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- Tasks: Lead a groundbreaking project reinterpreting classic operas with diverse performers.
- Company: Streetwise Opera champions creativity and inclusivity in the arts, focusing on homelessness.
- Benefits: Earn competitive fees and gain experience in prestigious UK theatres.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by reshaping opera narratives and amplifying unheard voices.
- Qualifications: Experience in directing and a passion for innovative storytelling required.
- Other info: Travel expenses are not covered; apply for your local region.
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 By addressing themes and narratives that may feel outdated or problematic today, they will reimagine the works, breathing fresh life into these timeless stories.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.
The application deadline is 10am on Monday 17 March. We will be holding interviews on the week of 24 March.
Reimagining the Classics Director (London) employer: Streetwise Opera Company
Contact Detail:
Streetwise Opera Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reimagining the Classics Director (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the themes and historical contexts of the operatic works you’ll be reimagining. Understanding the original narratives will help you articulate your vision during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the opera and theatre community. Attend local performances or workshops to connect with artists and directors who may provide insights or references that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would engage with participants from frontline homelessness settings. Think about inclusive practices and how you can ensure their voices are central to the reimagining process.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Streetwise Opera’s previous projects and their impact on the community. Being knowledgeable about their work will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to their mission during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Reimagining the Classics Director (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Project: Familiarise yourself with the Reimagining the Classics project. Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the vision and objectives of Streetwise Opera, ensuring your application reflects an understanding of how you can contribute to this innovative initiative.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in directing, particularly in projects that bridge historical and contemporary themes. Include any work with diverse communities or in settings similar to those described in the job profile.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for opera and your vision for reinterpreting classic works. Discuss your approach to engaging participants from frontline homelessness settings and how you plan to create inclusive performances that resonate with today's audiences.
Proofread and Submit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for clarity and grammatical accuracy. Ensure that you meet the application deadline of 10am on Monday 17 March and submit through the StudySmarter website for consideration.
How to prepare for a job interview at Streetwise Opera Company
✨Understand the Project's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the goals of the Reimagining the Classics project. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to bridging the gap between historic and contemporary opera, and how your unique perspective can enhance the dialogue between the past and present.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Diverse Voices
Highlight any previous work that involved engaging with underrepresented communities or exploring social issues through art. Streetwise Opera values inclusivity, so demonstrating your commitment to amplifying unheard voices will resonate well during the interview.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Come equipped with insightful questions about the project and its execution. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how your role as a director will fit into the larger vision of the initiative.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the project involves working alongside various artists and participants, be ready to discuss your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams to create innovative performances, especially in challenging environments.
