Auditions

The glorious finale of our 2014-15 Resident Artist production, Rodelinda.
The 2014-15 Resident Artist production, Rodelinda.

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

Each year, exceptional singers from around the world are selected to enter the program from a pool of more than 500 applicants through national auditions held in New York City, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. Each applicant must demonstrate significant operatic potential and thorough musical and theatrical training. Applicants who are granted an audition must demonstrate their versatility and proficiency in various musical styles and foreign languages by performing five contrasting arias in at least two foreign languages.

2018 Resident Artist Auditions

The 2018 Resident Artist Auditions are closed at this time. Check back for the 2019-20 season.

Resident Artist Auditions FAQ 2018

Download these FAQs as a PDF

Who is on the audition panel?

Christopher Hahn, General Director; William Powers, Director of Artistic Operations;
Mark Trawka, Accompanist and Director of Musical Studies; Emily Grand, Resident Artist 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.

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.

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, email Emily Grand to notify her of the change. If you can not make the switch yourself, contact Emily Grand and best efforts will be made to accommodate your request.

How many arias will I sing?

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.

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?

You may submit a rep change to the monitor at the time of your audition. If you know in advance you may email a new rep list to Emily Grand.

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 callbacks?

If granted a callback audition, you will be notified via YAP Tracker with the details . You must sing a callback audition in order to be considered for the program.

When are casting decisions made?

Decisions will be made following the New York callback auditions. It is improbable that you will be offered a contract if you are not offered a callback audition. 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 anytime thereafter.