Joshua Borths (he/him) is a nationally recognized stage director, writer, and dramaturg. Known for his creative, emotional, and insightful productions, Borth's work has been lauded as "beautiful, even poetic." (Opera Today)

Recently, Borths premiered a critically acclaimed production of Tosca at Des Moines Metro Opera. Mark Ketterson of Opera Magazine commented, "Borths' perceptive direction rendered the opera with such theatrical truth one almost forgot this was not a straight play." Borths's 2026/2027 season includes his international debut at Calgary Opera directing "Tosca" alongside productions of "La traviata" (Arizona Opera), "Carmen" (Madison Opera), and "The Magic Flute" (James Madison University).

In 2025, Borths directed The Flying Dutchman at Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO), starring Ryan McKinny and Julie Adams. The production "thrillingly met the substantial challenges of Wagner's seminal work." (Opera Today) Both his staging and character development was lauded with one reviewer noting that "in less capable hands, these characters might come across as one-dimensional, but Borths gave them depth that was refreshing but still true to Wagner's vision." (Little Village)

Recent credits include new productions of productions of Hansel and Gretel (Opera Montana), Three Decembers (Pensacola Opera), La traviata (Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera), and Béatrice et Bénédict and Dialogues of the Carmelites for James Madison University.

Borths is currently the Director of Opera Theatre at James Madison University (JMU) and Company Dramaturg at DMMO. In his role as Company Dramaturg at DMMO, Borths contributed to the company's nomination for the International Opera Awards in 2024 (Best Festival). Previously, Borths served as the Resident Scholar at Virginia Opera; the Director of Opera & Musical Theater and Professor of Music History at Capital University in Columbus, OH; and as Director of Education & Resident Stage Director at Arizona Opera.

Past favorites include new productions of The Falling and the Rising and Beauty and the Beast for DMMO; Rusalka, Florencia en el Amazonas, and Il barbiere di Siviglia for Arizona Opera; Hansel and Gretel and The Tragedy of Carmen for Opera Memphis; Madama Butterfly at Pensacola Opera; La clemenza di Tito for the University of Maryland; Suor Angelica, Oklahoma!, and Der Kaiser von Atlantis for Crested Butte Music Festival; and L'elisir d'amore for Opera Las Vegas. As a stage director of musical theatre, Borths has directed Parade; Camelot; Kiss Me, Kate, and The Music Man. Borths has also directed gala performances featuring Frederica von Stade and Joyce DiDonato and staged the southeastern premieres of Soldier Songs and La Hija de Rappaccini.

As an assistant director, Borths has worked with Arizona Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Michigan Opera Theater, Des Moines Metro Opera, and the Festival della Valle d'Itria in Martina Franca, Italy. Borths's work as an assistant director contributed to the world premiere of Geter/Palmer's American Apollo receiving an Emmy Award in 2025.

Additionally, Borths has hosted podcasts; written acclaimed surtitle tranlsations; and publicly interview illustrious artists including Jake Heggie, Gregory Spears, David T. Little, Jonathan Dove, Damien Geter, Thomas Mallon, and Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Jane Smiley. He also served as the director/dramaturg for the Loving v. Virginia libretto workshop at Virginia Opera.

An active and engaging lecturer, Borths is regularly sought out by companies and opera fans alike. In addition to exponentially growing the prelude lectures at DMMO, Borths has given presentations at the Triangle Wagner Society, Wagner Society Manchester, with upcoming engagements at the Wagner Society of Scotland, and the Wagner Society of New York.

As an educator, Borths has taught at Shenandoah University, served as a Visiting Professor at the Crane School of Music (SUNY Potsdam), directed Maryland Opera Studio, and was invited to present as a guest panelist for Opera America. He collaborated with TED Ed on its first opera resources and was featured in Opera News for his innovative approach to opera education.

Originally from Cincinnati, OH, Borths holds undergraduate degrees in Musicology and Vocal Performance with an emphasis in Opera Direction from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in Opera Production from Florida State University.

Visit joshuaborths.com or operaclassroom.com for more information.