Arts Director & Stage Design

Position Title: BOC Fellow (Arts Director – Stage Design & Production) – World Premiere Opera
Employment Type: Temporary / Fellowship (May 26 – June 6, 2026)
Location: Bloomington, Indiana (In-Person)
Compensation: Full Tuition Remission + Stipend (based on expertise and qualifications)

Job Description:

The Bloomington Opera Camp™ (BOC) is seeking an experienced Arts Director to lead and inspire the Fine Arts team for the worldwide premiere of Seeking/Buscando El Dorado, a new community opera.

Following our premiere on June 6th, 2026, this opera will begin an international tour (for now secured with the overture). The selected artist will be appointed as a BOC Fellow, receiving full tuition coverage and a stipend. This is a leadership role in a professionally produced world premiere, offering a pivotal career credit and the opportunity to work closely with an award-winning international creative team.

Position Available (1 opening): Arts Director (Stage Design & Production)

Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of amateur and student fine artists (painters, sculptors, costume designers, set builders) in creating all visual elements for the production
• Collaborate closely with the Music and Artistic Director, and Stage Director to ensure visual cohesion with the opera's themes (Spanish/English/Muisca cultural elements)
• Oversee the design and construction of sets, props, and scenic elements within the intensive 12-day rehearsal period
• Manage materials, budget, and timelines for the Fine Arts department
• Ensure all visual production elements are performance-ready for the June 6 world premiere (and dress rehearsals on June 4 and 5).
• Document the creative process for potential future tour reproductions

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Stage Design, Sculpture, Painting, or related field (master's degree or equivalent professional experience preferred)
• Significant experience in stage design, set construction, or visual production for theater, opera, or performance
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams or teaching artists
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver high-quality visual elements within a condensed timeline
• Must be available for the full program: May 26 – June 6, 2026 in Bloomington, IN

Desired Skills (Not Required, but a Plus):

• Experience with new works or world premieres
• Familiarity with Latin American visual arts, textiles, or cultural aesthetics
• Teaching or mentoring experience (especially with multi-level participants)
• Scenic painting, prop fabrication, or costume construction expertise
• Interest in community-engaged artistry and sustainable production practices

How to Apply:
Interested applicants must apply directly through the program website. Please DO NOT APPLY or contact Handshake for application status—all inquiries should be directed to the link below.

[APPLY HERE: https://www.performingartslab.com/oc/bloomington-in-pros]

About Bloomington Opera Camp™:
BOC is an internationally awarded, research-backed program that unites professional artists and community members to create opera collaboratively. Led by Dr. Diego Barbosa-Vásquez—described by Forbes as a "Natural-Born Leader" and a graduate of the prestigious Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (Doctorate in Orchestral and Opera Conducting)—the program has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Opera Wire, and The Bloomingtonian.