Young Artist Program
Alumni | Auditions | FAQ | Young Artists 2012 | Where Are They Now
Application Process
Scheduling Process
Audition Process
General Information
Q: How do I apply for the Young Artist Program?
A: The application is available for download on our website in late August/early September for the upcoming summer season. Download, fill out and submit your application by the postmark due date with all of the required materials.
Please note: Applying for the Young Artist Program does not guarantee an audition will be granted.
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2012 SEASON.
Q: What is the due date to apply?
A: Typically, the postmark due date is in early October. For the 2012 season, the postmark due date is Tuesday, October 11, 2011.
THE POSTMARK DUE DATE FOR THE 2012 SEASON HAS PASSED. WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2012 SEASON.
Q: What materials am I required to submit?
A: Along with the physical application, your packet must include the following: an up-to-date resumé, 8x10 headshot, $20 non-refundable Money Order application fee, names and contact information of 2 professional references other than a voice teacher, 1 CD recording of 2 arias – 1 in English and 1 in another language. If you are a non-US citizen you must also include a proof of right to work or study.
Q: What type of payment is acceptable for the $20 application fee?
A: The only acceptable form of payment is a $20 money order. These can be obtained at any post office, bank, Western Union location, etc.
Q: Am I required to include letters of reference with my application packet?
A: No, we only require the names and contact information – typically phone and email is sufficient – of two professional references other than a voice teacher.
Q: If I don’t have an original language English aria recorded is it acceptable to send a musical theater or English artsong selection?
A: This is done on a case by case basis. It is always better to send an original language English aria, but if not, an aria translated into English would be preferable to either musical theater or artsong.
Q: If I am unavailable for your live audition dates, is it possible to submit an audition via DVD?
A: Generally speaking, we require all auditions to be live.
Q: When will I be notified if I have received an audition?
A: We try our best to notify all auditionees by mid-November, about a month after the due date. However, it can be a lengthy process as we receive hundreds of applications each year and they are individually sorted and screened.
Q: If I am not granted an audition, when and will I be notified?
A: We do notify ALL applicants, even if you are not granted to audition. Typically, you will be notified by mid-November also.
Q: What should I do if I haven’t heard either way by the mid-November deadline?
A: Keep an eye on the homepage of our website, as the deadline approaches we will do our best to keep it updated in regards to the progress of notifications. Don’t forget to also check your spam and junk email filters just in case. Once ALL applicants have been notified, our homepage will be updated to reflect that information. At that point, if you still haven’t received an email, feel free to call or email us.
Q: What if my availability has changed and I have not yet heard about my audition status?
A: Send us an email at Auditions@chautopera.org with your updated available dates. It does save us time in rescheduling if we have the most specific information possible.
Q: What if my availability has changed AFTER I have confirmed an audition?
A: Depending on where we are in the scheduling process, we may be able to grant your request to change audition dates right away. However, towards the end of scheduling the audition days do get very full and switching audition times becomes less easy. We will often give you the option of being put on a “wait list” for the new day(s) you have requested or keeping your current time. Choosing the wait list does require you to forfeit your current audition time. Should you be put on a wait list, you will most likely still be given an audition but you may not hear back about your new time until we have completed scheduling all those who are granted auditions. We do try out best to accommodate all requests to change dates, but it not always possible.
Q: Does Chautauqua allow audition “swaps”?
A: Generally speaking, no, we do not allow singers to swap their audition time with others without going through our office. If you and a friend would like to switch, we ask that BOTH parties send a joint email to us with your current audition slots and the time you would like to change to. We will do our best to accommodate the request.
Q: What dates does Chautauqua hold auditions?
A: Typically, Young Artist auditions are scheduled for the first two Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays of December. For the 2012 season auditions will be held on: November 29 & 30, December 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10 & 11, 2011.
Q: Where are auditions held?
A: All Chautauqua Opera Young Artist auditions are held in New York City at Nola Studios, located at 244 West 54th Street on the 11th floor. This is between Broadway and 8th Avenue.
Q: Does Chautauqua Opera allow “crashers”?
A: No, we do not allow unscheduled singers to audition.
