FESTIVAL ARTIST PROGRAM 2024
Applications have closed for the 2024 season.
Information about auditions and applications for the 2025 season will be available in August 2024 on our website, social media, and via YAPTracker.
Opera Saratoga receives between 800-1,000 applications annually, and selects between 20-30 singers, conductors, pianists and directors to come to Saratoga Springs in the summer for our 6-8 week training program. There is no age limit for the program, but singers are generally in their 20’s and early 30’s. Most have completed their undergraduate studies and are either enrolled in a Master’s Program or have finished their studies and are embarking on the beginning of their professional career. Program participants receive a weekly fee, housing, and a travel stipend.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Founded originally as the Lake George Opera Festival in 1962, Opera Saratoga is now located in Saratoga Springs, New York. The company is home of the second oldest young artist program in the country, with alumni singing around the world. Laurie Rogers, Director of the Young Artist Program and Head of Music Staff, works closely with Artistic and General Director Mary Birnbaum to customize assignments for each artist in the program based on their unique talents and individual stage of development.
PROGRAM DATES: The 2023 Summer Festival will run approximately from late May to mid-July (exact dates TBD). Please do not apply for the program if you are not available during this span of time. Releases are generally not granted due to the heavy nature of the schedule.
WHO SHOULD APPLY: Undergraduate students, graduate students, and emerging professionals are all welcome to apply. The program at Opera Saratoga is focused primarily on honing performance skills and providing emerging artists with professional development opportunities. Each Festival Artist in the Young Artist Program receives a customized assignment for the summer. Festival Artists are cast in select principal, supporting and comprimario roles; cover all principal, supporting and comprimario roles; and sing chorus in main stage repertoire. Festival Artists also perform in Festival Concerts, and participate in coachings and master classes with music staff and guest artists. In addition, Festival Artists have the opportunity to audition for other company leaders and artist managers. While there is no age limit for the program, participating artists are generally in their 20s. We assess every applicant's individual level of development relative to their age.
COMMITMENT TO CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES: Opera Saratoga's commitment to members of the Festival Artist Program extends past their residency with us. Alumni of the program are regularly invited to return to Opera Saratoga as principal guest artists, and are also recommended regularly to other companies for professional opportunities.
COMPENSATION
A $500 weekly stipend is provided to each artist.
Opera Saratoga also provides a travel stipend and shared-accommodation housing.
Please note that Opera Saratoga only provides housing to participants and does not provide housing to spouses/partners, children, other relatives and/or pets. Please also note that Opera Saratoga's rehearsal and performance locations are spread out in a rural environment, and housing is several miles from our facilities. You will need to have a car or make other arrangements for transportation while in residence at Opera Saratoga, as public transportation does not provide access to our venues.
COVID-19
All artists must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to work at Opera Saratoga. All artists will be expected to follow all company health and safety protocols during their residency at Opera Saratoga.
CITIZENSHIP
Non US citizens must be able to demonstrate work eligibility. Citizens from other countries who are studying at Music Conservatories in the United States are encouraged to apply. Foreign applicants must have the requisite US training or working permissions to participate in the program. Opera Saratoga will not be responsible for obtaining the paperwork necessary to participate in this program. We request that applicants confirm in advance that they are eligible to apply to the program.