Fellowship Application Instructions Wolf Trap Opera Company 2010 Season

Available Fellowships:

• 2 Coaching Fellowships (12-week/summer) - Candidates for the coaching fellowship are typically currently involved in graduate degree programs or young artist training programs. Candidates who are already working professionally are typically beyond the reach of this program. Coaching Fellows serve as junior members of the WTOC music staff. Each Fellow’s summer is structured according to individual strengths and needs, but typically includes serving as rehearsal pianist to one or more productions, providing artist coaching as needed, running supertitle translations during performances, and assisting with the Studio Artist scenes program.
• Directing Fellowship (10-week/summer) - Candidates for the directing fellowship are typically currently involved in graduate degree programs or young artist training programs. Candidates who are already working professionally as assistant directors or directors are typically beyond the reach of this program. Directing Fellows typically assist the professional directing staff of WTOC productions and may work on a Studio Artist scenes program.
• Administrative Fellowship (10 week/spring or summer) - Candidates for the administrative fellowship are typically currently involved in graduate degree programs or young artist training programs. The spring administrative fellow (Feb-May) assists with preparation for the summer 2010 season. The summer administrative fellow assists with the summer performance season.

Application Process

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

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

Application Deadlines & 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 your 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/interview.
• 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.

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 wtocaudition@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.

Coaches:

• 1 required selection and 4 other excerpts from your current repertoire. Please be prepared to play and sing all selections.
  • Mozart aria of your choice preceded by brief secco recitative segment
  • Handel aria of your choice
  • Excerpt of your choice from a 20th-21st century opera
  • Excerpt of your choice from the operatic repertoire that shows off your keyboard technique
  • Required: La bohème from the beginning up to Schaunard's entrance

Administrators:

• Candidates for the administrative fellowship will be scheduled for 15-minute interviews.
• Materials to bring: 
  • Rèsumè
  • Writing sample
  • List of relevant coursework

Directors:

• Candidates for the directing fellowship will be scheduled for 15-minute interviews.
• Materials to bring:
  • Rèsumè
  • Portfolio
• Be prepared to discuss your aesthetic and your thoughts about working specifically with developing singers.

Audition/Interview 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)

Audition/Interview Panel:

• You will receive notification of the outcome of your audition by January 15, 2010

The 2010 Season

Repertoire & Dates:

• 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 Fellows receive a bi-weekly stipend.
• Although housing expenses are not included in the compensation package, Wolf Trap Opera assists all 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 or performance facilities. All artists are responsible for their own local transportation, which typically means bringing or renting a car.

Continue to the online application