Q: Is there a place for me a warm-up and/or change?
A: Chautauqua Opera does not provide a warm-up room. Nola Studios does rent rooms per hour or half hour and they can be reached at 212-582-1417 if you would like to make a reservation. There are restrooms on the 11th and 10th floors where you may change clothes; however, Nola Studios requests that you do not vocalize in these rooms.
Q: I have been granted an audition for Chautauqua but I will also be at Nola Studios for several other auditions; can I sing for Chautauqua on a different day or time if I’m already in the building?
A: This will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Every day is heavily booked. Ideally, it is best if you keep your originally scheduled audition date and time.
Q: What materials am I required to bring to my audition?
A: The only thing you are required to bring is an up-to-date repertoire sheet. If your headshot or resume have changed since you submitted your application, feel free to bring a copy of them as well. Chautauqua Opera and Nola Studios cannot provide printer/copier/internet access. It is suggested that you bring a few additional arias besides the ones required. Please come prepared.
Q: What if I have travel complications on the day of my audition?
A: If you think you will be unable to make your audition or will be late, please contact our office as soon as possible either by phone, 212-779-3177 or by email, Auditions@chautopera.org. We do check our voicemail every day during auditions and someone will get back to you if necessary.
Q: What if I want to change the repertoire I listed on my application?
A: You can certainly change your selected repertoire, keeping in mind that you are requested to prepare 1 aria in English, 1 in another language and 1 musical theater selection. In addition, you may bring along any other pieces you are prepared to sing. Please be sure your rep sheet reflects what you have prepared. In certain cases, Mr. Lesenger may ask you to prepare something specific – in those cases, this information would have been included in your notification email.
Q: Who is on the panel for Young Artist Auditions?
A: All YAP auditions are heard by Jay Lesenger, General/Artistic Director of Chautauqua Opera and Carol Rausch, Music Administrator/Chorus Master.
Q: Do I need to bring my own pianist?
A: Chautauqua Opera will provide a pianist for all singers, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
Q: How many pieces do Mr. Lesenger and Ms. Rausch typically hear?
A: You should be prepared to sing all three pieces, both arias and the musical theater selection. Depending on time constraints, they may only ask to hear one or two. You may choose your first piece and Mr. Lesenger and Ms. Rausch will most likely choose the second.
Q: When can I expect to hear whether I have been accepted into the Young Artist Program or not?
A: All auditionees for the 2012 Young Artist Program will receive notification via email or phone by December 16, 2011. If you haven’t received word by that date, please contact us at Auditions@chautopera.org.
Q: What is the age range of Chautauqua Opera Young Artists?
A: The age range for eligibility is 21 to approximately 35.
Q: How many artists are accepted into the program each year?
A: It tends to vary but on average, we accept 10-11 Apprentices and 16-20 Studio Artists.
Q: What is the difference between an Apprentice and a Studio Artist?
A: Apprentice Artists sing or cover leading, supporting and/or comprimario roles in mainstage productions, perform at outreach performances, perform with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and are hired under an American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) Apprenticeship contract.
Studio Artists perform in musical revues, art song recitals, and a program of opera scenes; they may also be assigned cover or comprimario roles in the mainstage productions, and are hired under non-AGMA contracts.
ALL Young Artists appear in the chorus of mainstage productions. Young Artists receive extensive musical coaching from a nationally recognized coaching staff drawn from the finest universities, conservatories and opera houses in the US. All Artists in the program attend classes in movement, combat, makeup, acting and have many opportunities to participate in master classes given by distinguished artists, agents and voice teachers. Notable masterclass teachers in the past have included Constanza Cuccaro (Indiana University), Peter Kazaras (Seattle Opera YA Program), Marlena Malas (Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music), Patricia Misslin (New England Conservatory) and Brian Zeger (Juilliard).
Housing, a weekly stipend and a travel allowance are provided for all Young Artists.
Q: What are the dates for the 2012 season?
A: The Young Artist contract will begin in June and end in August. Specific dates for the 2012 season will be available soon.
If you have further questions please feel free to email us at Auditions@chautopera.org