WOLF TRAP OPERA COMPANY 2009 SEASON
FILENE YOUNG ARTIST APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
 

 

 

 

ALL APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR THE 2009 SEASON HAVE PASSED.

INFORMATION ON APPLYING TO AUDITION FOR THE 2010 SEASON WILL BE AVAILABLE IN AUGUST 2009.

 

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Successful candidates are:

  • At an interim point between academic training and full-time professional careers.

  • Currently enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program, or not more than 2-3 years past completion of academic training and full-time young artist program work.

Criteria for selection:

  • Readiness to perform carefully selected solo roles in original language

  • Evidence of secure technique and solid training

  • Distinctive vocal quality

  • High level of personal artistry

  • Perceived career potential

Eligibility

  • You must either be a U.S. citizen or be authorized to work in the United States through the end of August 2009.

  • If you are scheduled for a callback audition and chosen as a finalist, you will need to provide proof of right to work in the U.S.

Scroll down for detailed information about Filene Young Artists.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

 

3 Ways to Apply
Read complete instructions, then:

  • Click here to access our online interactive application [preferred method]

  • Click here to download and print an application PDF.

  • Call 703-255-1935 to have a hard copy of the application mailed to you.

Application Deadlines & Correspondence

  • Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

  • Application fees are nonrefundable.

  • No application materials are returned.

  • We do not automatically confirm receipt of applications.

  • Approximately 3 weeks before the requested audition date you will be notified by email as to whether or not you have been scheduled for an audition.

  • If you do not hear from us, and it is less than 3 weeks before your requested date,
    contact us by email (wtocauditions@wolftrap.org) or phone (703-255-1935).

  • If you receive an email inviting you to an audition, you must reply within 5 days to confirm that audition time.

  • Please enable mail from the domain wolftrap.org.

Screening

  • Not all applicants will be granted an audition.  We receive 600-800 applications each year, and we are able to schedule approximately 40% of applicants for a live audition.

  • There is no limit to the number of times you may apply, but within the screening process, preference is sometimes given to new applicants.

  • New for 2009: We are no longer accepting audio files or CDs as part of our application process.

Notes for online applications:

  • If you apply online and have any trouble uploading your headshot or resume, you may mail any or all parts of your application to us at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.

  • All correspondence must meet the published deadlines. If you intend to apply online, please don’t wait until the last minute!

  • All online applications must be paid by credit card. If you are unable to do so, please submit a paper application with a money order.

 

AUDITION PROCESS

Repertoire:

  • Please offer four arias in contrasting styles and languages, including at least one aria in Italian and one aria by Mozart, Handel or Rossini.

  • You may change audition repertoire, but please adhere to requirements. Please bring an updated list to the audition.

  • You will begin your audition with an aria of your choice. An additional selection may be requested.

Accompanist:

  • A pianist will be provided, but you may bring your own pianist if you prefer.

  • We are not able to arrange pre-audition rehearsals with the company pianist.

Callbacks:

  • Callback auditions will be held on the same day as preliminary auditions or by request on a subsequent audition day. There are no special callback days.

  • All callbacks will be finished by 6:00pm. 

2009 Audition Panel:

  • Kim Pensinger Witman (Director, Wolf Trap Opera & Classical Programming)

  • Lee Anne Myslewski (Administrative Director, Wolf Trap Opera & Classical Programming)

  • Eric Melear (Wolf Trap Opera Studio Manager & WTOC Coach/Chorusmaster)

Audition Feedback

 

WHO ARE THE FILENE YOUNG ARTISTS ?

How many Filene Young Artists are engaged each summer?

  • 15-20

Is there an age limit?

  • No. But there is a chronological component. Keep reading.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for this program?

  • Most successful candidates are currently enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program, or not more than 2-3 years past completion of academic training and full-time young artist program work.

  • If you are just beginning graduate study, or haven’t done any of the paid young artist residency programs, it’s probably too early for you to qualify.

  • If it has been more than 3 years since you were last involved in an academic or fulltime young artist program, you have probably moved beyond the reach of our program.

What does WTOC look for when choosing singers for its program?

  • Readiness to perform carefully selected solo roles in original languages: Singers must have the stamina for full-length roles with orchestra as well as considerable fluency in singing the basic operatic languages.

  • Evidence of secure technique and solid training: If you are still solving basic technical problems that are critical to your mastery of repertoire in your Fach, then you are not a prime candidate.

  • Distinctive vocal quality & high level of personal artistry: We are looking for singers who have a basic instrument that is well-suited to a career in opera and who build on that foundation to present themselves as compelling and thoughtful artists.

  • Perceived career potential: A tough one, but best described as the intersection of those factors listed above.

Stipend, Housing & Transportation

  • All Filene Young Artists receive a bi-weekly stipend.

  • Although housing expenses are not included in the compensation package, Wolf Trap Opera assists all Filene Young Artists and Fellows in locating housing with volunteer housing hosts within reasonable commuting distance. The average housing situation is located 5-10 miles away from our rehearsal and performance facilities. Wolf Trap is unable to assume responsibility for housing spouses, partners, or pets.

  • Public transportation does not serve the Wolf Trap Opera rehearsal or performance facilities. All artists are responsible for their own local transportation, which typically means bringing or renting a car.

 

THE 2009 SEASON

  • Operas will not be chosen until auditions have been heard. Repertoire is chosen based on the strengths of the various voice types heard during the audition tour.

  • Rehearsals will probably begin in mid-May, and performances may last into the end of August. Not all artists are present for the entire season. Please note any conflicts with this basic time frame on your application form.

 

CONTINUE TO THE ONLINE APPLICATION AT www.wolftrapopera.org/applications/fya