Gemma DeCetra is an opera stage manager from Madison, Wisconsin. She got her start in the performing arts industry in Madison, working with local theater companies and arts education programs.
After her work in Madison, she moved to Chicago and received her degree from Northwestern University, where she studied theater stage management, costume design, and social psychology.
While she's primarily an opera stage manager, Gemma has extensive experience with musicals, plays, and orchestra, with an emphasis on education and community engagement. She has worked with many companies around Chicago, including the Grant Park Music Festival, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Opera Theater, and Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Gemma is a proud AGMA member. She is currently based in Chicago.
Gemma is excited to take her work abroad and will be joining the Trentino Music Festival stage management team this summer in Mezzano, Italy.
Following that, she will be returning to The Ryan Opera Center Ensemble at Lyric Opera of Chicago as the 2025–2026 season stage manager. This season on the Lyric mainstage, she will be the Ryan Opera Center stage manager for:
Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci
Salome
Madama Butterfly
Stay tuned for future projects!