Chicago native Lemuel Wade brings an international, critically acclaimed career as a singer/dancer to his craft as a stage director. Of his recent collaboration with the University of Kentucky Opera, the Lexington Herald-Leader called his work, “intricate, lively and carefully orchestrated.” Having begun his career as a classically trained tenor, Mr. Wade’s early credits boast appearances in the European tours of Guys and Dolls, Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar, led by famed director/choreographer Baayork Lee. A protégé of Ms. Lee, Mr. Wade attributes much of his early success as a dancer to Lee’s intrinsic desire to continually “raise the bar.” He has since brought this same desire to the other side of the casting table, encouraging artists to create detailed, engaging characters and to share in the collective pursuit of creating innovative, captivating theater. Of his directorial debut at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre in 2008, the Fayetteville Observer praised him as “outstanding,” noting his keen ability to meld professional and student actors. This same ability was again utilized for the University of Kentucky Opera’s 2011 production of Porgy and Bess, which incorporated new high-definition projection technology, used for the first time in a theatrical setting.

While living in Munich, Germany, Mr. Wade honed his skills as a background singer, touring with the German band MiC – Men in Creation (Chet Records/Sony Music) and performing in concert with the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, which aired on the popular German television show Wetten Dass…? . Other performing credits include roles in A Chorus Line, Showboat, Lost in the Stars and in the world renowned Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes.

The 2011-2012 season concludes with assignments for Cincinnati Opera’s education outreach program, as well as directing for its mainstage. As an assistant director, Mr. Wade has worked with the New York Harlem Productions European tour of Porgy and Bess, an ongoing production with which he has been affiliated for over ten years. He also serves as Artistic Director for Musical Offerings and is a musical advisor for Water is Life – Kenya, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing clean water to remote rural communities in Kenya.

Mr. Wade holds a BA in Music Education from Augustana College and a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from The Boston Conservatory.