Frances Rabalais is a Stage Director of opera based in Houston, Texas. She is known for her engrossing, evocative productions of contemporary pieces as well as the standard repertoire. Frances has directed for Pittsburgh Opera, North Carolina Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Fort Wayne Symphony, New Orleans Opera, among others.
In addition to directing, Frances is an intimacy, period movement, and dramatic combat specialist. She has trained with the Society of American Fight Directors, Intimacy Directors International, and Theatrical Intimacy Educators. She is available to consult and choreograph on operas that require performers to safely portray trauma, violence, historically-informed or costumed movement, and romance.
Frances is a librettist, adaptor, and “libretto doctor” for new operatic works. She is also a producer of operatic crossover art experiences that feature cabaret, burlesque, performance art, and installation art.
Ms. Rabalais’ formal education in opera began with her undergraduate degree in Vocal Performance from Louisiana State University in 2010. She earned her Artist's Diploma in Stage Direction of Opera from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music in 2016, and immediately began her residency with Pittsburgh Opera as Assistant Director for the next two seasons. She has held assistant director positions with Washington National Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Opera Colorado, Opera Omaha, Cincinnati Opera, and Glimmerglass Opera Festival.