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 featuring and supporting roles in one of the five main stage operas, and star in two evenings of Apprentice Scenes. Apprentice Singers also receive vocal coaching’s and master classes with world-class artists and participate in our two-day industry auditions for international opera companies and artist managers.

2024 Season Program Dates
May 27 – August 24, 2024

Application Deadline
Friday, August 25, 2023

Live Audition Schedule

New York City
October 10 – 15, 2023

Please make sure to read the MEDIA REQUIREMENTS below for information about aria submissions. The videos submitted with an application will be used as the preliminary round audition 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. Please mark each submission with the date it was recorded or announce it verbally before you sing;
• 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

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 2024 Apprentice Singer Program. You do not need to be a paying subscriber to YAP Tracker 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. 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.x

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, he/she 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

At this time we are not aware what the AGMA Collective Bargaining Agreement rates for Apprentice Singers will be in the summer of 2024 (for the 2023 season, the weekly fee is $785 for first year apprentices and $815 for second year apprentices).  The 2024 season rates will not be less than the 2023 season rates. A weekly housing stipend is included and a car-pool stipend is available.

2024 Casting Needs

La traviata

Violetta – Apprentice Singer Cover
Alfredo – Apprentice Singer Cover
Giorgio Germont – Apprentice Singer Cover
Gastone – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Baron Douphol – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Marchese D’Obigny – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Doctor Grenville – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Flora – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Annina – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Giuseppe – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Messenger – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Flora’s Servant – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover

Don Giovanni

Don Giovanni – Apprentice Singer Cover
Donna Anna – Apprentice Singer Cover
Donna Elvira – Apprentice Singer Cover
Don Ottavio – Apprentice Singer Cover
Leporello – Apprentice Singer Cover
Zerlina – Apprentice Singer Cover
Masetto – Apprentice Singer Cover
Commendatore – Apprentice Singer Cover

The Righteous

David – N/A
Sheila (Mixed Race; lyric coloratura) – Apprentice Singer Cover
Michele (White; lyric mezzo) – Apprentice Singer Cover
Jonathan – N/A
Jacob (Black; bass-baritone) – Apprentice Singer Cover
Marilyn (White; dramatic soprano/mezzo) – Apprentice Singer Cover
Shannon (Black/Mixed Race; soprano or mezzo) – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Paul – N/A
Eli (Black; tenor) – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
CM (Christopher Michael) (White; character tenor) – Apprentice Singer Cover
Dierdre (Asian/Asian American; soprano or mezzo) – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Reporter 1/Woman 1/ Jenny (soprano) – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Woman 2 / Event Planner/ Host (soprano or mezzo) – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Woman 3 / Woman / Ruth (mezzo or contralto) – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Reporter 2 / Deacon 3 / Young Aide (tenor) – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Deacon 1 / Young Person (baritone) – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Deacon 2 / Joe/ Representative (bass-baritone or bass) – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover

Der Rosenkavalier

Marschallin – Apprentice Singer Cover
Baron Ochs – N/A
Octavian – Apprentice Singer Cover
Sophie – Apprentice Singer Second Cover
Faninal – Apprentice Singer Cover
Italian Singer – Apprentice Singer Cover
Marianne – Apprentice Singer Cover
Valzacchi – Apprentice Singer Cover
Annina – Apprentice Singer Cover
Police Commissar – Apprentice Singer Cover
Notary – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Major Domo – Faninal – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Major Domo – Marschallin – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Innkeeper – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Three Noble Orphans – Apprentice Singer Principals, Apprentice Singer Covers
Milliner – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Animal Tamer – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Four Servants of the Marschallin – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Four Waiters – Apprentice Singer Principals, Apprentice Singer Covers

The Elixir of Love

Adina – Apprentice Singer Cover
Nemorino – Apprentice Singer Cover
Belcore – Apprentice Singer Cover
Dulcamara – Apprentice Singer Cover
Giannetta – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover