WOLF TRAP OPERA COMPANY 2009 SEASON
STUDIO 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?

Selected artists will be at least undergraduate sophomores (in the year in which they audition) and not more advanced than first-year graduate students, although exceptions may be considered.

College freshman (or younger) are typically not candidates for the Studio.

Singers who are finishing (or have finished) graduate degrees are beyond the reach of the Studio.

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

 

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.

Letter of Recommendation

We do require one brief letter or email from your primary teacher or coach, attesting that they feel you are ready for the opportunities that the Wolf Trap Opera Studio provides.

Your recommendation may be sent via email to wtocauditions@wolftrap.org.

Your recommendation may be sent by mail with your other materials or under separate cover to

Wolf Trap Opera Studio Auditions
1645 Trap Road
Vienna, VA 22182

 

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 email from the domain wolftrap.org

Screening

  • Not all applicants will be granted an audition. 

  • 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 do not 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:

  • Prepare three contrasting selections, one of which must be in English. Any combination of art songs and arias is acceptable.

  • Prepare a contemporary monologue, no more than one minute long.

  • You will begin with the selection of your choice.  An additional selection and/or a monologue will 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.

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

 

STUDIO ARTIST FAQ

How many Studio Artists are engaged each summer?

  • 12-16

What do Studio Artists do? Is there mainstage experience?

  • Studio Artists sing chorus and small roles in WTOC productions, and they present a single performance of a staged scenes program.

  • Studio Artists receive group and individual instruction from WTOC staff and visiting faculty in the areas of language/diction, acting, and dance, and seminars on audition techniques and the business aspects of being an opera singer.

  • Visit the Studio Artist web page to learn more about the program.

Do I need letters of recommendation?

  • Yes. One brief letter or email from your primary teacher or coach should attest to your readiness and suitability for this type of residency. See above.

Do you have a voice teacher on faculty?

  • No. Studio Artists must have a secure enough technical foundation to allow them to spend the duration of the program away from their regular voice teachers. 

What about stipend, housing and transportation?

  • All Studio Artists receive a bi-weekly stipend.

  • Studio Artists are housed free-of-charge at a local dormitory.

  • 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.

  • 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/studio