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Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know more about the Young Artist Program? Find out some of the frequently asked questions here.
- What sets the new Opera Australia Young Artist Program apart?
- Who is eligible?
- Is there a minimum or maximum age restriction for applicants?
- How do I apply?
- What happens after I submit my application?
- Do I need to subscribe to YAP Tracker to apply?
- How are young artists selected and who selects them?
- How can I support the OAYAP?
- What are the future opportunities for Opera Australia Young Artists?
- How much money will I need to live in Sydney?
- Can I apply for further financial assistance?
- How will the Program be structured?
- What can I expect at the in-person interview/audition?
- What if I can’t sing in French, German or Italian?
- Will I receive feedback?
- Will there be any ongoing support during the Program?
- Can Opera Australia assist with travel costs for the in-person auditions?
- Is it possible to complete the OA Young Artist Program before the end of the scheduled 18 months?
Who can I contact if I have further questions? youngartistprogram@opera.org.au
What sets the new Opera Australia Young Artist Program apart?
With an ensemble of Australian artists, a full-time orchestra and chorus and, regular appearances by international guest artists, OA includes opera singers, conductors, musicians, and répétiteurs all supported by a team of people across scenic construction and painting, lighting design, direction, wardrobe, wig-making, stage and technical crew, management and administration.
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 ongoing 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.
Who is eligible?
Applicants:
- 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
- Must be 18 years or older by 1 January 2025
- Must have completed secondary studies
- Must have received relevant advanced training, performance and/or experience
- Must be available for the 18-month schedule in its entirety: from 3 February 2025 – 29 June 2026
Is there a minimum or maximum age restriction for applicants?
18+. The flagship 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.
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.
What happens after I submit my application?
You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application. Applicants will be notified via email regarding 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.
How are young artists selected and who selects them?
The OA YAP Application Process is detailed below:
Round #1 - online submission
Round #2 - audition/interview
Round #3 - residential workshop at The Opera Centre in Sydney.
Selections will be made by Opera Australia’s Head of Music, Head of Young Artists and the Young Artist Producer.
How can I support the OAYAP?
Signup to the Opera Australia Allerta newsletter for all Opera Australia news and updates including information on our Young Artist Program, performances and progress!
Come along to as many young artist performances as you can, get to know the artists and support their ongoing careers.
What are the future opportunities for Opera Australia Young Artists?
Opera Australia Young Artists alumni are in high demand here and all over the world. Below are just a few examples of former Opera Australia Young Artists and their stellar careers.
How much money will I need to live in Sydney?
The cost of living in Sydney may be different to your current location in Australia. Your salary will comfortably cover rent and living expenses for the duration of the Program. Consider finding accommodation close to The Opera Centre to enable you to use public transport.
Can I apply for further financial assistance?
If you are successful in your application, the Young Artist team can assist with your application for available scholarships and fellowships.
How will the Program be structured?
The program is designed in five stages. More details can be found below.
STAGE 1 - Skills extension
STAGE 2 - International Study
STAGE 3 - Integration into the company of Opera Australia as a Young Artist
STAGE 4 – Outcomes
STAGE 5 – Ongoing Support
What can I expect at the in-person interview/audition?
When you arrive for your allocated time, you will be met by our Young Artist Producer who will set you up with a warmup and focus space before calling you into the audition room. For your allocated time, you will have an opportunity to perform or present your material and to chat to the panel as they get to know more about you.
What if I can’t sing in French, German or Italian?
While a good working knowledge of these languages is desirable, it is not essential. Please select pieces in English with which you are comfortable and let us know in your application.
Will I receive feedback?
All applicants will be notified of the results of Round #1. Due to the volume of applications in Round #1, it is not possible to provide feedback.
However, applicants in Rounds #2 & #3 will receive brief remarks to assist them in their training.
Will there be any ongoing support during the Program?
Built into the Program are feedback and evaluation modules for the Young Artists, Opera Australia professionals and visiting artists to ensure that Young Artists are fully informed about their progress and made aware of all opportunities for growth.
The OAYAP is managed by a dedicated team responsible for the professional development and well-being of each artist.
Can Opera Australia assist with travel costs for the in-person auditions?
The Program does not provide travel assistance for auditions.
However, Opera Australia will provide transportation and accommodation for those invited to participate in the OA Young Artist Workshop in Sydney, Thursday 5 December to Saturday 7 December.
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.
"Entering the Opera Australia Young Artist program was a long held dream of mine and I found the experience extremely valuable. To be given that time to focus on honing our craft through such a wide range of activities, such as coaching, language, stagecraft, acting and fencing was incredibly helpful. I draw on things that I learnt during that time every day of my performing career. And taking that journey alongside the other young artists also made for some enduring and supportive friendships, as we all navigated the same challenges together."
— Jane Ede