The Robert L.B. Tobin Director-Designer Prize recognizes promising stage directors and designers for their ingenuity in bringing operatic works to life for contemporary audiences.

Teams of creative artists are invited biennially to devise production concepts for specific works from the inherited or American repertoire. Winning teams present their designs to producers throughout the industry in the Director-Designer Showcase at the national Opera Conference and in exhibitions at OPERA America’s National Opera Center.

The program is intended to bring new talent to the forefront and connect directors and designers early in their opera careers with those who are in a position to advance their work.

The Robert L.B. Tobin Director-Designer Prize is supported by the Tobin Theatre Arts Fund.

Prize Details

The biennial Robert L.B. Tobin Director-Designer Prize is awarded to four teams of stage directors and designers. Each team receives $3,000 to further develop its production concept in preparation for the Director-Designer Showcase, as well as complimentary registration and travel stipends to attend the Opera Conference.

Eligibility: The program is open to emerging designer-director teams in opera regardless of their OPERA America membership status. Members of the team must be early in their careers in opera. At least 50 percent of team members must have United States citizenship, permanent residence, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.

Important Dates & Deadlines

How to Apply

Review the guidelines and application questions before applying. All applications must be submitted through OPERA America’s grants dashboard.

Prize Guidelines & Worksheets

• 2024–2025 Guidelines (PDF)
• Intent to Apply Questions (PDF)
• Full Application Questions (PDF)
• Vectorworks, CAD, and Venue Specifications (ZIP)

For questions about applications or eligibility, contact us at Grants@operaamerica.org or 646.699.5236. More information can be found on the Opera America website here.