The Leadership Intensive, OPERA America’s signature leadership development initiative, is a yearlong program for rising leaders in opera administration.

Chosen from a competitive pool of applicants, each annual cohort convenes at our National Opera Center for a week of seminars and trainings to advance their careers and establish strong professional connections. Throughout the subsequent year, participants come together at the annual conference and virtually to assess their growth and goals with expert faculty.

Established in 2012, the program’s alumni now lead 10 percent of our Professional Company Members.

Program Details

Those accepted into the 2026 Leadership Intensive are expected to participate fully in all aspects of the Leadership Intensive's active learning environment before, during, and after the winter intensive. The winter intensive week will take place in New York City.

Eligibility: Participation in the Leadership Intensive is available to all individuals (members and non-members) who currently work in or wish to continue their professional careers in the opera field.

Important Dates

Program Guidelines & Worksheets

• 2025 Guidelines (PDF)
• Application Questions (PDF)
• Selection Rubric (PDF)

How to Apply

Applications for the 2026 Leadership Intensive will open in early 2026.

Please direct questions about the Leadership Intensive to Vincent Rutter-Covatto, director of leadership services, at VRutterCovatto@operaamerica.org or 646.699.5237.

Meet the Alumni

Leadership Intensive alumni are listed with their titles and company affiliations at the start of their participation.