The Ohio Light Opera 2026: Apply now!
For 47 seasons, The Ohio Light Opera has dedicated itself to the exploration and production of the best of traditional operetta and musical theater. Founded by James Stuart as a Gilbert and Sullivan repertory summer festival, the company has grown to encompass all forms in the light opera canon.
Ohio Light Opera 2026 Festival Season
The Ohio Light Opera
2026 Festival Season
The Yeomen of the Guard, or The Merryman and His Maid - 1888
Music by Arthur Sullivan
Libretto by William S. Gilbert
The Merry Widow - 1905
(Die lustige Witwe)
Music by Franz Lehár
Libretto by Viktor Léon and Leo Stein
Translation and performance edition by Steven Daigle
The Red Mill - 1906
Music by Victor Herbert
Libretto by Henry Blossom
Historical reconstruction by Steven Daigle
The Boys from Syracuse - 1938
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart
Book by George Abbott, adapted from Shakespeare’s play The Comedy of Errors
Damn Yankees – 1955
Music and Lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross
Book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop, based on Wallop’s 1954 novel The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant
My Fair Lady - 1956
Music by Frederick Loewe
Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner
Based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 play Pygmalion
Over 100 company members from around the United States are selected each year to become a part of our residency program. The 36 performing artists who make up the vocal ensemble are chosen for their abilities to perform and work at the highest level in all disciplines demanded by the company’s specialized repertoire: singing, acting, and dancing. With over 120 titles produced, over 200 productions, and 550,000 patrons watching, The Ohio Light Opera has become the forerunner in promoting the light opera genre.
My time at Ohio Light Opera was one of the most rewarding, fulfilling, and fun experiences I have ever had as a performer. There was a lot of work to be done in a short amount of time, but the level of focus, commitment and sheer talent among the leadership, as well as among my colleagues on stage, made it obvious that everything would come together — and that audiences would love the end result! Add in the exceptional crews, the top-notch orchestra, and the beautiful facility, and this Company offers one of the best ways to immerse yourself in performance in the country. Being in five different shows all going on at once was exhilarating and helped me develop new levels of competency and accomplishment. In short — I’m so proud to have been a part of a company that delivers great entertainment while insisting that it be delivered with kindness and appreciation, both of the work and of the people who make it all happen. ~ Christine, Young Artist, 2023; Professional Artist, 2024.
To paraphrase Jason Robert Brown: Nothing could be as wonderful as a summer in Ohio! And while the gorgeous sets, beautiful costumes, and full orchestra are a huge plus, what made it a company I will continually come back to were the people. The artistic and administrative staff are incredible human beings who treat their artists with respect. They believe in creating the open space necessary to foster artistic growth from their performers. Whether it was the directors, conductors, or choreographers; they would always meet you where you were at, and organically bring out the best in you through the rehearsal process. I can’t recommend this company enough, in fact I’ve already recommended it to many of my singer friends! There is something truly special about Ohio Light Opera, and I am proud to be a part of that legacy. ~ Alex, Professional Artist, 2023.
We offer both in-person and virtual audition options and applications are due on October 26th. Those wishing to audition live can choose audition dates in either New York City or our home-base, Wooster, OH.
