Personal profile
About
Internationally recognized soprano and stage director Dr. Megan Barrera has emerged as a dynamic force in both operatic performance and theatrical direction. A Cuban-Puerto Rican native of Miami, Florida, Dr. Barrera brings a unique blend of artistry, versatility, and collaborative leadership to every project she undertakes.
Dr. Barrera has recently been appointed Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Opera at Georgia Southern University, where she will lead the opera program with a focus on innovative staging, student development, and community engagement. Prior to this role, she served as Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera at the New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida.
As a stage director, Dr. Barrera has helmed inventive productions for companies such as Opera Naples, including Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) and La Bohème for their Festival Under the Stars. Her reimagined 1920s staging of Die Fledermaus for NWSA showcased her distinctive approach—honoring classical tradition while embracing contemporary storytelling. She has also produced and directed numerous educational productions, including Hansel and Gretel, Dido and Aeneas, and Così fan tutte, working with young artists to create accessible operatic experiences. Her programming often features fully staged opera scenes, themed concerts, and collaborative musical theater projects.
As a soprano, Dr. Barrera’s rich and expressive voice has earned her acclaim on international stages. She is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including top prizes at the Gabriela Beňačková Competition, Certamen Nuevas Voces Ciudad de Sevilla, Vissi D’arte Competition, Saint Petersburg Opera Guild Competition, and the Rochester International Vocal Competition. Her performance highlights include a notable debut at the Teatro de la Maestranza in Seville, Spain, in David McVicar’s production of Verdi’s La traviata, and her role as Micaëla in Bizet’s Carmen at Divadlo J.K. Tyla Plzni in the Czech Republic.
Dr. Barrera’s concert and recital appearances include performances in Spain and a celebrated Music of the Americas tour with pianist Dr. João Paulo Casarotti, captivating audiences across London, Lisbon, Panama, and Brazil. Her repertoire spans a wide range of styles and languages, demonstrating both technical mastery and emotional depth.
Dr. Barrera earned her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Master of Music (MM) degrees from Louisiana State University, and a Bachelor of Music (BM) from the University of Miami, where she attended on full scholarship. Her career reflects a commitment to excellence in performance, pedagogy, and creative innovation, making her a sought-after artist, educator, and advocate for the future of opera.