Auditions

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

Download the PDF of this job description here. 

Job Summary:

Pittsburgh Opera is currently accepting applications from emerging arts administrators to join the company’s Resident Artist Program.

Hailed as one of the country’s leading opera training programs, Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artist Program provides professional development and practical experience to emerging artists and administrators. Working with international artists and industry leaders, the Opera Administrator will support the company’s Artistic and Production staff in the planning and implementation of all artistic activities, while gaining meaningful exposure to the world of artistic administration.

The Opera Administrator will gain meaningful exposure to the following:

• Daily and long-term company scheduling, including crafting the company’s Daily Schedule
• Casting, contract administration, and general knowledge of union relations
• Artistic budgets and payroll processing
• Preparing and filing visa applications for international artists
• Interdepartmental communications and general company management

A successful candidate will be self-motivated, detail-oriented, organized, and balance multiple tasks effectively. Proficiency with MS office; ability to read music; and interest and/or experience in opera, arts administration, music and/or theatre production are preferred. Strong oral and written communication skills are a must. This program will be tailored to meet a combination of the successful candidate’s strengths, as well as areas that show an opportunity for professional growth.

Responsibilities may include the following:

• Arrange travel for visiting artists and production personnel
• Facilitate hospitality efforts, including artist welcome materials and cast gifts
• Attend all Sitzproben, technical and dress rehearsals, and performances, providing backstage support to artistic and production personnel
• Manage supertitle preparation for all productions
• Provide front-of-house support for community concerts and run-out engagements
• Process check requests and invoices for the Artistic department
• Assist with seasonal auditions for the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra and Resident Artist Program
• Support the daily operations of the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra and Chorus
• Compile and edit artistic content for the program book
• General filing and clerical work

As a member of the Resident Artist Program, the Opera Administrator will be under contract from August 22, 2022, through May 21, 2023. They will receive a weekly stipend of $800.00 as well as assistance towards relocation expenses and professional development. Candidates should be prepared to participate in the program for two seasons.

Pittsburgh Opera is dedicated to supporting the next generation of arts administrators. BIPOC and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and references to Sarah Schultz, Manager of Artistic Administration at sschultz@pittsburghopera.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until filled.

Learn more information about Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artist Program here. 

Thank you for your interest in the Resident Artist Stage Director position at Pittsburgh Opera. Applications for the 2022-23 season are now closed. Information about future Resident Artist Stage Director opportunities will be posted in the winter of 2022.