Stage director Michael Shell is known for his “visionary” and “masterful storytelling” (Opera News), with over 20 years of experience as a director and educator at opera companies across the country, and internationally. 

In the 2023/2024 season, Mr. Shell directs La bohème with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and IU Jacobs School of Music Opera and Ballet Theater’s production of Sweeney Todd. Recent seasons saw new productions by Mr. Shell of beloved works, including The Turn of the Screw, The Barber of Seville, Candide, A Little Night Music, and West Side Story.