The Ohio Light Opera 2027: apply now!
For 48 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.
The Ohio Light Opera
2027 Festival Season
Two Blind Men – 1855
(Les Deux Aveugles)
Music by Jacques Offenbach
Libretto by Jules Moinaux
English Version by Jacob Allen
Regrets Only – 1861
(M. Choufleuri restera chez lui le…)
Music by Jacques Offenbach
Original Libretto by M. de St.-Rémy
English Version by James Stuart
Cox and Box – 1866
Curtain Warmer to The Sorcerer
Music by Arthur Sullivan
Libretto by F. C. Burnand
Based on John Maddison Morton’s farce Box and Cox
The Sorcerer – 1877
Music by Arthur Sullivan
Libretto by William S. Gilbert
The New Moon – 1928
Music by Sigmund Romberg
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Oscar Hammerstein II, Frank Mandel, and Laurence Schwab
Oklahoma! – 1943
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Based on Lynn Riggs’ play Green Grow the Lilacs
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes – 1949
Music by Jule Styne
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Book by Joseph Fields and Anita Loos
Based on the novel by Anita Loos
The Secret Garden – 1991
Music by Lucy Simon
Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman
Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
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.
Over the last 3 seasons, Ohio Light Opera has quickly become my artistic home. As a crossover singer, I have frequently felt forced to choose between the opera and musical theatre worlds or I've been pigeonholed as the “musical theatre girl” in opera settings or the “opera girl” in musical theatre settings. Ohio Light Opera is the first place I’ve found where I can just simply “be.” I have never felt so seen as an artist and so supported as a human by a company, artistic team, and group of colleagues. Performing in five shows across one summer is an immense amount of work but it is work that is appreciated and loved by every single person involved. More so than the opportunity to perform in countless dream shows, I’m getting to do it in gorgeous and thoughtful productions, alongside artists I trust and admire, for audiences that are endlessly appreciative of this rarely performed repertoire. OLO has not only give me some of my most fulfilling experiences as an artist, but also some of my dearest friendships. There is truly no other company I recommend more to my singer friends nor any other company I am so eager to return to over and over. ~ Rachel W. - Young Artist '24, '25, Professional Artist '26
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.
