We were lucky to catch up with Renegade Opera recently and have shared our conversation below.
Renegade Opera, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Renegade Opera’s optimism is rooted in a deep belief in the transformative power of art, especially within a traditionally elitist and traditionally exclusionary medium like opera. We are fiercely committed to fostering inclusivity and championing underrepresented voices. This comes from the understanding that music and performance is not just a form of entertainment—it’s a powerful tool for social change. By reimagining what opera can be, we are opening up space for new perspectives and reclaiming narrative power from those who’ve historically been excluded.
We are so inspired by the collective creativity of the artists we work with, who bring innovative ideas and fresh storytelling that challenge the status quo. We have seen that these types of performances can not only reshape the art form itself, but also influence wider cultural conversations, encouraging audiences to rethink what the performing arts—and more importantly the collective voice- can do.
Ultimately, our optimism comes from a sense of possibility. It’s a belief that change is possible, and that through innovative and accessible performance, we are building a more inclusive, diverse, and socially conscious world.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Renegade Opera creates immersive and thought-provoking professional performances that challenge traditional norms in the performing arts. Based in Portland, Oregon, we are dedicated to amplifying voices that have been historically marginalized in the performing arts. We believe that art should reflect society, and by embracing new perspectives, we make opera more relevant, accessible, and engaging for today’s audiences.
Our core team consists of Madeline Ross (Co-Founder/Executive Director), Danielle Jagelski (Co-Founder/Artistic Director), Abigail Krawson (Community Coordinator), and Claire Robertson-Preis (Creative Company Liaison). The direction of our programming is shaped collaboratively by the core team and our Creative Company—an inclusive group of artists from diverse performing arts backgrounds who bring their expertise and community perspectives into every decision. Our Creative Company members include Madeleine Tran, Joellen Sweeney, Jesse Preis, and Emily Way.
As artists, we are driven to push the boundaries of opera, not only as a genre but also as a vehicle for immersive, intimate experiences that invite audiences into deep emotional engagement. This sense of connection and exploration is at the heart of everything we do.
We’re especially excited for our 5th anniversary season, which will bring performances featuring our core team alongside artists from across the country. These collaborations will deepen our ties with the local community and further our mission of building an inclusive and vibrant artistic landscape.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1.. Learning (and re-learning) to collaborate.
Collaboration has been one of the most important parts of the journey. Opera, by nature, is a collaborative art form, but in order to truly collaborate, you first need to learn to listen. At Renegade Opera we are constantly looking for new ways to be better listeners, and then furthermore better collaborators. This has allowed us to build strong, trusting relationships with others, and has nurtured a team-oriented mindset that has led to rewarding outcomes that we did not think were possible at the start of the company.
2. Creativity
Creativity is our cornerstone, not only in terms of artistic expression but also in how we solve problems and think outside the box. For instance, Renegade Opera is committed to making opera more inclusive, but this must start from our producing practices. Inclusivity is not just about hiring diverse performers, it is about overhauling the inequitable traditions that have been practiced in opera for hundreds of years. Creativity is just as much about the process as it is about the finished product.
3. World-building,
By World Building, we mean the process of working towards institutional reform. This has been just as important as the previous two. For Renegade Opera, it’s not just about the performances themselves—it’s about creating an entire ecosystem around the work we do: one that values inclusivity, challenges traditional norms, and invites new voices to the table. Building a world that reflects those values requires a combination of vision, strategy, and ongoing community engagement. It’s about shaping the environment in which your work exists, so that it’s not only meaningful but sustainable and impactful.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
At Renegade Opera, we’re always looking to collaborate with creatives who are committed to institutional reform of the performing arts through sincere, professional, and thought-provoking performance. We want to partner with individuals and organizations passionate about challenging traditional norms, elevating underrepresented voices, and pushing the boundaries of what the performing arts can be.
If you’re an artist—whether a singer, composer, actor, instrumentalist, director, designer, or creative professional—who shares these values, we’d love to hear from you! You can connect with us through our website or social media. Let’s work together to create bold, transformative art that shapes the future of opera.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.renegadeopera.org/mission
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renegade_opera/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ropdx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@renegade_opera
Image Credits
all photos credited to Tom Lupton
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
