Filene Young Artist Application InstructionsWolf Trap Opera Company 2010 Season

Who Should Apply?

Filene Young Artist Profile:

• Successful candidates are at an interim point between academic training and full-time professional careers. 
• Most FYA's are currently enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program, or not more than 2-3 years past completion of academic training and/or full-time young artist program work.
• If you are just beginning graduate study, or haven't done any of the paid young artist residency programs, it's probably too early for you to qualify.
• If it has been more than 3 years since you were last involved in an academic or full time young artist program, you have probably moved beyond the reach of our program.

Criteria for selection:

• Readiness to perform carefully selected solo roles in original languages: singers must have the stamina for full-length roles with orchestra as well as considerable fluency in singing the basic operatic languages. 
• Evidence of secure technique and solid training: If you are still solving basic technical problems that are critical to your mastery of repertoire in your Fach, then you are not a prime candidate.
• Distinctive vocal quality and high level of personal artistry: we are looking for singers who have a basic instrument that is well-suited to a career in opera and who build on that foundation to present themselves as compelling and thoughtful artists.
• Perceived career potential: best described as the intersection of those factors listed above.

Eligibility:

• You must either be a U.S. citizen or be authorized to work in the United States through the end of August 2010.
• If you are scheduled for a callback audition and chosen as a finalist, you will need to provide proof of right to work in the U.S.

Application Process

There are 3 ways to apply. Read complete instructions, then:

• Apply using our online interactive application [preferred method]
• Print and mail our PDF application
• Call (703) 255-1935 to have a hard copy of the application mailed to you.

Application Deadlines and Correspondence

• Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
• Application fees are nonrefundable. 
• We do not automatically confirm receipt of applications.
• Approximately 3 weeks before the requested audition date you will be notified by email as to whether or not you have been scheduled for an audition.
• If you do not hear from us, and it is less than 3 weeks before your requested date, contact us at wtocauditions@wolftrap.org or (703) 255-1935.
• If you receive an email inviting you to an audition, you must reply within 5 days to confirm that audition time.
• Please enable mail from the domain wolftrap.org.

Screening

• Not all applicants will be granted an audition. We receive 600-800 applications each year, and we are able to schedule approximately 40% of applicants for a live audition.
• There is no limit to the number of years you may apply, but within the screening process, preference is sometimes given to new applicants.

Notes for online applicants:

• If you apply online and have any trouble uploading your headshot or resume, you may mail any or all parts of your application to us at: 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.
• All correspondence must meet the published deadlines. If you intend to apply online, please don’t wait until the last minute!
• All online applications must be paid by credit card. If you are unable to do so, please submit a paper application with a money order. Personal checks will not be accepted.

Audition Process

Scheduling:

• Our audition days are tightly scheduled. We are unable to accommodate changes in your appointment time.
• If you can find someone with whom you can swap audition times, that’s fine. Please notify us at wtocauditions@wolftrap.org
• If you need to cancel due to illness, please write us at wtocauditions@wolftrap.org or call 703-255-1935 to speak with someone or leave a voice message.

Repertoire:

• Please offer four arias in contrasting styles and languages, including at least one aria in Italian and one aria by Mozart, Handel, or Rossini.
• You may change audition repertoire, but please adhere to requirements. Please bring an updated list to the audition.
• You will begin your audition with an aria of your choice. An additional selection may be requested.

Materials

• Please bring 3 copies of your résumé to the audition.
• Do not bring a headshot or any additional promotional materials (bios, CD’s, press clippings).
• If you change your aria offerings, please bring 3 copies of the updated list with you to the audition.

Accompanist:

• A pianist will be provided, but you may bring your own pianist if you prefer.
• We are not able to arrange pre-audition rehearsals with the company pianist.

Callbacks:

• Callback auditions will be held on the same day as preliminary auditions or by request on a subsequent audition day. There are no special callback days.
• Callback auditions may be held shortly after your preliminary audition or later that same day.
• All callbacks will be finished by 6 pm.
• Upon checking in, you will receive instructions on how and when to phone the callback hotline.
• If you have any trouble reaching the hotline, call the WTOC office at (703) 255-1935 to speak with someone or leave a message.

Resolution:

• If your name is not on the callback list, you are no longer under consideration for this year's company.
• You may request feedback on your audition by emailing us at wtocauditions@wolftrap.org

Audition Panel:

• Kim Pensinger Witman (Director, Wolf Trap Opera & Classical Programming)
• Lee Anne Myslewski (Administrative Director, Wolf Trap Opera & Classical Programming)
• Eric Melear (Wolf Trap Opera Studio Manager & WTOC Music Administrator/Chorusmaster)

The 2010 Season:

• Operas will not be chosen until auditions have been heard. Repertoire is chosen based on the strengths of the various voice types heard during the audition tour.
• Rehearsals will probably begin in mid-May, and performances may last into the end of August. Not all artists are present for the entire season. Please note any conflicts with this basic time frame on your application form.
• All Filene Young Artists receive a bi-weekly stipend.
• Although housing expenses are not included in the compensation package, Wolf Trap Opera assists all Filene Young Artists and Fellows in locating housing with volunteer housing hosts within reasonable commuting distance. The average housing situation is located 5-10 miles away from our rehearsal and performance facilities. Wolf Trap is unable to assume responsibility for housing spouses, partners, or pets.
• Public transportation does not serve the Wolf Trap Opera rehearsal of performance facilities. All artists are responsible for their own local transportation, which typically means bringing or renting a car.

Continue to the Online Application