Melissa Ruge

Melissa Ruge is a seasoned opera production professional with over two decades of experience behind the scenes. As a dedicated Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager, she has worked with prestigious companies including Los Angeles Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, and many others. Her portfolio features major productions like Phelim McDermott’s Akhnaten and Barrie Kosky’s The Magic Flute. Melissa currently leads the production team at the Lehrer Vocal Institute, where she brings her deep expertise and passion for the craft to every project she manages. In addition to her role with Music Academy, she is a faculty member at CalArts, where she teaches Stage Management to both BFA and MFA students in the School of Theater. Melissa lives in Newbury Park, California where she is busy raising three young daughters, balancing her professional life with the joys and challenges of motherhood.