Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a groundbreaking opera project, reinterpreting classics with diverse performers.
- Company: Streetwise Opera empowers homeless individuals through innovative artistic projects.
- Benefits: Earn competitive fees and gain exposure in prestigious UK theatres.
- Why this job: Join a creative team that values fresh perspectives and social impact in the arts.
- Qualifications: Experience in directing and a passion for inclusive storytelling required.
- Other info: Travel expenses are not covered; apply for your preferred city.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Streetwise Opera is excited to launch Reimagining the Classics (April 2025 – March 2026), a bold and innovative project celebrating the rich heritage of opera by exploring its relevance to today’s world. This initiative will bridge the gap between the historic and the contemporary, creating an inspiring dialogue between the past and the present.
Through this project, Streetwise Opera performers, including participants in frontline homelessness settings, will uncover the histories and cultural significance of iconic operatic works from the repertoire. They will explore the contexts in which these pieces were written, examining their production histories and the social, political and artistic climates that shaped them.
Working alongside professional directors, composers and music directors, participants will reinterpret these classics through their own unique perspectives. By addressing themes and narratives that may feel outdated or problematic today, they will reimagine the works, breathing fresh life into these timeless stories. The result will be newly created performances, reflecting the insights of performers whose voices are too often unheard.
Inspired by participants’ research, each reimagined piece will culminate in performances presented alongside major opera company productions, in some of the most prestigious theatres in the UK in spring 2026, giving audiences the chance to experience these masterpieces through a contemporary lens. Alongside these productions, Streetwise Opera performers will present an interactive multimedia exhibition, providing insights into the work and diversity of opera and theatre makers from the past.
Reimagining the Classics aims to be not only a celebration of opera’s rich heritage but also a powerful demonstration of how history and creativity can intersect to inspire and challenge us. This project invites everyone to discover how the stories of the past can inform and enrich the stories of today, shining a light on perspectives often overlooked in traditional narratives.
Director Brief
Streetwise Opera will commission three directors for this project, across the three regions we work in: London, Nottingham and Manchester. Streetwise Opera is committed to engaging local artists wherever possible and is therefore unable to pay for travel expenses to attend workshops, rehearsals or performances. We therefore ask applicants to consider this when selecting the city or region they are applying to work in.
Details
A fee of £150 per session is offered for the project (inclusive of planning). A minimum fee of £600 for Phase 1 and £1,500 for Phase 2 would be offered.
Director of Production employer: Streetwise Opera Company
Contact Detail:
Streetwise Opera Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Production
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the themes and historical contexts of the operatic works that will be reimagined in this project. Understanding the original narratives and their societal implications will help you articulate your vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local artists and theatre professionals in the regions of London, Nottingham, and Manchester. Building relationships with these individuals can provide valuable insights and support for your application and future collaborations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to engaging with performers from frontline homelessness settings. Highlighting your experience or ideas on inclusivity and representation will demonstrate your alignment with Streetwise Opera's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Streetwise Opera’s previous projects and their impact on the community. Being knowledgeable about their work will show your genuine interest and commitment to their vision, making you a more compelling candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Production
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Project: Familiarise yourself with the Reimagining the Classics project. Reflect on how your vision aligns with Streetwise Opera's mission to bridge historical and contemporary opera, and think about how you can contribute to this dialogue.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in directing, particularly in projects that engage with diverse communities or reinterpret classic works. Make sure to showcase any previous work with performers from varied backgrounds, especially those who are often unheard.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for opera and your understanding of its cultural significance. Discuss your approach to reinterpreting classics and how you plan to engage participants in the creative process, ensuring your ideas resonate with the project's goals.
Prepare for the Interview: Anticipate questions about your directorial style and how you would handle the unique challenges of this project. Be ready to discuss your vision for the performances and how you would facilitate collaboration among diverse participants.
How to prepare for a job interview at Streetwise Opera Company
✨Understand the Project's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the goals of 'Reimagining the Classics'. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with Streetwise Opera's mission to bridge historical and contemporary opera, and how you can contribute to this innovative project.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your previous work in directing, especially any projects that involved community engagement or reinterpretation of classic works. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead diverse teams and create inclusive performances.
✨Engage with the Themes
Think about the social, political, and artistic contexts of the operatic works you'll be working with. Prepare to discuss how you would address potentially outdated themes and narratives, and how you plan to breathe new life into these stories through your direction.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers about the project, the team, and the expectations for the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
