Auditions

A woman in a shirt with a sash with medals on it sits on a chair as a woman in a dress lowers a crown to her head. A man and young boy stand next to the chair. A woman and man in fancy clothes stand on the otherside but further back.
The 2014-15 Resident Artist production, Rodelinda. David Bachman Photography.

Resident Artist Auditions

Download the PDF of this announcement here.

Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artist Program has long been hailed as one of the country's leading training programs for emerging opera artists and administrators. While providing guidance from the opera industry’s leaders and innovators, the program guides singers through the development of their vocal skills, improvement of their stage presence, and expansion of their repertoire. Each year, exceptional singers from around the world are selected to enter the program through live auditions in Cincinnati, New York City, and Pittsburgh, and since 2020, through a virtual audition option. Each applicant must demonstrate significant operatic potential and thorough musical and theatrical training.

Applications for Pittsburgh Opera’s 2023-25 Resident Artist Program will be available from August 2 – September 11, 2022. To apply, complete our online application via YAP Tracker at the link below:

2023-25 Resident Artist Program: Singer Application

REMINDER: The deadline to apply is Sunday, September 11, 2022.

You do not need to be a paying subscriber to YAP Tracker to use the application form, although you will need an account (guest accounts are available; see the website for details). If you need help completing the application or using YAP Tracker, please visit https://www.yaptracker.com/more/help/getting-started/ or email their help desk directly at help@yaptracker.com.

Required Application Materials:

Your current professional resume.
Two (2) video recordings of selections in contrasting styles and languages recorded within the last six months. One must be an opera aria; one may be a performance recording, if desired. Recordings may be made with either live accompaniment or a pre-recorded track.
Your audition repertoire list. Audition repertoire should consist of five (5) contrasting arias demonstrating French, German, English and Italian language aptitude. Audition repertoire may be amended at a later date.
Contact information for two (2) references of recognized authorities in the opera field (voice teacher, coach, conductor, director, administrator, etc.). Letters of recommendation are not required. References may be contacted via phone or email.
A current headshot.

There is no fee to apply for Pittsburgh Opera's Resident Artist Program.

Live and Virtual Auditions:
We will be holding our annual live audition tour in New York City and Pittsburgh. In addition, we will be working together with other resident artist programs on a coordinated virtual audition process as an option in lieu of a live audition. Steps are outlined below to guide your understanding of this shared video audition process, followed by information about our live audition process.

Pittsburgh Opera currently requires all applicants participating in a live audition to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit proof of vaccination prior to their scheduled audition date. Any applicant who is unable to comply with the vaccination requirement is asked to choose the virtual audition option.

VIDEO AUDITIONS

Step 1: Apply to each program as you normally would. Applications are due Sunday, September 11.
Step 2: Notifications of video auditions will be sent by each company by Friday, October 7. This notification will contain a link to submit a new aria list.
Step 3: Submit your aria list (one list for all programs), indicating your chosen “starter” aria, by Tuesday, October 11.
Step 4: Notification of requested arias from your list (one request for all programs) will be uploaded to your YAP Tracker application on Wednesday, October 19.
Step 5: Record a new video audition and submit the video to each company via YAP Tracker by Friday, November 4.

LIVE AUDITIONS – Pittsburgh Opera Only

Step 1: Apply to Pittsburgh Opera as you normally would. Applications are due Sunday, September 11.
Step 2: Notifications of live auditions for Pittsburgh Opera will be sent by Monday, November 7. Information about showing proof of vaccination will be sent with audition notifications.
Step 3: Attend your live audition.

Audition Locations and Dates:

Virtual: Friday, November 4, 2022
Pittsburgh, PA: Friday, December 2 – Saturday, December 3, 2022
New York, NY: Monday, December 5 – Friday, December 9, 2022

Audition Requirements:
Applicants should be prepared to sing, from memory, five (5) contrasting arias demonstrating French, German, English, and Italian language aptitude. Applicants are required to submit a repertoire list within the application, but audition repertoire may be amended at a later date.

Term and Compensation:
Applicants accepted to Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artist Program will be under exclusive contract from September 2023 through May 2024 (Dates TBC). Resident Artists are expected to participate in the program for two consecutive seasons.

For the 2023-24 season, Resident Artist Singers will receive a stipend of $800.00/week for 34 weeks, AGMA rates for mainstage roles, and assistance with relocation expenses and voice lessons.

Resident Artist FAQ

Download these FAQs as a PDF

Who is on the audition panel?
Christopher Hahn, General Director; Robert Boldin, Director of Artistic Operations; Mark Trawka, Director of Musical Studies; Sarah Schultz, Manager of Artistic Administration

Is there an age limit to participate in Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artist Program?
There is not an official age limit, but most of our Resident Artists are in their 20’s and early 30’s. Singers are more likely to be granted an audition if they are about to or have recently completed formal academic training, but this is not a requirement to be considered for the program.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to attend the program?
Pittsburgh Opera will not apply for a visa on your behalf. If you have a current visa that will allow you to work in the United States for the full two-year program, we encourage you to apply.

What do I need to record? Do you have any guidance on how to record my selections?
Applicants are required to submit two (2) video recordings of selections in contrasting styles and languages recording within the last six months. One must be an opera aria; one may be a performance recording, if desired. Recordings may be made with either live accompaniment or a pre-recorded track.

For Opera America's resources on Remote Auditions please visit:
Opera America - 2020 Remote Audition Guidelines
Opera America - Audio Gear Recommendations

When will I find out if I have been selected for a live or virtual audition?
Notifications for virtual auditions will be sent on Friday, October 7, 2022. Notifications for live auditions will be sent by Monday, November 7, 2022.

What if I need to change my live audition date/time?
First, you should try to find a colleague who is willing to switch with you. Once you have made the switch, e-mail Sarah Schultz, Manager of Artistic Administration, to notify her of the change. If you cannot make the switch yourself, please contact Sarah Schultz and best efforts will be made to accommodate your request.

If I need to cancel my live audition, can I submit virtual audition materials instead?
If you need to cancel your live audition but would like to be considered virtually, please contact Sarah Schultz, Manager of Artistic Administration.

How many arias will I sing?
If you are selected for a live audition, you will sing one aria of your choice. If you are selected for a call back audition, you will sing two additional arias – one of your choice, followed by one aria of the panel’s choice.

If you are selected for a virtual audition, you will sing two additional arias – one of your choice, followed by one of the panel’s choice.

What if I don’t know an aria in every language requested?
You should sing the arias you are most comfortable performing.

What if I want to change my audition repertoire?
If you are selected for a live audition, you may update your repertoire at any time via YAP Tracker, or submit a new repertoire list at the time of your audition. Virtual applicants selected for the second round will be required to re-submit a repertoire list for consideration by the panel.

What materials do I need to bring for the audition panel?
The panel will have all materials submitted with your application. If you have an updated repertoire list or resume, you may submit it to the monitor at the time of your audition.

Is there a place to warm-up before my audition?
Warm-up space is limited and not guaranteed depending on the location. Please come to the audition prepared to sing.

How do I find out about live callback auditions?
If granted a callback audition, you will be notified via YAP Tracker with the details.

When are casting decisions made?
Decisions will be made following the New York callback auditions. Offers will be given by telephone sometime early in the new year.

Will I receive feedback from the audition panel?
We regret that panelists will not be able to offer feedback immediately following the auditions or at any time thereafter.

Resident Artist Opera Administrator

Resident Artist Stage Director

Auditions

E-Updates