Joshua Borths (he/him) is a nationally recognized stage director, writer, educator, and arts administrator. Known for his creative, emotional, and insightful productions, Borths has staged dozens of operas, given over five hundred public lectures, and written more than ten children's operas that have introduced young audiences to opera across the country (OperaClassroom.com). 

Borths is currently the Director of Opera Theatre at James Madison University (JMU) and Company Dramaturg at Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO). 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 and Resident Stage Director at Arizona Opera.

In the 2024/25 season, Borths directed new productions of Hansel and Gretel for Opera Montana and The Flying Dutchman for Des Moines Metro Opera, starring Ryan McKinny. In 2025/26, Borths returns to DMMO to direct a new production of Tosca after directing new productions of Three Decembers, La traviata, Béatrice et Bénédict, and Dialogues of the Carmelites. Additionaly, upcoming speaking engagements include the Wagner Society of Scotland and Wagner Society of New York.

Past favorites include mew productions of The Falling and the Rising and Beauty and the Beast for Des Moines Metro Opera; 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 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. Additionally, Borths has hosted podcasts; written acclaimed surtitle translations; and publicly interviewed 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, Opera America, and more.

As an educator, Borths has taught at Shenandoah University, been a Visiting Professor at the Crane School of Music (SUNY Potsdam), directed Maryland Opera Studio, and served 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.

Contact by clicking on the button below.