MEGAN THOMPSON (USA) has a background in performance, technical theater, education, and event coordination. Under her leadership, Great Lakes Light Opera, which she served as executive director, became a trailblazer in presenting accessible opera production and creating an adult-focused education program. Cleveland’s premier opera company, Cleveland Opera Theater, took notice in 2016, and a merger was arranged to better serve northeast Ohio. The role of Director of Education and Outreach was created for Thompson. In this capacity, she has grown the company’s flagship Opera for All outreach initiative by more than 300 percent. In addition to delivering and overseeing the adult lecture series and “Opera 101” pre-show talks, she designs and oversees youth programming and partnerships, including Fall 2020’s Hip-Hopera program for high-school students. Additionally, Thompson manages the company’s other forms of outreach including marketing, social media, and volunteer management.