There are THREE branches of the Young Artist Program:
RESIDENT ARTISTS (up to 4) are selected each season as the core of the Young Artist Program. These singers sing appropriate comprimario roles, cover leading roles, and sing in the chorus of mainstage productions. Additionally, they perform at various education and engagement events throughout the entirety of the season including donor events, fundraising galas, educational outreach events, and school performances. This branch of the program requires a strong commitment and dedication to the art form. Resident Artists are generally in their final years of undergraduate or graduate studies and are paid a monthly stipend. Resident Artists must reside within a two hour driving distance from Roanoke, Virginia. Travel and housing are not provided.
APPRENTICE ARTISTS are singers in the beginning stages of their undergraduate degree programs who are looking for more experience and polish. These singers will be involved in Young Artist activities at the discretion of the program director and are expected to be involved in the mainstage opera chorus. Apprentice Artists are paid a stipend on a per-performance basis. Apprentice Artists must reside within a two hour driving distance from Roanoke, Virginia. Travel and housing are not provided.
STUDIO ARTISTS are singers at the advanced high-school level. They have previously participated in honors choirs, including the all-district and/or all-state level, or local children's choirs, and will be considered based on the recommendation of their primary music teacher. Studio Artists are invited to participate in the mainstage opera choruses, observe rehearsals, attend masterclasses, and participate in other Young Artist programs at the descretion of the program director.
