Stage Director
Thames Opera Company Closing date: Sun, 25 Oct 2026
- Part time
- Under £10K
- Apply now
Thu, 08 Oct 2026 "> published -
Job Description
Thames Opera Company is seeking an imaginative, collaborative and highly organised Stage Director to lead the artistic staging of our inaugural forthcoming full-scale production.
This is an exciting opportunity to work with an inclusive community opera company where the chorus is at the heart of the production. The successful candidate will develop the production concept and bring it to life through rehearsals and performances, working closely with TOC's Artistic Director, Assistant Musical Director, Chorus Manager, Producer, Trustees and wider production team.
We are looking for a director who can create ambitious, engaging and accessible opera while fostering a rehearsal environment in which the professional singers and community chorus feel supported, valued and able to contribute.
The estimated total commitment is approximately 100 hours across the project, including preparation, production meetings, rehearsals and performances.
Rehearsals will primarily take place on approximately ten Monday late afternoon/evenings from February. The two performance dates will each involve approximately 10 working hours. The remaining 55 hours cover preparation and occasional production meetings from December, arranged around availability. The final schedule will be agreed with the successful candidate.
Job Requirements
The successful candidate will have:
At least two years' professional or semi-professional directing experience in opera, theatre or a closely related field.
A strong understanding of theatrical storytelling and stagecraft.
The ability to translate a clear artistic vision into practical staging.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and sensitively with a broad range of people.
A flexible and resourceful approach to working within the practical, technical and financial parameters of a community opera company.
The right to work in the UK.
Experience of community, participatory or amateur performance is desirable but not essential. We particularly welcome directors who are excited by the creative possibilities of working with a large community chorus.
Job Responsibilities
The Stage Director will:
Develop a clear artistic concept for the production, taking into account our ethos, chorus, venue, resources and budget.
Work collaboratively with the artistic, production and in-house directing teams throughout the planning and rehearsal process.
Lead staging rehearsals with the community chorus and professional principal soloists.
Create clear, achievable and engaging staging for performers with a wide range of ages, backgrounds and performance experience.
Foster an inclusive, supportive and positive rehearsal room.
Make appropriate decisions around staging, props, costumes, furniture and other production elements in collaboration with the wider team.
Attend relevant production and planning meetings.
Adapt creatively and practically as the production develops.
Lead the theatrical realisation of the production through rehearsals, technical rehearsals and both performances.
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Stage Director
- Salary: Under £10K
- Hours: Part time
- Role: Creative
- Contract: Hybrid
- Closing date: Sun, 25 Oct 2026
-
Location:
London
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for this role, please email [email protected] to request the full Job Description and application information.
Application Deadline: 25th October 2026 by 6pm
The full Job Description contains further details about the role, key dates, fee and production, as well as instructions on how to apply.
We look forward to hearing from you!
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Thames Opera Company
Thames Opera Company is an inclusive community opera company based in Upminster, East London, serving communities across the Thames Gateway and Essex. Founded in 2020, we bring people together through high-quality opera and choral music, welcoming singers of all backgrounds and experience. We create ambitious performances and opportunities for participation, learning and artistic collaboration.