Studio Artist Application InstructionsWolf Trap Opera Company 2010 Season

Who Should Apply?

• Selected artists will be at least undergraduate sophomores (in the year in which they audition) and not more advanced than first-year graduate students, although exceptions may be considered.
• College freshmen (or younger) are typically not candidates for the Studio.
• Singers who are finishing (or have finished) graduate degrees at the time of their audition are beyond the reach of the Studio.
• You must either be a U.S. Citizen or be authorized to work in the United States through the end of August 2010.

Application Process

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

• Apply using our online interactive application [preferred method]
• Click here to downlad a 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 email from the domain wolftrap.org

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 do not 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 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:

• Prepare three contrasting selections, one of which must be in English. Any combination of art songs and arias is acceptable.
• Prepare a contemporary monologue, no more than one minute long.
• You will begin with the selection of your choice. An additional selection and/or a monologue will 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.

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)

Resolution:

• You will receive notification of the outcome of your audition by January 15, 2010.
• You may request feedback on your audition by emailing us at wtocauditions@wolftrap.org between January 15 and February 15, 2010.

• Operas will not be chosen until auditions have been heard.
• 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.
• Studio Artist assignments:
  • Studio Artists sing chorus and small roles in WTOC productions, and they present a single performance of a staged scenes program.
  • Studio Artists receive group an individual instruction from WTOC staff and visiting faculty in the areas of language/diction, acting, and dance; and seminars on audition techniques and the business of being an opera singer.
  • There is no voice teacher on faculty. Studio Artists must have secure enough technical foundation to allow them to spend the duration of the program away from their regular voice teachers.
• Stipend, Housing & Transportation
  • All Studio Artists receive a bi-weekly stipend.
  • Studio Artists are housed free-of-charge at a local dormitory.
  • 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