Opportunities

Studio Artists - 2026

Restrictions

You must either be a U.S. citizen or be authorized to work in the United States through the end of August 2026. YOU MAY ONLY APPLY TO ONE TIER: Studio Artist OR Filene Artist. If you are unsure which tier is best for you, please see www.wolftrap.org/opera/people/studio-artists.aspx for reference.

Age Limit
No limit

How To Apply

Materials Required

Complete the online application. Please only apply for one tier of the program.

Fees: The application process is free. If you are selected to receive an audition, you must confirm your appointment by submitting the pianist fee. The Studio Artists pianist fee is $25. The fee will be waived if you choose to bring your own pianist.
Materials: Required materials include a headshot & resume; Studio Artists also must upload an unedited recording.
Audition Requirements

Studio Artists

Prepare four contrasting selections. There must be three operatic arias; the fourth selection may be art song, concert repertoire or a crossover work.
Prepare a contemporary monologue (must have been written since 1950; material from current movies, TV shows, and popular media is welcome) no more than one minute long.
You will begin with the selection of your choice and will then perform your monologue. An additional selection may be requested.
You may submit a short unedited video recording of your choice if you so choose.
AUDITION MATERIALS Please bring to your audition:
3 copies of your résumé
3 copies of your audition repertoire list
Do not bring a headshot or any additional promotional materials (bios, CD’s, press clippings).
Pianist Provided
Yes. May bring own

Opportunity Information

Location
Vienna, VA USA

Season Information
2025-2026
Each season’s repertoire is selected in late autumn, based on the artists heard in the annual tour.

Program Dates
May 18, 2026 - August 16, 2026
We do not set exact program dates until we hear auditions, decide on repertoire and embark on casting. Rehearsals will begin in mid/late May, and performances may last through the final week of August. Studio Artists, Fellows and Apprentices are required to be in residence for the entire season.

Program Information
Wolf Trap Opera selects a group of 16-20 Studio Artists each year- singers of significant potential who are currently or recently enrolled in a university or conservatory program. The Wolf Trap Opera Studio offers young singers the professional and academic opportunities to take their talents to a higher level and to cultivate and polish the skills needed to present themselves with confidence and authority in a very competitive field.

Offstage, Wolf Trap Opera Studio Artists participate in educational programs and classes. Studio Artists work with industry professionals to advance their audition and performance techniques and personal artistry, covering subjects such as weekly studio classes, acting and improvisation, stage craft, and the business aspects of being a singer.

Onstage, Studio Artists gain invaluable professional experience by performing in small roles and choruses, as well as understudying larger roles as appropriate in Wolf Trap Opera’s main-stage operas and recitals which are professionally conducted, directed, coached, and designed. All casting assignments for Studio Artists will take into account the singer’s current readiness and will be made with an eye toward principles of healthy vocalism, education, and advancement.

Successful Studio Artist candidates are current undergraduates, or have not yet finished a Master’s program at the time of their audition. Studio Artists must have technical foundations secure enough to allow them to spend the duration of the program away from their regular voice teachers. If you have already finished graduate work and/or done several young artist programs, you may qualify for the Filene Artist program.

Compensation
Payment is provided

All young artists receive a travel stipend of $400.
Last season, the weekly salary for all Studio Artists was $350.
Housing
Studio Artists receive dormitory lodging at no expense with private bedrooms and shared bathrooms.
Wolf Trap is unable to assume responsibility for housing spouses, partners, or pets.
Transportation
All Artists MUST provide their own local transportation. Wolf Trap does not provide a local transportation stipend.
Wolf Trap is located in the nation's only National Park for the Performing Arts in the Virginia suburbs, where both public transportation and sidewalks are inconsistent, and housing assignments are often several miles away from our rehearsal and performance facility. You will need to have a car or make other arrangements to navigate the area.
Contact Information

Reach WTO at:
703.255.1935
opera@wolftrap.org
1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182