About Madison Opera
Madison Opera is a non-profit, professional opera company based in Madison, Wisconsin. A resident organization of the Overture Center for the Arts, Madison Opera produces three operas annually in addition to Opera in the Park and a variety of educational programming.
With the 2024/25 season, Madison Opera celebrates our 64th year of being one of only two opera companies in Wisconsin that provide the experience of fully-staged grand opera. Our mission is to produce opera of the highest artistic standards, and our three mainstage productions draw over 10,000 audience members each year to the Overture Center to enjoy both classic operas such as Carmen and modern masterpieces such as Fellow Travelers. Our gift to the community, Opera in the Park, attracts over 12,000 people to Madison from across Wisconsin for a free concert on a beautiful July evening.
Staff
GENERAL DIRECTOR – Kathryn Smith – Bio
PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR – John DeMain – Bio
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION – Jill Krynicki
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT – Beth Tolles
ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATOR – Chloe Agostino
ADVANCEMENT OFFICER – Emily Fons
PATRON SERVICES MANAGER – Robert Goderich
FINANCE OFFICER – Brian Haltinner
MARKETING MANAGER – Julia Simpson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR / WAREHOUSE MANAGER – Billy Larimore
MUSIC ASSISTANT – Aubrie Jacobson
Board of Trustees
Officers
PRESIDENT – Susan Zaeske*
CHAIRMAN – Thomas Terry*
VICE PRESIDENT – Viki Brigham*
VICE PRESIDENT – Jane Taves*
TREASURER – Larry Bechler*
SECRETARY – Leanne Cordisco*
Trustees
Carla J. Alvarado
Debra Anken-Dyer
Martin Barrett*
Martha Casey
Kathy Condit
David Flanders
Joyce Hirsch*
Stephen Hurley
Connie Kinsella
Fran Klos*
Franzo Law II*
Richard Leffler
John Lemke
Susan Lipp
Patti Lucas
Lynn Mecklenburg
*Executive Committee
Barbara Merz
Sally Miley*
J. Marshall Osborn*
Cyrena Pondrom
Susan Thibeault
Selma VanEyck
Toby Wallach
Sonja Yde
Advisors
Fern Lawrence
Elaine Staley
Helen Wineke
Madison Opera Foundation
Established in 2001, the Madison Opera Foundation is an important part of Madison Opera’s financial structure. Managed by a board of directors, it oversees several funds, including the Madison Opera Endowment (for gifts given in perpetuity), the Madison Opera Reserve, and several donor-designated funds.
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT – Joyce Hirsch
Fernando Alvarado
Martin Barrett
Larry Bechler
Sally Miley
Amy Nickles
J. Marshall Osborn
Thomas Terry
Susan Zaeske
The Margaret C. Winston
Madison Opera Center
Located at 335 W. Mifflin Street, just one block from Overture Center’s stage door, the Margaret C. Winston Madison Opera Center is both our artistic home and our administrative home, with our offices, rehearsal hall, costume shop and more. Over the course of a season, the Opera Center is home to auditions, rehearsals, meetings, previews, donor events, and so much more.
The Opera Center may be rented for rehearsals and events; the parking ramp associated is available for public parking.
The Studio Artist Program
Established in 2012, the Madison Opera Studio Artist Program is an important part of the company’s artistic and educational mission. The Studio Artists are singers in the transitional period between university and their professional careers. Over the course of a season, Studio Artists perform small roles and understudy major roles in Madison Opera’s productions, as well as serving as the company’s musical ambassadors across our region.
Alexandra Burch
soprano
MM – DePaul University
BM – Viterbo University
This season at MO: Chorus, Musetta (cover), La Bohème; Lucy, Elva Heaster Shue (cover), Everlasting Faint; chorus, Despina (cover), Così fan tutte
Madison Barrett
mezzo-soprano
MM – Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison
BA – Univ. of Florida
This season at MO: Allie, Mary Heaster (cover), Everlasting Faint; chorus, Dorabella (cover), Così fan tutte
Ryan Nash
tenor
MM – Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison
BM – Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst
This season at MO: Parpignol, La Bohème; 1st Drunk, Trout Shue (cover), Everlasting Faint; chorus, Ferrando (cover), Così fan tutte
Lifan Deng
baritone
MM – Northwestern Univ.
