- Home
- /
- Young Artist Program
- /
- Program information
Program information
About the Program
At Opera Australia, we believe that young artist development is essential to the ongoing success and enrichment of the company. New generations of young artists ensure the sustainability of the art form, representing new and diverse voices and perspectives that will shape the future of opera.
The Opera Australia Young Artist Program provides professional development for the next generation of national talent, preparing them for the opportunities and challenges that artists face when they enter the profession.
The flagship Opera Australia Young Artist Program is aimed at emerging artists who we believe, with our guidance and support, can expect a successful career on the global stage.
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 six young artists (four 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.
This new program provides artists rigorous study with renowned vocal and dramatic coaches, voice lessons, language classes, career guidance, masterclasses, assistant and cover work, and commissions. Opera Australia Young Artists can expect a unique, professional development experience with world-class opera opportunities and an exciting career path on completion.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, currently residing in Australia;
- Reside in Sydney for the duration of the program;
- Be 18 years or older by 1 January 2025;
- Have completed secondary studies;
- Have received relevant advanced training, performance and/or experience;
- Be available for the 18-month schedule in its entirety, from 3 February 2025 to 29 June 2026.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: 12pm Monday 9 September 2024
- Applications Close: 9am Monday 21 October 2024
- Auditions: 11–29 November 2024
- OA Young Artist Program Workshop: 5–7 December 2024
- Program Begins: 3 February 2025
Program Structure
Skills extension
Based at The Opera Centre, artists undertake training in languages, acting, movement coaching, performance psychology, career development and management, vocal coaching, vocal massage and health, nutrition, musicianship, audition technique, working with a director/orchestra/choreographer, vocal anatomy and more.
Training is delivered by leaders in their fields from Australia and around the world.
International Study
Our young artists will embark on an international study unit overseas, where they can take full advantage of coaches and industry professionals.
Integration into the Opera Australia company as a Young Artist
Young Artists continue technical and professional development while taking up opportunities to perform solo in recital programs, study cover roles with OA’s National Tour, mainstage or other events.
Outcome
The 18-month program culminates in a Young Artist showcase event for Opera Australia's employees and community.
Ongoing Support
At the conclusion of the program, Opera Australia’s Young Artists receive ongoing mentoring. They also have access to coaching with OA for an additional five years.
Application summary
The application process for the Opera Australia Young Artist Program will be conducted in three rounds:
Application including Treatment or Video/Audio Submission
Applicants are asked to submit audition material via Opera Australia’s online application form.
For more information, click on your discipline below.
Complete the application form and upload all relevant documents by Monday 21 October 2024 at 9am (AEST).
Selection process
The Opera Australia panel will meet in October 2024 to review all applications.
All applicants will be notified by email before Wednesday 6 November. Successful candidates will be shortlisted for an audition/interview and will receive notification of audition material.
Auditions will be held in various capital cities in the weeks commencing 11, 18 & 25 November. Candidates must be available for audition/interview on published dates.
Selected candidates will be invited to attend an audition/interview before the OA panel.
While successful applicants will receive notification of application material, please find below, an overview for Round 2.
- Singers: Perform opera repertoire. Material to be provided.
- Director: Interview and Presentation. Directors to present a Treatment of their choice of an opera from the traditional opera canon. Select an opera setting, conceptual approaches, visual design, character interpretation, use of technology. Illustrate how you wrestle with the inequity of the stories and bring a 21st century approach to the opera.
- Répétiteur: Perform opera repertoire, sight-read, follow conductor. Material to be provided.
Selection process
Applicants will be notified by email in the week of 6 November 2024.
Successful candidates will be invited to participate in Round 3, a two-to-three day workshop at The Opera Centre, Sydney.
At the end of the auditions, successful candidates will be invited to attend Round 3, a two-to-three day workshop at The Opera Centre in Sydney, from Thursday 5 December to Saturday 7 December. Opera Australia will provide transport and accommodation for interstate finalists.
Final selections for the Opera Australia Young Artist Program 2025/26 will be made at the workshop’s conclusion.
If you have any further questions, please contact us at youngartistprogram@opera.org.au.
"Being selected for the OA Young Artist Program proved to be a life-changing opportunity. The one-on-one training helped refine my vocal technique and build my repertoire knowledge. The coaching, classes, performance opportunities, and guidance from industry professionals who believed in my talent have resulted in a long and successful career in Australia, of which I am very proud."
Ready to apply?
Opera Australia is proud to launch the next chapter of our Young Artist Program, generously supported by Principal Patron Maureen Wheeler AO.
Banner photo: Sian Sharp as The Muse in Opera Australia's 2023 production of The Tales of Hoffmann at the Sydney Opera House (Photo Credit: Keith Saunders)