About
“Thanks to Crystal Manich’s probing, cogent direction… The intimacy of the space helped Manich and her cast enact the story with an unsentimental subtlety I’ve rarely seen."
Opera News
Crystal Manich
is an Emmy Award nominated, versatile Latiné international creative director and writer whose works for stage, film, and circus have been seen across the United States, Europe, Argentina, and Australia. She has held several Artistic Director positions as well as having served as adjunct faculty at UCLA and Rider University. She is represented by United Talent Agency. Scroll down to see more projects and upcoming releases. Photo: Zach Mendez
September 13, 2024: TRIÂNGULO: A Mixed Martial Arts Opera had a preview as part of Florida Grand Opera’s Innovation Hub. Crystal is the librettist and director. READ
Crystal recently directed REESCH E’VOL for the first ever Biennale in Luxembourg, Europe. The variety-circus outdoor spectacle was attended by over 4,000 people in May 2024. WATCH
August 8, 2023: Opera America awards $100,000 to Support Opera by Women. Crystal Manich has been commissioned as librettist for a new opera TIME TO ACT composed by Laura Kaminsky. Premiere in 2026. READ
Crystal was nominated for a 2021 Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy Award for Daniel Catán’s Spanish Opera La Hija de Rappaccini. Crystal directed and co-produced this multi-cam production with Chicago Opera Theater and Valhalla Media live from the Field Museum.
Crystal’s feature film debut of the world premiere opera The Copper Queen was produced by Arizona Opera in collaboration with Manley Films. She won Best First Time Female Filmmaker at the 2021 Toronto International Women Film Festival for the film. She has also directed music videos for singer-songwriters Ivywild and Nicole Morton.
Crystal was recently awarded a commission for the new musical play La Llorona in development with Theater Latté Da. Read about it in American Theatre Magazine.