BA – Case Western Reserve Univ.
This season at MO: Schaunard, Marcello (cover), La Bohème; 2nd Drunk, Dr. Knapp (cover), Everlasting Faint; chorus, Guglielmo (cover), Così fan tutte
Soprano
Brianna Murray
Mezzo
Hailey Cohen
Tenor
Ryan Nash
Baritone
Lifan Deng
Soprano
Sachie Ueshima
Soprano
Brianna Murray
Mezzo
Hailey Cohen
Tenor
William Johnson
Baritone
Timothy Krueger
Soprano
Alannah Spencer
Mezzo
Lindsey Meekhof
Tenor
Pedro Valdez
Soprano
Anja Pustaver
Mezzo
Quinn Middleman
Tenor
Tyrese Byrd
Baritone
Jake Surzyn
Soprano
Emily Secor
Mezzo
Kirsten Larson
Tenor
Benjamin Hopkins
Baritone
Stephen Hobe
Soprano
Emily Secor
Mezzo
Kirsten Larson
Tenor
Benjamin Liupaogo
Baritone
Stephen Hobe
Soprano
Anna Polum
Mezzo
Megan Ott Romero
Tenor
Benjamin Liupaogo
Soprano
Anna Polum
Mezzo
Anna Parks
Baritone
James Held
Soprano
Marie McManama
Mezzo
Kelsey Park
Tenor
William Ottow
Baritone
Nathaniel Hill
Soprano
Chelsea Morris
Mezzo
Anna Laurenzo
Tenor
Thomas Leighton
Soprano
Gillian Hollis
Soprano
Jessie Lyons
Tenor
Scott Brunscheen
Soprano
Jeni Houser
Mezzo
Jessica Timman
Tenor
Adam Shelton
Baritone
John Arnold
Auditions
PRINCIPAL AUDITIONS
Audition Announcement
December 12 and 13, 2025
Madison Opera Center, Madison, WI
Madison Opera is holding auditions for U.S. artists residing in the Upper Midwest region (Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, etc), to be considered for principal and supporting roles in future seasons. Audition dates are Friday, December 12 beginning at 1pm and Saturday, December 13 beginning at 1pm.
To be considered for an audition, please e-mail your resume, headshot, and preferred audition date to auditions@madisonopera.org. You will be contacted to schedule an audition time, if appropriate.
If granted an audition, singers should prepare four to five arias of varying styles and languages.
Note: These auditions are for principal roles only; studio artist and chorus auditions will be held at a later date.
Questions? Please email auditions@madisonopera.org.
MADISON OPERA CHORUS AUDITIONS
The next round of Madison Opera Chorus auditions will be held in Summer 2026. Please check back in May for an audition announcement.
STUDIO ARTIST AUDITIONS
Auditions for the 2026/27 Studio Artists will be held in late spring 2026; please check in March for an audition announcement.
Questions? Please email auditions@madisonopera.org.
Production Assistant Program
The Production Assistant position offers a hands-on experience in a professional opera environment. This paid, entry-level position is ideal for college and high school students, giving them the chance to work backstage as part of the production team and learn stage management skills. Exact tasks are assigned based on interest and aptitude.
The History of Madison Opera
Since 1961, Madison Opera has presented over 70 different operas, composed from the 18th to the 21st century, performed in seven different languages. We have shared the magic of opera with generations of our community, as both opera and our city have evolved. Learn more about our history and details on past productions.
Job Openings
Props PA
Madison Opera is seeking a Props Production Assistant for the upcoming production of Puccini’s La Bohème. This is a great way for students to get professional experience backstage.
Dates: November 1-9, 2025, with most work in the evening or on weekends, plus some pre-tech-week orientation times.
Honorarium: $100, plus free parking and complimentary tickets to the opera
Description: The Props PA will assist the Props Director during tech week of La Bohème, helping with props load-in / load-out, taking notes during tech rehearsals, helping with prop notes and adjustments, and other prop tasks. They should have an understanding of the world of theater (opera knowledge is not necessary), with an interest in props. Other necessary skills include fast-paced decision-making, clear communication, and the ability to stay organized.
Application Process: If you are interested in applying, send a brief email to kayasarajian@gmail.com introducing yourself and why you are interested in the position. Attach a resume and/or portfolio with Madison Opera Props PA as the subject.
