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

Program Dates

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.

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). Studio Artists gain professional experience by covering their colleagues in the FA program, singing smaller roles and in choruses for WTO’s mainstage productions, and performing in opera scenes programs and other concerts.

Offstage, Studio Artists work with a curated group of master teachers, guest artists, and WTO music staff to advance their audition and performance techniques and personal artistry. Additional training topics include use of language, recitative, acting and improvisation, public speaking, audition preparedness, crossover singing, materials review, and the business aspects required for a professional singing career.  

Studio Artists are either currently or were recently enrolled in a university or conservatory voice program. If it has been more than two years since the end of your last academic program, you are probably beyond the scope of the Studio Artist Program.

All casting assignments for Studio Artists take into account the singer’s readiness and will be made with an eye toward healthy vocalism, education, and advancement. Studio Artists must have technical foundations secure enough to allow them to spend the duration of the program away from their regular voice teachers.

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 Studio Artists was $425

All Studio Artists receive a travel stipend of $425 in addition to the weekly stipend.

Housing

Housing is provided at no expense to all artists. Studio Artists receive dormitory lodging at George Mason University. 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
• Video

Repertoire list of selections to be presented in audition. 

Prescreening Repertoire Requirements:

Studio Artist applicants MUST submit an unedited, live video recording made in the last six months.

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

Prepare 4 contrasting selections. Three selections must be arias; the fourth selection can be art song, concert work, or crossover.

Also prepare a contemporary monologue: Your selection must have been created after 1950. (Material from current movies, TV shows or popular media is welcome). No longer than ONE MINUTE in duration.

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 with the selection of your choice and will then perform your monologue. An additional selection may be requested.

Please bring to these printed materials 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.