Audition Resources for the Opera Colorado Artist in Residence Program

The Artists in Residence are early-professional opera performers who participate in an eight-month residency program with Opera Colorado. During their residency, they gain valuable performance experience and receive ongoing artistic training and career coaching. The Artists in Residence are highly involved in mainstage and touring productions and bring opera directly to schools and community venues throughout Colorado and surrounding states.

We will be hiring the following voice types for the 2025-26 program: Soprano, Mezzo, Tenor, Baritone and Bass-Baritone or Bass.

The program dates are September 2, 2025 –through May 31, 2026. [There will be an uncompensated break from November 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026.]

The 2025-26 season will include roles in our mainstage season and touring productions. The productions will feature works by the following composers: Donizetti, Verdi, and Gilbert & Sullivan. Among the other performance opportunities, Artists in Residence will be cast in supporting roles, and cover principal roles in mainstage productions, perform principal roles in touring productions, and be featured in company events.

Artists in Residence will receive regular training and coaching from Opera Colorado artistic staff and guest artists. They will have the opportunity to participate in masterclasses, coachings and lessons during their residency. Career coaching and professional development will also be provided. Additionally, each Artist in Residence will be assigned various production duties and have the opportunity to learn about other aspects of the industry.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United Sates prior to applying. If working under a visa, applicants must be in current possession of an approved visa. Applicants are required to hold a master’s degree (or performance certificate) in the area of vocal performance/collaborative piano. Applicants should have considerable experience in opera on the graduate and/or professional level. Applicants must be available to be in Colorado from September 2, 2025 –through May 31, 2026.

The stipend rate is $1,800 per month. Housing is provided in Denver. Artists are responsible for their own transportation while in Denver.

Auditions will be held in Denver, CO on Friday, January 3 and Sunday, January 5, 2024, at the Studio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and via recorded audition submissions due by December 10, 2024. You must apply by December 2, 2024.

Applicants are being accepted via YAP Tracker at www.YAPTracker.com. Interested applicants must submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Résumé [CV]
• Repertoire list
• Two References (One must be from a previous/current teacher, coach, or director)
• Professional headshot
• Two video recordings for pre-screening purposes

Applications close on December 2, 2024.

Yes. Applications will be reviewed in the order that they are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. All applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed, and all candidates are given equal consideration. It is common for us to receive over 200 applications in the final 24 hours before the application deadline, so please submit as early as possible. Submitting early gives us more time to view and read through your materials.

Our template below is a great starting place for creating your cover letter. Your cover letter should be approximately one page in length. Use the cover letter to introduce yourself to us and explain why you are interested specifically in the program at Opera Colorado. We want to know why you are interested in working with us as an Artist in Residence. Your cover letter should reflect familiarity with our specific Artists in Residence Program as well as Opera Colorado.

No, the application process and the auditions are two separate processes. The application process is used to prescreen all candidates and assign audition slots to the selected candidates. Once you submit an application, your materials will be reviewed. You will receive an email stating whether or not you have been selected to audition.

All applicants will receive notice of their audition status via email no later than November 15. If for some reason you have not heard from our team after that date, please feel free to contact us at education@operacolorado.org.

Our template below is a great starting place for creating your resume. Your resume should contain the following: (listed in order of importance)

• Contact information – your name, email address, and phone number
• A current headshot
• Roles Performed – list the role, producing company or university, year Roles Studied and/or Prepared – list role
• Concert and Oratorio
• Training programs – list any training programs you have done, include the company and the year
• Education information – institution and year
• People you’ve studied with – list directors, coaches, and teachers
• Special Skills – if desired, include any special skills

Yes. You will receive notice of your application status regardless of whether or not you are selected to audition.

The 2024-25 season will include roles in our mainstage season and touring productions. The productions will feature works by the following composers: Donizetti, Heggie, Humperdinck, Rossini, and Verdi. Among the other performance opportunities, Artists in Residence will be cast in supporting roles, and cover principal roles in mainstage productions, perform principal roles in touring productions, and be featured in company events.

For your introduction, we would like to see how you might explain your performance to a group of elementary school students who are unfamiliar with opera. It should be short, easy to understand, and show us your personality.

Yes! The video above offers some useful tips from former Artists in Residence.

• Submit a recent video or audio recording that showcases your voice as it is now. Avoid using older recordings that are not representative of your current talents. Any recording you submit should be no more than six months old.
• Select repertoire that is appropriate for the season for which you are applying. Choose music and composers that appear in our upcoming season or are similar in style.
• We love reading cover letters from applicants who have explored our website and found ways in which our program and company resonate with them personally and professionally.
• Be sure to read the application and audition requirements thoroughly. We want you to know what you’re applying for. If you have questions, please email education@operacolorado.org to request the information you need.