Crystal Manich

Stage Director

Crystal Manich is an Emmy Award nominated, versatile Latina international director whose works for stage and screen have been seen across the United States, Argentina, and Australia. She recently won Best First Time Female Filmmaker at the 2021 Toronto International Women Film Festival for her feature film The Copper Queen. She has also directed music videos for singer-songwriter Ivywild.

Crystal was nominated for a 2021 Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy Award for Daniel Catán’s Spanish Opera La Hija de Rappaccini. Crystal directed and co-produced this multi-cam production with Chicago Opera Theater and Valhalla Media live from the Field Museum.

In 2023 Crystal will direct several new productions including the world premiere opera Anne Frank.

Crystal’s feature film debut of the world premiere opera The Copper Queen was produced by Arizona Opera in collaboration with Manley Films. She also collaborates with singer-songwriter Ivywild and has directed the music videos of Willing to Find Out and Longing for You.

Crystal was recently awarded a commission for the new musical play La Llorona now in development with Theater Latté Da. Read about it in American Theatre Magazine.