Stepping Into Opera: Fight Direction for Die Walküre

This past month, I had the incredible gift of stepping into a new creative world—the rehearsal hall of Die Walküre, a powerful and visually stunning production from Edmonton Opera.

Advancing into Opera

Stepping into the world of opera, with its scale and musical precision, was a fun challenge and an absolute joy. Die Walküre is epic in every sense—gods, mortals, love, betrayal—and it demanded that the fights and physicality rise to meet that scale.

What excited me most was the chance to integrate fight choreography directly into the emotional arc of the music. Opera doesn’t pause for a punch—it surges through it. Each movement had to support the singers, flow with the music, and still hit with emotional clarity and precision. It was a total team effort, and so fun to build together.

Collaboration is Everything

One of the most joyful parts of this project was the incredible team I had the chance to work with—talented performers, designers, directors, and crew members who all poured their hearts into this story. Watching the cast throw themselves (sometimes literally!) into the physical work, while delivering breathtaking vocal performances, was both humbling and inspiring.

Special thanks to the incredible Gina Moe and the entire stage management team for helping guide me through this new operatic landscape, and to Hunter Luth, my fight captain extraordinaire, for their steady brilliance throughout the process.

Learning (and Relearning) Every Day

Like any live process, rehearsals were ever-evolving. What worked perfectly one day might shift the next. That ongoing adjustment—staying flexible, responding to the performers, and tuning into the music—was where the magic lived. Our aim was always confidence and clarity on the day.

And truly? I learned so much. The performers in this show were extraordinary. There were many moments where I found myself just sitting in the house after my call, soaking in the sound. Their voices filled the theatre with such richness and power, it was a masterclass in emotional presence and discipline.

As always, I’m grateful to be learning, growing, and magpie-ing every brilliant skill I can while jamming with incredible artists like those on this show.

Curious about Die Walküre?

You can learn more or catch future productions over at Edmonton Opera’s website.