The nationally recognized Ole Miss Opera Theatre provides the opportunity for skill development in music, drama, movement, and design specifically related to opera performance. Fully staged productions include scenes and chamber opera each Fall and a full-length opera with orchestra each Spring. In June, A Gilbert & Sullivan operetta is produced in conjunction with the Oxford Shakespeare Festival. The Opera Theatre's production of The Magic Flute was the first opera to be performed in the Gertrude C. Ford Performing Arts Center in 2003.

The Opera Theatre Ensemble tours within the state and region, has appeared at national conventions of the National Opera Association, and regional opera festival, and works closely with the Department of Theatre Arts in its musical theater productions. Participation in the Opera Theatre Ensemble is open to any student enrolled at the University of Mississippi regardless of his or her academic major.