Stage Directing

OPERA STUDIO (4000 x 3000 px)

The Assistant Stage Director Program provides training and professional development opportunities for emerging stage directors.

Assistant stage directors work on all fully staged opera productions, assisting PSN stage directing faculty throughout the rehearsal and production process while receiving mentorship.

Other opportunities include shadowing PSN stage directing faculty in rehearsals, directing scenes in the opera scenes performance, and gaining hands-on experience in production management, technical coordination, and stage operations.

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Stage Directing Opportunities

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~ Directing at least one scene in the opera scenes performance

~ Attending and assisting in all staging rehearsals for their assigned opera

~ Assisting in coordinating set changes during rehearsals

~ Coordinating with the prop-master at Estates Theatre to arrange props for rehearsals

~ Assisting with recording any important technical and lighting cues

~ Coordinating supertitles with the Estates Theatre and supertitles operator

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Program Highlights

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~ Shadow and be mentored by a PSN stage director on their assigned opera

~ Assisting PSN stage directing faculty on their assigned fully staged opera production

~ Participate in all staging rehearsals as assigned

~ Directing at least one scene in the opera scenes performance

~ Assist with stage manager duties in the Estates Theatre

~ Upon request: Performance preparation, resume building, social media and networking

Opera Scenes Program/Performances

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Czech & other opera scenes

~ Fully staged

~ Conducted by PSN assistant conductors

~ Directed by PSN directing faculty and assistant directors

~ Accompaniment by PSN coaching faculty and assistant coaches

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Weeks 1 & 2

~ Individual and group coaching as assigned

~ Staging rehearsals as assigned

~ Performance in Divadlo Oskara Nedbala, Tábor

  • I cannot say this enough, this has been one of the most rewarding and fun opera experiences I’ve had! Not only because we were lucky enough to perform in the Estates Theater, but more so because of the camaraderie and friendships I have made, that will last a lifetime.

    Jessica Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Opera

  • PSN 2026 was one of the best summers I've ever had! I learned from wonderful mentors, got so much hands-on creative experience, and made friends that I hope to stay in touch with for a long time.

    Olympia Hatzilambrou, Assistant Stage Director

  • Prague Summer Nights has forever reshaped me as an operatic performer. The quality of training and supportive environment fostered by the faculty and performers are things I will carry with me far into my career, no matter the repertoire I perform.

    Noelle Duke, Opera

  • I had such an incredible experience being a part of PSN2025! From the incredible coaching to amazing performance opportunities, I would highly recommend this program to any young singer who might be looking to further their artistry. Not only will you get to work with other talented singers, but also get to work with a faculty that are just amazing human beings, which I must say has been hard for me to find at other programs/festivals.

    Jacob Lann, Opera

  • Prague Summer Nights is the highest quality complete opera learning experience I have had in any summer program. I had a great time working with the faculty and a lot of fun traveling with everyone!

    Anthony Larson, Opera

  • It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of PSN 2025. Each day I learned something new from a colleague or faculty member. I was in awe of not only the locations we worked in, but of the dedication of the musicians surrounding me. I loved being able to share my joy and love of music with so many incredible musicians and people both on and off stage. I hope to return in the future, and PSN has earned a spot on the top 10 coolest experiences I've had to date!

    Kate Kaczmarek, Violinist

  • Our brass sectional was great yesterday. Ladislav Kozderka, first chair trumpet of the Czech Philharmonic, was super nice and lowkey (not intimidating). Every time he had a critique for a specific person, he would compliment them on something else. He had great advice and was super helpful.

    Kiri Maza, French Horn

  • It truly is a joy to be here in Prague and spending so much time with this group of people. Everyone works so hard, and when all the different parts come together, the music we create is absolutely magical. There is much pleasure in growing and bonding with a very talented group of musicians.

    Andy Kim, Violinist

  • Today I attended the Brass sectionals of Sibelius Symphony No. 2 and Dvorak Symphony No. 9, led by clinician Ladislav Kozderka who holds the position of principal trumpet of the Czech Philharmonic. I offered to be his personal metronome and he humbly laughed, saying "no, no, you must know this piece so much more than me!" He let me conduct the entirety of both symphonies, stopping every section to give feedback. I kept wanting to pinch my cheek because I knew all the words of wisdom was coming from one of the leaders of the orchestra that loves and owns Dvorak more than anywhere else in the world.

    Euan Shields, Assistant Conductor

  • Participating in this incredible program was life changing! I strongly encourage people interested to apply, you won’t regret it. Easily one of the best summers of my life.

    Hayden Clarke, Arts Admin

  • Plzen audition is a great segue for every singers to bridge the gap between the student and professional. The audition itself had a very friendly environment while still keeping the professionalism. I felt very honored to have met the director of Plzen Opera House and personally work with the head coach of the Czech National Opera House. Hopefully in the next two years, I will be able to come back to Plzen to work with this beautiful company.

    Eddie Lim, Opera

  • I have had the most wonderful 4 weeks I could hope for!

    Nico Laruina, Opera

  • I really enjoyed working with Dr. Jelena Nosková in the masterclass. She had wonderful suggestions and I felt my voice blossoming in the short time we worked together. I felt that it was very valuable to get some suggestions from someone I’d never worked with before. I thoroughly appreciate having this opportunity!

    Beth Compton, Opera

  • It was a pleasure for me being part of the festival, I learned a lot in Prague! Thank you for believing in my talent.

    Brenda I., Opera

  • Thank you so much for the opportunity! I learned so much in that month, that I’m just hoping to retain a tiny bit of it! My teacher even noticed that my high notes have improved in tone. The program was absolutely amazing, and the people you brought together for it were even more so.

    Laura M., Opera

  • Thank you again for the incredible opportunity! I had an amazing trip and made so many memories.

    Heather G., Violinist

  • Thank you for giving me the opportunity. It was an amazing experience with countless memories. Thank you again.

    Preet S., Cellist

  • Thank you Prague Summer Nights so much for the incredible opportunity to work with you in Prague, and the amazing opportunities I’ve received!

    Isabelle M., Cellist

  • A better experience could not have taken place for me during the first annual Prague Summer Nights Festival. I will forever take with me the memories and knowledge gained during my time with many wonderful musicians.

    Maya M., Violinist

  • Prague Summer Nights was an incredible experience for me. I made friendships that will last a lifetime and learned so much about myself as a performer. Sometimes when you are engrossed in the whirlwind of hard, dedicated work it is difficult to see your own progress. Just months after the program I already feel a difference and ease of approach to my performing, as well as a greater awareness of not only what I can improve, but HOW I can improve. Having sung an opera where Mozart first conducted it is no small honor either! Thank you for the experience of a lifetime.

    Stephanie K., Opera

  • Such an incredible experience getting a lesson and performing in a masterclass today with Walter Seyfarth, 30-year clarinetist of the Berlin Philharmonic, my favorite orchestra. My time in Prague has been a clarinetist’s dream! Very grateful.

    Eric S., Clarinettist

  • “Thanks for a great summer! The Prague experience was unforgettable. Thanks again.”

    Will R., viola

  • “I just wanted to take the opportunity again to thank you for this wonderful program you have created. I am still in awe of what took place over this last month, from Smetana Hall, to the Dvorak Museum, and finally Don Giovanni at the Estates Theatre! I honestly don’t know how you did it!"

    John H., baritone