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.

Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artist Program has long been hailed as one of the country's leading training programs for emerging opera artists. 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.

Resident Artist Auditions

Audition Information:

Pittsburgh Opera is currently accepting applications for the Resident Artist Stage Director / Assistant Director position for the 2022-2023 Season. Please see the full announcement for details.

Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist Singer Auditions are currently in process, please contact Sarah Schultz at sschultz@pittsburghopera.org if you have any questions

We will be holding our annual live audition tour in New York City, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh. In addition, we will be working together with other young 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.

VIDEO AUDITIONS

Step 1: Apply to each program as you normally would. Applications are due Sunday, September 12.
Step 2: Notifications of video auditions will be sent by each company by Friday, October 8. 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 12.
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 20.
Step 5: Record a new video audition and submit the video to each company via YAP Tracker by Friday, November 5.

*LIVE AUDITIONS (Pittsburgh Opera Only)

Step 1: Apply to Pittsburgh Opera as you normally would. Applications are due Sunday, September 19. *Please note that to have a live audition, you must be fully vaccinated (with proof) by your audition date. Anyone who is unable to comply, should choose the video audition option.
Step 2: Notifications of live auditions for Pittsburgh Opera will be sent by Monday, November 8. Information about showing proof of vaccination will be sent with audition notifications.
Step 3: Attend your live audition. If you are not fully vaccinated by the time of your audition, you must choose the video audition option on your application.

Audition Timeline for Virtual and *Live Auditions

Sunday, September 12, 2021: Virtual Audition Applications Due
*Sunday, September 19, 2021: Live Audition Applications Due
Friday, October 8, 2021: Singers notified for advancement to second-round video auditions
Monday, October 12: Aria lists due for video auditions
Wednesday, October 20, 2021: Video audition aria selection notifications
Friday, November 5: Video audition submissions due
*Monday, November 8: Singers notified for advancement to live auditions
*November 30-December 1: Cincinnati live auditions & callbacks
*December 3-4: Pittsburgh live auditions & callbacks
*December 7-9: New York live auditions
*December 10: New York callbacks
Offers to join the program will be given in early January

Application Materials Required (2021):

Current professional resume
One headshot
Two video recordings in contrasting styles and languages
Two References from recognized authorities in the opera field

Audition Requirements:

Applicant should be prepared to sing, from memory, five contrasting arias demonstrating French, German, English, and Italian language aptitude. The audition panel reserves the right to select the aria(s) from the list provided. Applicant must sing a second-round video or callback audition to be considered for the program.

If accepted as a Resident Artist with Pittsburgh Opera, the artist will be under exclusive contract from September through May for two years. If applicant is not prepared to accept the Resident Artist contract for its entire period, then the applicant should not participate in the audition.

Compensation:

Resident Artists receive a weekly stipend, assistance with relocation expenses, AGMA rates for mainstage roles, and assistance with 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; Emily Grand, Resident Artist Program Administrator

Is there an age limit for the Resident Artist Program of Pittsburgh Opera?

There is not an official age limit, but most of our 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. However, this is not a requirement to be considered for the program.

Do I need to be a US 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, then we encourage you to apply.

How many arias will I sing?

Pittsburgh Opera is requiring two video recordings in contrasting styles and languages be submitted with the application. One must be an opera aria in audition format, the second may be a performance recording if desired, both should be recorded within the last six months.

LIVE – Audition slots are 5-minutes long; one aria of your choice will be heard. If you are called back, you will sing two arias; one of your choice but not the same selection as the first audition, followed by the panel’s choice.

VIDEO – For the second round of video auditions, at least two new video recordings will be required; one of your choice, followed by the panel’s choice.

For Opera America's resources on Remote Auditions please visit:

https://opera.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Opera-America-remote-audition-guidelines-6-2020.pdf

https://www.operaamerica.org/media/xf5b4gj3/recordingauditionsathome.pdf

What if I need to change my 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 (sschultz@pittsburghopera.org) to notify her of the change. If you cannot make the switch yourself, contact Sarah Schultz and best efforts will be made to accommodate your request.

What if I don’t know an aria in every language requested?

You should sing the arias you know and that you are comfortable performing.

What if I want to change my rep?

Instructions for how to submit your rep list for second-round video auditions will be sent out with audition notifications. If you are selected to sing a live audition, you may update your repertoire via YAP Tracker or submit a new rep list at the time of your audition.

What materials do I need to submit to the audition panel?

The panel will have all materials submitted with your application. If you have an updated rep 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 second-round video or live auditions?

If granted a second-round video audition, notifications will be sent out via YAP Tracker by Friday, October 8.

If granted a live audition, notifications will be sent out via YAP Tracker by Monday, November 8.

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.

Auditions

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