JMU Opera Theatre is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s premiere home for opera education. Each year, JMU Opera Theatre produces quality mainstage productions along with rigorous workshop/skills-based presentations in the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts. JMU Opera Theatre is dedicated to the holistic training of the singing-actor.

During their time at JMU, students will encounter a variety of languages, musical styles, acting techniques, historical time periods, production styles, and more.

Membership in the ensemble is by audition, and students across the entire university are welcome to participate. Undergraduate and graduate opportunities are available, and repertoire is tailored to the needs of current students. Auditions take place one semester before any given production, allowing students time to learn their roles.

JMU Opera Theatre performs four projects throughout the academic year:

• Mainstage opera (full-length works with orchestra) performed in the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre
• Workshop opera (adapted operas or chamber works with piano) performed in the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts Recital or Concert Hall
• Outreach opera (35-min children's operas with piano) performed in the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts Recital or Concert Hall AND additional venues around Harrisonburg
• Scenes Program (curated scenes from a variety of operas with piano) performed in the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts Recital or Concert Hall

JMU Opera Theatre alumni can be found performing on illustrious stages near and far from Virginia Opera and Charlottesville Opera to Washington National Opera in Washington, D.C. and The Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

Contact Director of Opera Theatre, Prof. Joshua Borths, for more information.

2024-2025 Season:

Portman/Wright’s “The Little Prince” (November 8th-10th, 2024)

Dvořák/Borths’s “Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid” (February 8th & 9th, 2025)

Mozart/Varesco's "Idomeneo" (April 5th & 6th, 2025)

 Check back in June for the 2025-2026 JMU Opera Theatre season!