Application information

Opera Australia offers the young artist a volume and depth of opportunity in performance and training experience that few other repertory companies can. OA Young Artists are supported by a full-time, dedicated team who design, deliver and develop the Program for each artist according to their evolving needs. As the national opera company and resident company of two iconic venues, the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne, OA’s YAP offers experiences that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.

Young Artists rehearse and perform alongside leading Australian and international singers, conductors, directors and designers, and are immersed in every aspect of bringing opera to life from stagecraft and musicianship to collaboration with world-class orchestras, choruses, and creative teams. This environment not only develops artistic excellence but also builds the professional resilience, adaptability and networks needed for a sustainable international career.

The Opera Australia Young Artist Program offers an 18-month intensive, full-time training program based at The Opera Centre in Sydney and overseas. Up to seven young artists (4-5 singers, one répétiteur and one director) will reside in Sydney (moving allowance available) and be paid a full-time salary enabling them to fully engage with the program and concentrate on their career development.

The program provides artists rigorous study with renowned vocal and dramatic coaches, voice lessons, language classes, career guidance, masterclasses, assistant and cover work and mainstage roles when ready. Opera Australia Young Artists can expect a unique professional development experience with world-class opera opportunities and an exciting career path on completion.

• Must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, currently residing in Australia
• Must reside in Sydney for the duration of the program
• 18 years or older by 1 January 2026
• Must have completed High School studies
• Must have received relevant advanced training, performance and/or experience
• Must be available for 18-month schedule in its entirety from 1 July 2026 – 31 December 2027

Trained at a major performing arts institution or equivalent experience, the successful candidates will exhibit exceptional vocal talent and demonstrate the dedication, versatility, and potential to grow into a well-rounded and accomplished opera performer.

Singers should display:

• Secure vocal technique and quality
• Advanced musicianship and interpretation
• Language: A working knowledge of the four main singing languages and their application to singing is essential. Language fluency is desired but not a requirement
• Stage Presence and Acting ability: Singers should have a commanding presence, using body language, expression and gesture to embody the character and enhance performance. A genuine passion for storytelling though opera and a willingness to explore, demonstrating dramatic versatility and adaptability

In their audition, singers should demonstrate the ability to convey:

• The emotional depth and dramatic intent of the repertoire
• An understanding how the music informs the text
• How the text interacts with the melody and orchestration
• The OA YAP team seeks artists who are open and curious collaborators, committed to learning and exploring new ideas.

The successful candidate is a pianist with the advanced skill level required to become an accomplished répétiteur and coach. They will have trained at a major performing arts institution or have similar experience and should either have, or demonstrate readiness to develop, the fundamental skills to work in the field of opera including: 

• Operatic repertoire
• Orchestral playing
• Opera rehearsal and performance
• Language proficiency and/or lyric diction
• Sight-reading
• Conducting and following a conductor

This appointment is dependent on finding an emerging artist ready for the program. If no candidate is ready at this time, the appointment may remain open.

The successful candidate is an emerging director with demonstrated maturity, resilience, self-motivation and directing experience. They will have trained as a director at a performing arts institution or have similar practical experience. The successful candidate will have:

• Demonstrated ability to draw out the dramatic intent of scene work, and a willingness to explore how best to convey this to singers performing in languages that may not be their own.
• Strong musicality, music reading skills or an aptitude to learn
• Foreign language skills (notably Italian, French or German) or an aptitude to learn
• An interest in understanding operatic performance practice
• Genuine curiosity and passion for the opera art form that drives the pursuit of excellence, demonstrated in depth of knowledge of the chosen audition piece and willingness to take risks
• An interest in both traditional and contemporary theatre and opera
• Experience directing theatre, opera or music theatre at the university, community, independent and/or professional level

Applicants will be selected based on prior training/experience and their Opera Treatment with reference to both music and libretto.

This appointment is dependent on finding an emerging artist ready for the program. If no candidate is ready at this time, the appointment may remain open.

Is there a minimum or maximum age restriction for applicants?

18+. The Opera Australia Young Artist Program is aimed at emerging artists who have completed their training or have equivalent experience and are ready to step into the professional world.

There is not an upper age limit for the OA YAP, however applicants should bear in mind that the program is intended to benefit extremely gifted individuals at the start of their professional careers.

How do I apply?

Simply click on the link below which will explain all you need to know and connect you to the online Application Form. APPLY NOW

What happens after I submit my application?

You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application and information on next steps.

Do I need to subscribe to YAP Tracker to apply?

No. YAP Tracker is free to view and will link you straight to the OA Application Page.

www.yaptracker.com/register-applicant

How are young artists selected and who selects them?

OA YAP are selected through a three-stage process:

• Round #1 – online submission
• Round #2 – audition/interview
• Round #3 – multi-day workshop at The Opera Centre in Sydney

The selection of successful candidates will be made by the Head of Young Artists, Young Artist Producer and Guest Panellists.

Will I receive feedback?

All applicants will be notified of the results. Due to the volume of applications in Round #1, it is not possible to provide feedback.

Rounds #2 & #3 will receive brief remarks to assist them in their training.

Is it possible to complete the OA Young Artist Program before the end of the scheduled 18 months?

No. The investment of Opera Australia in their young artists requires full-time participation for 18 months.