Singers Application Info

The Santa Fe Opera’s Apprentice Program for Singers is internationally recognized as one of the finest training programs of its kind. Each year, approximately 40 Apprentice Singers are chosen from a competitive applicant pool. Those who are selected will be active members of our seasonal chorus, sing roles in the mainstage operas, and star in Apprentice Scenes. Apprentice Singers also receive vocal coachings and master classes with world-class artists and participate in our two-day industry auditions for domestic and international opera companies and artist managers.

2027 Season Program Dates
May 24, 2027 – August 28, 2027

Application Deadline
Sunday, August 23, 2026

Live Audition Schedule

Cincinnati, OH | October 11, 2026
New York, NY | October 13-17, 2026
Houston, TX | October 19, 2026
San Francisco, CA | TBD (October 21, 2026)

Please make sure to read the MEDIA REQUIREMENTS below for information about aria submissions. The videos submitted with an application will be used in consideration for a final live audition.

Media Requirements

Applicants are required to submit two (2) separate videos of recorded arias. All videos submitted should be a clear and current representation of you.

Please use the following guidelines for your video submissions:

• Videos should be recorded within the past three (3) months.
• Videos should be accompanied by a pianist (orchestral track or concert setting will not be accepted). Each recording should be performed in one “take” without stopping. Do not combine multiple recording sessions together.
• Do not use audio enhancements, effects or editing (except for basic combining of piano/vocal tracks).
• Arias submitted should be in contrasting styles and different languages. For those with particular interest in OF ONE BLOOD, if offered an audition, please provide a musically challenging modern aria in English as a part of your aria package.

Helpful recording tips can be found on the Opera America website.

Supplemental Materials

A resume and headshot are required to accompany your application.

The Santa Fe Opera uses YAP Tracker to collect and review applications for the 2027 Apprentice Singer Program. You do not need to be a paying subscriber to YAP Tracker in order to complete the application form, although you will need an account (guest accounts are available here; see the website for details). Be sure to complete the application in full detail in the format requested. Future correspondence regarding your audition status will be sent via email. The email address you supply should be monitored regularly as you will receive confirmation of your application’s receipt. (Please check any SPAM filters while waiting receipt of your application.)

Eligibility

The Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Singer Program is a professional training program for singers who have recently completed or are completing a formal program of vocal study.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the Santa Fe Opera celebrates diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, political affiliation or philosophy. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply

Citizenship and Residency Requirement

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 work permits to participate in the program at the time of audition. The Santa Fe Opera will not be responsible for procuring permissions necessary to participate in this program. We respectfully request that applicants know in advance that they are eligible to apply to the program.

American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) Requirements

The Apprentice Singer Program of the Santa Fe Opera is operated in agreement with The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).

This agreement limits the eligibility of candidates of those who: have NOT, prior to apprenticeship with the Santa Fe Opera, performed total of six (6) different roles with another professional opera company under regular AGMA Artist’s Contract and have NOT been engaged by the Santa Fe Opera more than once before under Apprentice Artist status by AGMA.

All singers accepted into the program are required to join AGMA if they are not already members.

All new members must submit an application for membership and must pay the first of two $50 basic dues payments within one week of their first rehearsal in Santa Fe. The initiation fee (currently $1,000) is due to AGMA by the first contracted performance. If the new member is unable to pay the initiation fee on time, the new member must contact AGMA’s Membership Department by the end of the first week of rehearsals to arrange a payment plan. In addition, Working Dues calculated at 2% of the total compensation will be withheld and remitted to AGMA on each member’s behalf.

Compensation

The AGMA Collective Bargaining Agreement rates for Apprentice Singers is $896.04 for first year apprentices and $928.82 for second year apprentices. A weekly housing stipend of $145.00 is included, and a car-pool stipend is available.

2027 Casting Needs

Turandot

Princess Turandot – Apprentice Singer Second Cover
Calàf – Apprentice Singer Second Cover
Liù – Apprentice Singer Cover
Timur – Apprentice Singer Cover
Pang – Apprentice Singer Cover
Pong – Apprentice Singer Cover
Ping – Apprentice Singer Cover
Mandarin – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Emperor Altoum – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Two Handmaidens – Apprentice Singer Principals, Apprentice Singer Covers
Prince of Persia – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover

Il barbiere di Siviglia

Count Almaviva – Apprentice Singer Cover
Rosina – Apprentice Singer Cover
Figaro – Apprentice Singer Cover
Doctor Bartolo – Apprentice Singer Cover
Don Basilio – Apprentice Singer Cover
Berta – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Fiorello – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Officer – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover

Così fan tutte

Fiordiligi – Apprentice Singer Cover
Dorabella – Apprentice Singer Cover
Ferrando – Apprentice Singer Cover
Guglielmo – Apprentice Singer Cover
Don Alfonso – Apprentice Singer Cover
Despina – Apprentice Singer Cover

Kátya Kabanová

Kátya Kabanová – Apprentice Singer Cover
Boris Grigorjevič – Apprentice Singer Second Cover
Marfa Kabanová (Kabanicha) – Apprentice Singer Cover
Váňa Kudrjaš – Apprentice Singer Cover
Varvara – Apprentice Singer Cover
Dikój – Apprentice Singer Cover
Tichon Kabanov – Apprentice Singer Cover
Kuligin – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Glaša – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Fekluša – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
A Woman – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
A Voice – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover

Of One Blood by Brett Dean and Heather Betts (American Premiere)

Mary Stuart – Apprentice Singer Second Cover
Elizabeth 1 – Apprentice Singer Second Cover
Female Consort 1 – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Female Consort 2 – Apprentice Singer Cover
Female Consort 3 – Apprentice Singer Cover
Female Consort 4 – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Female Consort 5/Jane Kennedy – Apprentice Singer Cover
Male Consort 1/Lord Darnley – Apprentice Singer Cover
Male Consort 2 – Apprentice Singer Cover
Male Consort 3 – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Male Consort 4 – Apprentice Singer Cover
Male Consort 5/Executioner – Apprentice Singer Cover