OPERA America has announced the recipients of the 2024 Opera Grants for Women Stage Directors and Conductors.

Recipients include Beth Morrison Projects’ “Sensorium Ex,” which features conductor Elizabeth Askren; Detroit Opera for director Nataki Garrett’s work on “The Central Park Five;” Shanara Gabrielle’s production of “Cradle will Rock” at IN Series;” Director Kimille Howard”s production of “This Little Light of Mine” at Kentucky Opera; LA Opera’s “Ainadamar,” which is conducted by Lina González-Granados; National Saust’s “Unto Us,” directed by Kaneza Schall; Opera Colorado’s Chía Patiño-directed production of “The Daughter of the Regiment;” Opera Orlando’s “Trimonisha,” directed by Roberta Emerson; and the Amanda Berg Wilson-directed production of Opera Steamboat’s “Welcome to the Madness.”

Since its inception in 2021, the grant has supported the careers of 22 stage directors and 11 conductors. Companies are invited to subsidize up to 50 percent (up to $15,000) of the fees for a woman stage director or conductor whose career will receive a major step up from participation in the production. The grant is supported by the Marineau Family Foundation.

“With the support of the Marineau Family Foundation, we are delighted to help these directors and conductors make company and repertoire debuts at opera companies of all sizes,” said Marc A. Scorca, president/CEO of OPERA America per an official press release. “These women are enriching the art form and the field, and they serve as visible role models for the next generation of artists.”