Abstract
This essay discuses the creation of Julie, a grand opera featuring several principals, an opera chorus, and a full orchestra. Julie is based on the rumored escapades of Julie d'Aubigny, the bisexual fencer, opera singer, and occasional nun. Not much is known for certain about her life, but her story has been used in numerous works of historical fiction, which make it difficult to know what she actually did. With these rumors, Julian Baldwin crafted a libretto that captures the spirit of her character and takes creative liberties to increase the drama of her story. Julie is a culmination of my previous operatic works which use humor while also addressing serious themes including sexuality, gender, and coping with trauma.