Opportunities

Please only apply for either the Filene Artist, Studio Artist OR Fellowship tier of the Company. If we feel you are more competitive for a different tier, we will notify you.

If you are unsure which tier is best for you, please refer to 
https://www.wolftrap.org/opera/audition/

2026-2027 SEASON INFORMATION

May 18, 2027 – August 20, 2027*
The residency program is typically conducted during this period.

*We do not set exact program dates until we hear auditions, decide on repertoire and embark on casting. Rehearsals will begin in mid/late May, and performances may last through the final week of August. Studio Artists, Fellows and Apprentices are required to be in residence for the entire season. Filene Artist contracts differ based on casting needs and typically do not last for the entire season.

Repertoire
Each season’s repertoire is selected in late autumn, based on the artists heard in the annual tour.

Program Information
All principal roles in Wolf Trap Opera productions are performed by the singers selected as Filene Artists (FAs). FAs are at an interim point between young artist training and full-time professional careers. They have finished graduate or professional degree programs from the top music schools in the country and have often participated in year-long young artist companies or summer apprenticeships. Many of them have already won prestigious awards, may have management, and are on their way to significant careers. Approximately 15-20 singers are chosen annually from an initial pool of approximately 800 applicants.

If you are just beginning graduate study or haven’t done any of the paid young artist residency programs, it’s probably too early to be competitive. Conversely, if it has been more than two years since you were last involved in a full time young artist program, you have most likely moved beyond the reach of our program.

Eligibility & Restrictions
There is no age limit to apply.

You must either be a US citizen or be authorized to work in the United States through the end of August 2027. Wolf Trap Opera cannot sponsor visas.

Compensation
Payment is provided
Last season, the weekly stipend for Filene Young Artists was $775
All Filene Artists receive a travel stipend of $425 in addition to their weekly stipend.

Housing
Housing is provided at no expense to all artists. 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.

Transportation
All Artists MUST provide their own local transportation. Wolf Trap does not provide a local transportation stipend.

Wolf Trap is located in the nation's only National Park for the Performing Arts in the Northern Virginia suburbs, where both public transportation and sidewalks are inconsistent, and housing assignments are often several miles away from our rehearsal and performance facility. You will need to have a car or make other arrangements to navigate the area.

Contact Information
Reach WTO at:
703.255.1935
opera@wolftrap.org
1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182

APPLICATION INFORMATION
There is no fee to apply to Wolf Trap Opera.

Required Materials: 
Completed Stagetime Profile

• Name
• Voice Type
• Citizenship / Work Authorization (in "Main Info")
• Headshot
• Biography
• Education & Training
• Upcoming & Recent Credits (listed in "Schedule")
• Resume

Repertoire list of selections to be presented in audition.

Prescreening Repertoire Requirements:
There are no prescreening requirements for Filene Artists.

AUDITION INFORMATION

Audition Dates / Cities:

• Sept. 10th – Los Angeles
• Sept. 14th – Minneapolis
• Sept. 18th, 19th & 20th – Chicago
• Sept. 23 & 24 – Cincinnati
• Oct. 6 – Philadelphia
• Oct. 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th – New York City
• Oct. 12th,13th, & 14th – Houston
• Oct. 16th & 17th – Vienna, VA

Filene Artists Audition Repertoire Requirements:
Offer 4 arias in contrasting styles and languages.

You may change audition repertoire after submitting your application. It is not necessary to notify us if you change your repertoire; just bring a copy of the revised list to the audition.

You will begin your audition with an aria of your choice. An additional selection may be requested.

Please bring these printed materials to your audition:
3 copies of your résumé
3 copies of your audition repertoire list
Do not bring a headshot or any additional promotional materials (bios, recordings, press clippings).

Pianist:
A pianist will be provided at no cost to auditioners. We are not able to arrange pre-audition rehearsals with the company pianist.

Timeline:

Initial Notification - 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 3 weeks before your requested date, contact us at opera@wolftrap.org or (571) 348-3564‬.