research overview
- Leigh Holman is a faculty administrator and teacher whose research is concentrated in the areas of musical/theatrical stage production, stage direction, and the development of new American opera works. She is the Artistic Director and Founder of the CU New Opera Workshop (CU NOW), a nationally recognized program dedicated to the development and premiere of new American operas. CU NOW has been featured in *Opera News* magazine and was the subject of a plenary session presentation at the National Opera Association Conference in 2024, co-presented with renowned composer Jake Heggie. The workshop brings together emerging composers, librettists, and performers, providing them with invaluable experience in the creation of new works under the guidance of leading artists who have served as Resident Artists. CU NOW significantly contributes to the advancement of contemporary American opera. In addition to her work with CU NOW, Holman is an active stage director, having directed numerous full productions of operas and musicals. Her specialized work is comprised of historical, literary, and musical research, creation of original staging for operatic productions, character development, acting techniques, movement, and visual aspects of opera and musical theatre productions. She is currently conducting research for a book-length publication entitled *The Golden Age of Opera in the 21st Century*, which explores the current state of opera and includes interviews with major opera figures. Beyond her expertise in opera, Holman is also a professional jazz vocalist specializing in standards, performing regularly at a variety of local venues. In her additional position as a faculty administrator, her other areas of research for personal and professional growth include effective leadership, intimacy direction, arts administration, motivating students, opera marketing, opera budgeting, building audiences, harnessing the creative process, and the use of technology in theater.