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. 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 Resident Artist Program will be available from August 3 – September 8, 2026. To apply, complete our online application via YAP Tracker at the link below:
2027-29 Resident Artist Program: Singer Application (yaptracker.com)
REMINDER: The deadline to apply is Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
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 Recordings may be made with either live accompaniment or a pre-recorded track.
- Your audition repertoire 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 Cincinnati, New York City, and Pittsburgh.
In addition, we will again offer video auditions. We encourage live auditions whenever
possible, but welcome those who are unavailable or unable to sing in-person at one of our audition locations to apply for a video audition.
Applicants will be notified if they are granted an audition by Friday, October 9, 2026.
For live auditions, 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.
Applicants who are granted a virtual audition will be required to record and submit two (2) selections in one continuous video recording (without stopping the camera). Repertoire for virtual auditions will be selected by the singer. Guidelines for repertoire selection and video production will be provided.
Virtual applicants should apply in the same manner as live audition applicants, indicating “Virtual Audition” in the drop-down menus for location.
Audition Locations and Dates:
Virtual: Applicants who are granted a virtual audition must submit their audition video by Friday, November 13, 2026.
Cincinnati, OH: Tuesday, December 1 – Wednesday, December 2, 2026
- Cincinnati callbacks will be held Wednesday, December 2.
Pittsburgh, PA: Friday, December 4 – Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Pittsburgh callbacks will be held Saturday, December 5.
New York, NY: Tuesday, December 8 – Thursday, December 10, 2026
- New York callbacks will be held Friday, December 11.
Term and Compensation:
Applicants accepted to Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artist Program will be under exclusive contract from September 2027 through May 2028 (Dates TBC). Resident Artists are expected to participate in the program for two consecutive seasons.
For the 2026-27 season, Resident Artist Singers will receive a stipend of $850.00/week for 33 weeks, AGMA rates for mainstage roles, and assistance with relocation expenses and professional development.
RESIDENT ARTIST FAQ
Download a PDF of this FAQ here.
Who is on the audition panel?
William Powers, General Director; Robert Boldin, Director of Artistic Operations; Mark Trawka, Director of Musical Studies; Matthew Hrdlicka, Artistic Coordinator
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:
Recording Resources for Virtual Auditions
When will I find out if I have been selected for a live or virtual audition?
Notifications for both live and virtual auditions will be sent on Friday, October 9, 2026.
If I’m granted a virtual audition, what do I need to record?
Applicants who are granted a virtual audition will be required to record and submit two selections in one continuous video recording (without stopping the camera). This video MUST be recorded on or after September 8, 2026.
Repertoire for video auditions will be selected by the singer. We strongly recommend submitting contrasting selections, and preferably ones that you did not submit with your original application. Guidelines for repertoire selection and video production will be provided.
The deadline for submitting a virtual audition video is November 13, 2026.
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 Matthew Hrdlicka, Artistic Coordinator, to notify him of the change. If you cannot make the switch yourself, please contact Matthew Hrdlicka 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 Matthew Hrdlicka, Artistic Coordinator.
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 arias of your 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 PIANIST
Applications are currently closed. Please check back in fall 2027 for updates on the next application cycle.
