The Marble City Opera has announced the appointment of Ryan Colbert as the Associate Executive Artistic Director.

Colbert will begin in her new position on August 1, 2025.

In a statement, Founding Executive Artistic Director Kathryn Frady said, “Ryan brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the opera art form coupled with a knowledge, understanding, and commitment to Marble City Opera and the Knoxville community. She is the perfect person to help continue the legacy of making opera accessible through new and traditional operas and I am thrilled for her to join our team.”

Colbert added, “In 2013, Kathryn took a chance on me by asking me to be the assistant stage manager of ‘The Gift of the Magi.’ That opportunity changed my life. I have carried my formative days with Marble City Opera in my heart every step of my career. Taking on this new position feels like coming home, and I am thrilled at the opportunity ahead!”

Colbert has operatic experience in performing, directing, producing, teaching, and costume and concept design. She began her work as an arts administrator during her undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she co-founded and led VolOpera, a student organization to give undergraduate voice students stage opportunities. She has been a co-manager of Opera on Tap Philadelphia and Artistic Director of Delaware Valley Opera Company.

As a soprano, Colbert has premiered many new roles such as Sappho in Patricia Wallinga’s “The Sisters,” Rosie in Frank Pesci’s “Royal Flush,” Nile in J Marchand Knight’s “Cleopatra Built,”  and Mrs. Webster in Griffin Candey’s “Sweets by Kate.”