each, so this is like getting 2 mentor-coaching sessions for the cost of one, and that you can watch as often as you like over a 48-hour period when the link expires.
- You can let me know which video you would like to rent, and you can also rent the entire series to be delivered to you once a week.
- Each video session is 90 min to 2 hours long and costs $70
14 Video Sessions Are Currently Available
Introduction to Opera Stage Direction
- Pathways to becoming a Stage Director
- Sensitivity to “Uncomfortable” Material
- Preparing the Piano Vocal Score
- The First Listen-Through of the Opera
- Staging the Story: Defining the Plot Structure
Dramatic Analysis of the Libretto
- Textual Evidence for the Creation of Characters
- Creating the World of the Opera
- Given Circumstances
- Imagery
- Activity vs. Action 1
Creating the Directorial Vision 1
- Identifying the Theme
- The Theme’s Relation to Plot and Character Arc
- Identifying Dramatic Events
- Events in the Backstory
- Generating Ideas
- Developing Your Personal Directorial Vision
- Practical Analysis of the Scene Structure
Creating the Directorial Vision 2
- Thematic Goals
- Story Arc vs. Dramatic Arc of Character
- Moving the Story Forward with Dynamic Action
See my 5 Part Acting Video Series: Creating the Dramatic Arc of Character in Opera
Creating the Directorial Vision 3
- Research & Source Materials
- Fleshing Out the Imaginative Backstory
- Language—Rhetorical Argument—Extemporaneous Speech
- Baroque Operas: Repeated Text & A—B—A Arias
- Research for Directing the Design Process
- Composition and Staging in the Space
- Changing the Period Setting of the Production
Sharing the Directorial Vision
- Understanding the Audience
- Pre-Production Deadlines
- Directing the Design Process: Collaborating with Designers
- Imagery & Theme in the Design Process
- From Ideas to Concrete Experience
- Productions with a Chorus
- Initial Production and Design Paperwork
- Pre-Production Design of Scene Changes
- Concept & Design Presentations to the Producer
Preparing the Staging Part 1
- Behavioral Staging vs Psychological Staging
- Inhabiting the Playing Space
- Proximity: The Corporeal Sphere in Presentational Theatre
- Staging Pathways
- Introduction to Staging Arias and Solo Performance
- Staging with Composition Elements and Stage Pictures
- Staging the Conductor’s Needs
- Beats of Action and Creating the Beat Breakdown Part 1
- Creating the Staging Plan
- Staging a Chorus
Preparing the Staging Part 2
- Successful Creativity
- The Creative Process: From Idea to Realization
- Creative Blocks and Creative Insights
- Symbolic or Expressive Staging
- Over-staging
- Semi-Staged Productions
Time Management in Pre-Production and Rehearsal
- The Time Management Matrix
- Ultradian Rhythms in Pre-Production Time Management
- How to Create the Daily Rehearsal Schedule
Directing Singers Part 1
- The Creative Process of a Performer
- Creating Actions Not Emotions
- Directing Beats of Action
- Heightened Emotions and Emotional Risk
- Activity vs. Action Part 2
- Beat Breakdowns Part 2
- Dramatic Analysis Worksheet
- Directing a Soliloquy in Opera
- Directing with the Staging Plan
Directing Singers Part 2
Strategies for Directing Singers
- What the Singer Wants from the Director in Rehearsal
- Directing Styles and Creative Intimacy
- Talking & Listening in Opera
- When Singers Mark in Rehearsal
- The Magic “if”
- When singers disagree with your Direction
- Directing Beginners / Directing Stars
- Rage Arias & Mad Scenes
- Earning Stillness
Collaboration in Staging Rehearsals Part 1
- Constructive Criticism
- Breakdown of the Staging Staff
- Collaboration with:
Conductors, Coach-Accompanists, Choreographers, Fight Directors, Intimacy Directors, Chorus Masters, Children’s Chorus, the Prop Dept., the Stage Management Team, Animal Trainers, etc… - 7 Types of Staging Rehearsals
- Directing Double Casts
- Directing the Chorus and Supers
Collaboration in Staging Rehearsals Part 2
Working as an Assistant Director
- The AD and Director Relationship
- The AD and Stage Manager Relationship
- Production Paperwork Detail
Final Details and Skills
- Staging the Curtain Call
- Giving Criticism
- Taking Notes in Rehearsals
- Chuck’s PowerPoint System for Taking Notes in Rehearsal
- Online Series Review