Interview – Julie Martin du Theil
© Kartal Karagedik
From Stage to Strategy: Julie Martin du Theil on Reinventing Careers, Supporting Artists, and Equal Pay in Opera
Can you really shift from center stage to a leadership role behind the scenes? How do you go from singing under the spotlight to running an agency that shapes careers?
In this episode of The Art She Manages, I talk to Swiss soprano turned arts manager Julie Martin du Theil, co-founder of ArteMIS Opera Agency. Julie’s story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and the power of staying curious.
From studying law and music at the same time, to performing over 50 operatic roles across Europe, to now championing young artists through her boutique agency, Julie has done it all.
Why this conversation matters
Julie offers a rare, unfiltered look at the real life of an opera singer and the often hidden realities of the industry. She shares how her curiosity led her through unexpected paths, why she ultimately stepped off the stage, and how she now supports artists as a trusted mentor and agent.
Whether you’re an artist, arts manager, or simply fascinated by career pivots, Julie’s insights are deeply inspiring.
You’ll learn
How Julie balanced a law degree and conservatory training at the same time (and why she did it)
Why she left a successful singing career to move into arts management
The challenges and joys of starting a boutique artist agency
How she prioritizes artist well-being and why she thinks that singers are like athletes
The hard truths about gender inequality in opera and what needs to change
Why your network is everything when transitioning careers
"We need to start treating singers like athletes. Their physical and mental well-being is just as important."
"I will never agree that women should be paid less than men for the same roles. There’s no valid argument for that."
Resources & ways to connect
ArteMIS agency’s website: https://artemisopera.com/
Learn more about the Executive Master in Arts Administration here
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