Our People
Dr. Debra Lynn
Executive and Artistic Director
Dr. Debra J. Lynn (she/her) is co-founder of Opera Today! where she serves as both Executive and Artistic Director for the company. As Executive Director, she oversees all operations within the company on both the business and the creative side. She also works tirelessly on fund-raising and submitting grant proposals. As Artistic Director, she opens the creative floodgates in her brain to set in motion the innovative, collaborative, and unique programs and performances produced by Opera Today! She conducts the pit orchestra for most performances, and she stage directs several shows each year as well.
Debra has 30+ years' experience in academia as a voice and conducting pedagogue, opera director, and ensemble conductor. She has stood on some of the most prestigious podiums in the world including Sacred Heart Basilica at Notre Dame University, Walt Disney World, the Vatican in Rome, the basilicas of San Marco in Venice and Saint Frances of Assisi in Italy, appearances in London and Austria, and multiple performances at Carnegie Hall in New York. She has worked with Metropolitan Opera legends Nicholas DiVirgilio and Mignon Dunn as well as Kathleen Smith Belcher from the MET’s current roster of stage directors.
As a composer, Dr. Lynn writes both instrumental and vocal music and has received several commissions including Lily and Plowshares Foundation requests. She particularly enjoys collaborative projects and has most recently worked with Nathan Granner (tenor), Jamie Chamberlin (soprano), Daniel Belcher (Grammy-winning, baritone), Farrell Vernon (saxophone), and Elizabeth Mikautadze (choreographer) as well as composers Olav Luksengård Mjelva, Jon Silpayamanant, Dominique Le Gendre and Stewart Copeland (founder and drummer of The Police). Debra is married to cellist, Robert Lynn. They reside in North Manchester, Indiana where they raised four offspring and are currently owned by two cats.
Robert Bucher
Production Manager
Robert Bucher (he/him) is the Production Manager for Opera Today!, where he expertly manages the production and delivery of captivating opera content. In this role, Robert oversees production schedules, coordinates with creative teams and ensures top-notch quality in all aspects of each production.
In addition to his current role, Robert has a rich background in both arts and hospitality. He previously worked as a Concierge at Walt Disney World Resorts, where he provided exceptional guest services and crafted memorable experiences for visitors from around the globe. Robert’s leadership experience includes serving as Executive Director of the Warsaw Performing Arts Center, where he directed strategic operations and programming. He has also worked as a Talent Coordinator for the Honeywell Foundation in Wabash, IN. His extensive background includes roles such as President of the Manchester Symphony Society, where he guided the organization through significant growth, and Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for the Summit City Chorus, where he improved the chorus’s public visibility and engagement.
Outside of work, Robert enjoys camping, singing, and spending time with friends and family. These activities provide him with creative inspiration and a well-rounded perspective, enriching his approach to his professional roles.
Robert has assisted Debra Lynn as Production Manager for notable projects including The Sound of Music, 1776, and The Mikado. As a team, Robert and Debra complement one another and are committed to maintaining a constructive and positive atmosphere in rehearsals and on set.