2023-24 JoElyn Wakefield-Wright Stage Director Fellowship

Tania Arazi Coambs is a passionate & versatile director, performer, & writer. The incoming 2023 Apprentice Stage Director for the Merola Opera Program, she was previously a resident stage director for Opera Theatre of Pittsburgh and a Stage Directors & Choreographers Foundation Observership Fellow. Last year, she wrote & directed her own play Stoplight, which centered around the lives of two African-American teenage sisters. Written in collaboration with community actors, it was awarded Best Arts 2022 by SmilePolitely. Other highlights: the first regional production of Farinelli & the King; her award-winning production of The Tender Land, & scenes from her own opera, Catatumbo (composed by Griffin Candey). This year, she was a featured soloist with the Danville Symp. Orchestra, & played Francesca (The Bridges of Madison County) & Kate (Human Terrain). Tania has a DMA from the Univ. of Illinois & won the 2018-2020 NOA Dissertation Award.

About the JoElyn Wakefield-Wright Stage Director Fellowship