Emma Nightingale is an opera director, singer, writer, and producer whose work is driven by a passion for storytelling, human connection, and creating joyful, collaborative rehearsal rooms. Working across
mainstage opera, festivals, regional touring, and independent productions, she is particularly interested in making opera accessible to contemporary audiences through imaginative, character-driven storytelling.

Recent directing credits include All Together Now! and The Adventures of Figaro for Opera Queensland, The Magic Flute for Voxalis Opera, The Boor for Springboard Opera and The Telephone for Brisbane Festival.

In 2026, she directs The Marriage of Figaro for the Tyalgum Music Festival. Emma’s directing practice began through her work with Opera Queensland and Shake & Stir Theatre Co., where she served as Assistant Director on schools, regional touring, and mainstage productions including La Cenerentola, Are You Lonesome Tonight, The Adventures of Figaro, and Do We Need Another Hero?. She continues to work regularly as an Assistant Director and creative collaborator while developing her own work as a director and producer.