Director | Discover Dana Kinney's Portfolio

Inside a church with tall stained glass windows depicting religious scenes, a woman with glasses, a white jacket, and blue jeans stands among empty wooden pews.

Photo by David Bachman

About Dana

Dana Kinney is an operatic stage director recognized for her “vulnerable and visionary” approach to storytelling. Following a two-season residency with Pittsburgh Opera, where she made her company directing debut with Benjamin Britten’s Curlew River, she continues to build a dynamic directing career across the country. This 2026/27 season, she returns to The Dallas Opera to assist on a Barry Kosky production of The Cunning Little Vixen, joins Opera Omaha for her company debut as assistant director of The Pigeon Keeper, and makes her directing debut with Resonance Works, leading a new production of Don Carlo.

Passionate about the development of new work, Ms. Kinney has collaborated closely with composers and creative teams on the creation and refinement of contemporary operas. She assisted two world premieres of Time to Act and Woman with Eyes Closed at Pittsburgh Opera, and directed The Blue Fairy, by Pittsburgh composer, Rob Frankenberry. Her directing credits also include L’enfant et les sortilèges, L’elisir d’amore, The Wandering Scholar, Signor Deluso, Thunder of Horses, The Daughter of the Regiment, Amahl and the Night Visitors, The Impresario, as well as numerous opera scenes for young artist programs, universities and opera events. She’s served on the directing staffs at Seattle Opera, Central City Opera, The Dallas Opera, Syracuse Opera, Boulder Opera Company, Opera Fort Collins and Loveland Opera Theatre.

Ms. Kinney is a dedicated educator and mentor who enjoys helping artists discover confidence, curiosity, and authenticity in their work. She strives to create a positive environment where singers feel supported to take creative risks, collaborate generously, and develop a deeper connection to their craft. She has coached and directed emerging artists at institutions including Pittsburgh Opera, Central City Opera, Opera Steamboat, Carnegie Mellon University, and Ithaca College.

A multi-disciplinary artist with a background in singing, acting, and comedy, Ms. Kinney continues to perform nationally, bringing a dynamic performer’s perspective to her work as a director. She has studied at The Barrow Group, Upright Citizen’s Brigade, The People’s Improv Theater and Rise Comedy. She holds a M.M in Voice Performance from Colorado State University and a B.A in music and theatre from the University of Northern Colorado.

DIRECTING RESUME

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Portfolio

Actors performing on stage in a medieval or fantasy costume, with an audience watching in a grand wooden hall with intricate carvings.

CURLEW RIVER

A man with glasses, a beard, and messy hair, wearing a vest and bow tie, performing on stage with purple lighting and plants in the background.

THE BLUE FAIRY

Fashion models walking on runway during a fashion show, with a colorful digital backdrop and audience on sides.

PITTSBURGH OPERA FASHION SHOWS

Group of five diverse performers singing on stage with a red and yellow

PITTSBURGH OPERA EVENTS

Group of people on stage in costumes, some wearing masks, some dressed as animals, with trees and plants in the background.

L’ENFANT ET LES SORTILÈGES

Group of four actors performing a scene on stage with a blue background. One person holds a staff, two are holding another actor who is leaning over a table, and another actor stands behind them. They are dressed in costumes.

THE WANDERING SCHOLAR

A young boy dressed in costume, sitting cross-legged on stage, holding a wooden staff, with a painted backdrop behind him.

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS

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News and Press

“Pittsburgh Opera’s production of Curlew River is indeed a spiritual experience, moving and vulnerable. Thanks to Dana Kinney’s direction and interpretation, the production comes together cohesively. As the monks take up their candles again and walk in a line down the aisle to exit, their voices gradually fade. The story ends, leaving only silence behind as we in the audience ruminate on our compassion for the Madwoman”

— Mingsi Ma, Onstage Pittsburgh

Review: A Spiritual and Vulnerable Experience at Pittsburgh Opera’s ‘Curlew River’

“In the Director’s Notes for Pittsburgh Opera’s Curlew River, the Stage Director Dana Kinney writes that “…[Curlew River] offers a more intimate, ritual-like experience, inviting stillness and careful listening.” I couldn’t agree more.”

Standing ovation for Pittsburgh Opera’s production of ‘Curlew River.’

“This production’s brilliance is in its simplicity, and in the story being the chief focus. There weren’t flashy costumes or sets — just brilliantly talented actors, incredible musicians, and visionary directing. This might be my new favorite opera.”

A black and white emblem featuring a stylized crown, a globe with intersecting lines, and a shield-like shape.

Four men dressed in medieval costumes perform in a theatrical play, standing in front of a dark ornate backdrop.

Though ‘Curlew River’ isn’t your typical opera, it’s rooted in human experience

”Kinney believes the two major themes of the play are “very human” as they explore the struggles of grief and the importance of community.”

The POP: Curlew River (Pittsburgh Opera Podcast)

Host Matthew Hrdlicka sits down with Resident Artist Stage Director Dana Kinney to discuss her Pittsburgh Opera directorial debut, Benjamin Britten’s Curlew River. Together, they discuss the work’s ancient Japanese roots, its powerful themes, and what audiences can expect when this rare gem is performed at the stunning Calvary Episcopal Church.