Singers Application Info

The Santa Fe Opera’s Apprentice Program for Singers is internationally recognized as one of the finest training programs of its kind. Each year, approximately 44 Apprentice Singers are chosen from a competitive applicant pool. Those who are selected will be active members of our seasonal chorus, sing featuring and supporting roles in one of the five main stage operas, and star in two evenings of Apprentice Scenes. Apprentice Singers also receive vocal coachings, master classes with world-class artists, and participate in our two-day industry auditions for domestic and international opera companies and artist managers.

2025 Season Program Dates
May 26, 2025 – August 23, 2025

Application Deadline
Friday, August 23, 2024

Live Audition Schedule

New York, NY | October 1-3, 2024
Cincinnati, OH | October 5, 2024
Houston, TX | October 7, 2024

Please make sure to read the MEDIA REQUIREMENTS below for information about aria submissions. The videos submitted with an application will be used in consideration for a final live audition.

Media Requirements

Applicants are required to submit two (2) separate videos of recorded arias. All videos submitted should be a clear and current representation of you. Please use the following guidelines for your video submissions:

• Videos should be recorded within the past three (3) months. Please mark each submission with the date it was recorded or announce it verbally before you sing;
• Videos should be accompanied by a pianist (orchestral track or concert setting will not be accepted). Each recording should be performed in one “take” without stopping. Do not combine multiple recording sessions together.
• Do not use audio enhancements, effects or editing (except for basic combining of piano/vocal tracks).
• Arias submitted should be in contrasting styles and different languages.

Helpful recording tips can be found on the Opera America website.

Supplemental Materials

A resume and headshot are required to accompany your application.

The Santa Fe Opera uses YAP Tracker to collect and review applications for the 2025 Apprentice Program for Singers. You do not need to be a paying subscriber to YAP Tracker in order to complete the application form. Be sure to complete the application in full detail in the format requested. Future correspondence regarding your audition status will be sent via email. The email address you supply should be monitored regularly as you will receive confirmation of your application’s receipt. (Please check any SPAM filters while waiting receipt of your application.)

Eligibility

The Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Singer Program is a professional training program for singers who have recently completed or are completing a formal program of vocal study.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the Santa Fe Opera celebrates diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, political affiliation or philosophy. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Work-Authorization Requirements for Non-USA Citizens

Citizens from other countries who are studying at Music Conservatories in the United States are encouraged to apply. Foreign applicants must have the requisite US training or work permits to participate in the program. The Santa Fe Opera will not be responsible for procuring permissions necessary to participate in this program. We respectfully request that applicants know in advance that they are eligible to apply to the program.

American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) Requirements

The Apprentice Singer Program of the Santa Fe Opera is operated in agreement with The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).

This agreement limits the eligibility of candidates to those who: have NOT, prior to apprenticeship with the Santa Fe Opera, performed a total of six (6) different roles with another professional opera company under regular AGMA Artist’s Contract and have NOT been engaged by the Santa Fe Opera more than once before under Apprentice Artist status by AGMA.

All singers accepted into the program are required to join AGMA if they are not already members. All new members must submit an application for membership and must pay the first of two $50 basic dues payments within one week of their first rehearsal in Santa Fe. The initiation fee (currently $1,000) is due to AGMA by the first contracted performance. If the new member is unable to pay the initiation fee on time, he/she must contact AGMA’s Membership Department by the end of the first week of rehearsals to arrange a payment plan. In addition, Working Dues calculated at 2% of the total compensation will be withheld and remitted to AGMA on each member’s behalf.

Compensation

The 2025 AGMA Collective Bargaining Agreement rates for Apprentice Singers is $844.60 for first year apprentices and $875.50 for second year apprentices. During the festival season Apprentice Singers will also receive a weekly housing stipend of $115.00 and a car-pool stipend upon request.

2025 Casting Needs

La bohème

Mimì – Apprentice Singer Cover
Rodolfo – Apprentice Singer Cover
Marcello – Apprentice Singer Cover
Musetta – Apprentice Cover/Singer (August 14, 19, 23, 2025), Apprentice Singer Second Cover
Colline – Apprentice Singer Cover
Schaunard – Apprentice Singer Cover
Benoît/Alcindoro – Apprentice Singer Cover
Parpignol – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Officer – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Sergeant – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Prune Man – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover

Le nozze di Figaro

Count Almaviva – Apprentice Singer Cover
Countess Almaviva – Apprentice Singer Cover
Figaro – Apprentice Singer Cover
Susanna – Apprentice Singer Cover
Cherubino – Apprentice Singer Cover
Marcellina – Apprentice Singer Cover
Bartolo – Apprentice Singer Cover
Don Basilio – Apprentice Singer Cover
Don Curzio – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Barbarina – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Antonio – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Bridesmaid 1 – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Braidsmaid 2 – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover

Rigoletto

Rigoletto – Apprentice Singer Cover
Gilda – Apprentice Singer Cover
Duke – Apprentice Singer Cover
Sparafucile – Apprentice Singer Cover
Maddalena – Apprentice Singer Cover
Monterone – Apprentice Singer Cover
Marullo – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Borsa – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Countess Ceprano – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Count Ceprano – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Giovanna – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Page – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Usher – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover

Turn of the Screw

Governess – Apprentice Singer Cover
Prologue/Peter Quint – Apprentice Singer Cover
Miles – N/A
Flora – Apprentice Singer Cover
Mrs. Grose – Apprentice Singer Cover
Miss Jessel – Apprentice Singer Cover

Die Walküre  

Siegmund – N/A
Sieglinde – N/A
Hunding – N/A
Brünnhilde –N/A
Fricka – N/A
Wotan – N/A
Gerhilde – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Helmwige – Apprentice Singer Cover
Ortlinde – Apprentice Singer Cover
Waltraute – Apprentice Singer Cover
Rossweisse – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Siegrune – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Grimgerde – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover
Schwertleite – Apprentice Singer Principal, Apprentice Singer Cover