YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM

SINGERS:

  • Roles available in Gianni Schicchi: Lauretta (soprano), Nella (soprano), Ciesca (mezzo), Zita (mezzo),  Rinuccio (tenor), Gherardo (tenor), Schicchi (baritone), Marco (baritone), Simone (bass-baritone), Betto (bass-baritone).

  • Young Artists will sing in the ensemble of the mainstage production of La Bohème and will also be guaranteed a cover role in La Bohème (excluding mezzos, who will have other outreach performance opportunities).

  • Young Artists will be provided with coaching by the artistic staff for their roles in Gianni Schicchi and their covers in La Bohème, as well as a variety of professional development activities.

PIANISTS: 

  • The YAP pianist will accompany Gianni Schicchi and professional development activities, such as masterclasses and mock auditions, and will also run supertitles for La Bohème.

  • Pianist applications will be evaluated by video only. No live audition is required.

  • Pianists will be provided with coaching by the artistic staff.

ALL YOUNG ARTISTS:

  • YAs will receive a stipend of $1,000 which includes $200 for travel. 

  • Housing is also provided (not meals). Bringing a car is helpful but not required.

YAP FACULTY:

  • Alejandro Roca, YAP Artistic Director

  • Pat Diamond, YAP Stage Director

  • Sarah Cullins, OCM Director of Education and Outreach

  • Filippo Ciabatti, OCM Music Director

Opera Company of Middlebury’s Young Artist Program 2025

OCM’s 2025 Young Artist Program is accepting pre-screening applications through October 18. Live auditions for singers will take place by invitation in November.

The 2025 YAP will present: Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. Program dates: May 18 - June 15, 2025.

Gianni Schicchi (OCM June 2016)

Gianni Schicchi (OCM June 2016)

Application/audition process:

Complete the Google Form by the application deadline for pre-screening: October 18

Application requirements:

  • Artistic resume (one-page)

  • Headshot

  • Singers only: videos of 2 contrasting arias (one must be in Italian)

  • Pianists only: videos of two opera excerpts/arias/songs accompanying singers

Selected singer applicants will be invited to audition live on:

November 23 & 24 (NYC) OR November 30 (Middlebury, VT)

Please note: Singers who are unable to attend a live audition will still be considered, but a live audition is recommended if possible. A pianist will be provided for the audition, but you may also bring your own. 

*** IMPORTANT: All Young Artists must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of application.

Questions? Contact Sarah Cullins, OCM Director of Education/Outreach at ocmyap@gmail.com.

ABOUT

Our Young Artist Program (YAP) empowers emerging professionals with the refined skills, hands-on experience, and strategic guidance that lead to a successful opera career and a thriving future.

Participants are immersed in a comprehensive training regimen featuring individualized coaching, career advisory sessions, and enlightening master classes with eminent industry professionals, including voice instructors, conductors, directors, managers, and mainstage performers.

This enriching experience culminates in their contributions to the Ensemble and Comprimario roles in mainstage productions and their own curated concert, showcasing their individual talent, progress, and potential.

The YAP represents an investment in both the future of opera and the artists who will shape it, epitomizing the harmonious blend of artistic passion and professional acumen.

BACKGROUND

The Young Artist Program (YAP) emerged following a resonant letter from Patricia Pisanelli, who, in honor of her opera-loving mother Dorothea Ferger Pisanelli, generously contributed a substantial gift in 2015. Patricia's heartfelt narrative of her mother's passion for opera, encompassing her own singing, knowledge, and cherished recordings, breathed life into the YAP's inception. This legacy-driven gift stands as a guiding light, nurturing the education of emerging artists and bolstering the Opera Company of Middlebury's enduring success.

In addition to collaborating with singers, the YAP also offers avenues for emerging pianists and administrative professionals. All participants benefit from housing accommodations and a travel stipend, ensuring a practical and immersive experience.

At the helm of the Young Artist Program is Sarah Cullins, whose seasoned leadership, performance, and teaching experience bring a pragmatic and insightful direction to the initiative.

Explore the 2024/25 Season

We can’t wait to share our 2024/25 season with you!