Auditioning For The Opera

Auditioning For The Opera

An opera is a musical drama that is mostly performed on stage, accompanied by musical instruments. Opera is the English translation of the Italian expression opera in musica (or "work in music").  

From beginning to end, the entire story is told through song. The use of both words and music to express emotions in a drama is what gives opera such a potent emotional punch. Opera differs from dramatic works in which music is auxiliary or incidental to the drama in that it is primarily sung. The same feelings that we experience in daily life, such as love, jealousy, betrayal, friendship, or conflict, can be found in opera. We see a piece of our own personality by engaging with the people and situations on stage. Opera has a strong emotional impact, which is why opera is such a powerful, passionate source of delight and why so many people fall in love with this magnificent performing art.

Opera Singer

It's possible that opera auditions are the most challenging and expensive job interviews in the world.  It seems like a lot is riding on a singer's quick five to ten minutes in the audition room because there has been so much invested in terms of financial, physical, and emotional resources. We must make the most of the things we can control because there are so many things the singer cannot control.

Finding Auditions

Each year, around July 1, the singers' audition "season" begins. YAPs (Young Artist Programs) post their auditions with their deadlines ranging from mid-August to December. You can find these postings on YAP tracker and Auditions Plus. Determine which opportunities suit you from the list and apply. To make things easier for yourself try to find audition in nearby cities as travel for auditions can get expensive. It is also important to already have your references set and received at this period of the audition process as you will have to provide them with your application.

Applying For Auditions

To audition for an opera you must apply through one of the above places. Most application processes will need you to provide a resume, head shot, an application fee, references (usually 2-3), and some type of recording of yourself performing. Once this completed you will wait to hear back for an in person audition. Once you receive word for an official audition offer, you will plan your travel to the audition. Start to plan for your audition. Know exactly where you're going. Find out where exactly the audition is happening. Take a trip to the space to make sure you're not lost on the day of your audition. Practice exactly what you're going to say and do on stage.

Choose the Ideal Songs to Perform

To prepare for your audition you must put together a repertoire. A repertoire is a set of musical pieces a person or group plans to perform. Before you are able to set your repertoire, you must first know your voice type or a comfortable range for your voice. Once you find your voice type/ range find something that is suitable to sing to the range that is ideal for your vocal range.

Typically YAPs and companies require 4-5 arias in 1 of the 3 languages (Italian, German and French). An aria is a long accompanied song for a solo voice, typically in an opera.

Once you've been to multiple auditions and have had multiple performances, you will learn what songs show off your specific talents. That should, then become a songs in your repertoire. Remember to only add songs that you are completely comfortable performing to your repertoire as it isn't uncommon for YAPs/ companies to ask to hear anything that is present in the collection.

Performance

Once you have received an audition invitation it is time to set the stage. You will need to hire an audition pianist. While most YAPs and companies provide audition pianist, it is better to have one and not need them instead of needing one and not having one. You will also need to have all of your audition paperwork with you. This can include your repertoire, your head shot, resume, and anything else specific that the company asks you to bring.

Communicate all information clearly and confidently to your pianist. Then be ready to interact with the panel you're performing to. Let them cue you to begin your audition as they will use this time to also get to know you.

Once you've been prompted to start your audition, give your performance your best effort.

Remember to stay professional at all times. These can be your future employers and they want to be represented in the best way possible. Interact with everyone that speaks to you. Treat everyone with respect and carry yourself highly to make the best impression.

Also be ready for things to fail. Overcome these things as these are opportunities to show professionalism, which also makes a good impression.

References

Ewans, Michael. Performing Opera. Bloomsbury Publishing, 25 Feb. 2016.

Pearl Yeadon McGinnis. The Opera Singer’s Career Guide. Scarecrow Press, 12 Aug. 2010.

“Shibboleth Authentication Request.” Login.eznvcc.vccs.edu, search-credoreference-com.eznvcc.vccs.edu/content/entry/harvdictmusic/opera/0. Accessed 28 July 2023.

Ranno, Danielle. The Beginner’s Guide to Opera Stage Management. Taylor & Francis, 30 Nov. 2022.

References

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