Opportunities

2027-2028 SEASON INFORMATION

Program Dates
August 30 - November 21, 2027 & January 3 - April 30, 2028
Please Note: Program start and end dates are approximate.

Program Information
The Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists Program provides exceptionally talented artists with a seasonal residency program that offers an extensive schedule of performing opportunities in the context of a professional training program.

Those singers selected to participate in the program will be challenged and supported by an outstanding staff. The program offers significant opportunities for professional growth for those truly committed to the field of opera.

Performance Opportunities

• Perform and/or cover leading and comprimario roles in 2027-2028 Season mainstage productions (TBD)
• Engage with the community while performing in concerts and Virginia Opera promotional events
• Perform in fully-staged Community Engagement and Education productions statewide
• Virginia Opera has a rich history of re-engaging Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists for mainstage productions in future seasons

Study Opportunities

• Regular coachings with members of VO’s Artistic Staff
• Masterclasses with visiting conductors, directors, and mainstage singers
• Engagement with industry professionals in order to expand and develop career-related knowledge of the business.

Compensation
Payment is provided.
All Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists receive competitive weekly compensation and travel to and from Virginia.

Contact Information
Brandon Eldredge
Director of Emerging Artists/
Associate Conductor & Chorus Master
brandon.eldredge@vaopera.org

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Required Materials: 
Completed Stagetime Profile

• Name
• Voice Type
• Phone Number
• Citizenship / Work Authorization (in "Main Info")
• Headshot
• Biography
• Education & Training
• Resume
• Video
• References

Prescreening Repertoire Requirements:
One video recording of an aria from the standard repertoire (recorded within the past 12 months). If your video contains more than one aria, only the first one will be considered.

Optional: Please include a 30–60 second video introducing one of your audition arias as you would to a live audience, setting up its context before performing it. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your personality and skills as a public speaker.

AUDITION INFORMATION

Audition Dates / Cities:

• Dec. 8, 9, 10 – New York City

Audition Repertoire Requirements:
Prepare 5 selections, representing at least three different languages, including English.

Pianist:
Applicants invited to audition in New York City on December 8–10 will be provided with a staff pianist. A $35 accompanist fee is required of all auditioners, payable in full directly to the pianist, unless the applicant chooses to bring their own accompanist.

Timeline:
Notification of Results – All applicants will be notified of their audition status by Thursday, November 5, 2026.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT VIDEO/ONLINE SUBMISSIONS IN LIEU OF THE LIVE, IN-PERSON, FINAL-ROUND AUDITIONS IN DECEMBER. NO EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE.