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 44 Apprentice Singers are chosen from a competitive applicant pool. Those who are selected will be active members of our seasonal chorus, sing featured and supporting roles in one of the five main stage operas, and star in Apprentice Scenes and an Apprentice Concert with the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra. 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.

2026 Season Program Dates
June 1, 2026 – August 29, 2026

Application Deadline
Saturday, August 23, 2025

Live Audition Schedule

Toronto, ON | October 6, 2025
New York, NY | October 9-11, 2025
Cincinnati, OH | October 13, 2025
Houston, TX | October 15-16, 2025

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.
• Arias submitted should be in contrasting styles and different languages.

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 Apprentice Program for Singers. 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. 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 provide should be monitored regularly as you will receive correspondences about your application status and audition details. (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 in the United States are eligible to apply. Foreign applicants must have the requisite US work authorization to participate in the program. The Santa Fe Opera is not responsible for procuring work permissions necessary to participate in this 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 to those who have NOT, prior to apprenticeship with the Santa Fe Opera, “performed more than six (6) different operatic roles with any professional opera company under an AGMA contract. APPRENTICE ARTISTS status may not be granted for more than two (2) seasons with the Santa Fe Opera.

All singers accepted into the program are required to be in good standing with AGMA if they are not already. All new members must submit an application for membership. The initiation fee (currently $1,000) and the annual dues (currently $100) are due to AGMA within 30 days of the start of your contract. If the new member prefers not to pay in a single lump sum, they may set up 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 $869.94 USD for first year apprentices and $901.77 USD for second year apprentices. A weekly housing stipend of $130.00 USD, totally $1,690.00 USD is included, and a carpool stipend of $2.21 USD per one-way trip is available.

2026 Casting Needs

Madama Butterly

B.F. Pinkerton – Apprentice Singer Second Cover
Goro – Apprentice Singer Cover
Suzuki – Apprentice Singer Cover
Sharpless – Apprentice Singer Cover
Cio-Cio San – Apprentice Singer Cover
Cousin – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Mother – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Yakuside – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Aunt – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Commissioner – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Registrar – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Bonze – Apprentice Singer Cover
Yamadori – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Kate Pinkerton – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover

The Magic Flute

Tamino – Apprentice Singer Cover
1st Lady – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
2nd Lady – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
3rd Lady – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Papageno – Apprentice Singer Cover
Queen of the Night – Apprentice Singer Cover
Monastatos – Apprentice Singer Cover
Pamina – Apprentice Singer Cover
Boy (Spirit) 1 – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Boy (Spirit) 2 – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Boy (Spirit) 3 – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Speaker – Apprentice Singer Cover
Sarastro –Apprentice Singer Cover
1st Armored Man – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
2nd Armored Man – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover

Eugene Onegin

Tatyana – Apprentice Singer Cover
Olga – Apprentice Singer Cover
Larina – Apprentice Singer Cover
Filipyevna – Apprentice Singer Cover
Lensky – Apprentice Singer Cover
Eugene Onegin – Apprentice Singer Cover
Peasant – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Monsieur Triquet – Apprentice Singer Cover
Captain Petrovich – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Zaretsky – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Gremin – Apprentice Singer Cover

Rodelinda

Rodelinda – Apprentice Singer Cover
Grimoaldo – Apprentice Singer Cover
Garibaldo – Apprentice Singer Cover
Eduige – Apprentice Singer Cover
Unulfo – Apprentice Singer Cover

Lili Elbe 

Anna Larssen Bjørner/Orpheus – Apprentice Singer Principal (mezzo), Apprentice Singer Cover (mezzo)
Gerda Wegener – Apprentice Singer Cover (soprano)
Lili Elbe – Apprentice Singer Cover (baritone/bass-baritone)
Eurydice – Apprentice Singer Principal (mezzo), Apprentice Singer Cover (mezzo)
Art Critic – Apprentice Singer Principal (baritone), Apprentice Singer Cover (baritone)
Hélène Allatini – Apprentice Singer Principal (mezzo), Apprentice Singer Cover (mezzo)
Eric Allatini – Apprentice Singer Principal (baritone), Apprentice Singer Cover (baritone)
Claude Lejeune – Apprentice Singer Cover (tenor)
Major Fernando Porta – Apprentice Singer Principal (bass), Apprentice Singer Cover (bass)
Danish Countess – Apprentice Singer Principal (soprano), Apprentice Singer Cover (soprano)
Marius Wegener – Apprentice Singer Principal (baritone), Apprentice Singer Cover (baritone)
Dagmar – Apprentice Singer Principal (soprano), Apprentice Singer Cover (soprano)
Professor Warnekros – Apprentice Singer Cover (bass)
Mother Wegener – Apprentice Singer Cover (mezzo)
Matron – Apprentice Singer Principal (soprano), Apprentice Singer Cover (soprano)
King Christian X – Apprentice Singer Principal (bass), Apprentice Singer Cover (bass)
Young Woman – Apprentice Singer Principal (mezzo), Apprentice Singer Cover (mezzo)