Melanie Bacaling

This summer was a game changer ✨

I began my journey at @santafeopera as a Production Assistant in the Stage Management dept in 2018. The first production I ever watched in the house was Lee Blakeley’s Madama Butterfly directed by (my now dear mentor friend) @mjozawa. Since then I worked my way through summers as an assistant stage manager, assistant director, apprentice scenes director, and then as the House Assistant Director. To open this season leading the revival of this production felt like an alchemical gift, with the most amazing and generous collaborators and artists. It means so much to have been trusted with this piece, and it has been transformative for me in my creative journey.

So much more to express and so many thanks to give, but for now I’ll say I feel potent with gratitude for all of my people, my mentors, my family, my community, and every hardworking colleague at @santafeopera. Y’all keep me going.

Happy Closing of the 2026 season, and especially to my dear dear dear Madama Butterfly family:

@iamkarenhohoho @sunly_pierce @jarrettott @scostello929 @jonathanburtontenor @huangyachung @yeongtaekyang @alissagoretsky @darya.narymanava @sophiabaete @laurynkelliesings @leee_buuu @kylewhitebaritone @juhlin07 @evanlazdowski @johnhfiore @lesdala @susannesheston @akm.awesome @david.c.zimmerman @rickfisher_lightingdesigner @jeanmarcpuissant #brigittereifenstuel @michelleacuizon @sandy.piel.sabor.canela @adrianspeth @caitlinrfarley @sergiofmandujano @jcamp584 @karawalsh888 @dominic.salvati @suowei__wu all of the apprentices, technicians, orchestra, music and admin staff!!!

I love you all 💛💛💛💛

📸: the incredible @madridemulsion