YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAMS
MISSION
To cultivate a community of talented performers that support the overall educational goals of Opera Roanoke by nurturing their skills through personalized mentorship, immersive performance opportunities, modern audition resources, and the advancement of their unique leadership skills.
OPPORTUNITIES
- Professional performance experience
- Masterclasses with nationally recognized specialists in specific repertoire
- One-on-one coaching sessions for auditions and performances
- Participation in the chorus of mainstage performances with opportunities to cover leading roles and sing comprimario roles
For questions, email manager@operaroanoke.org
YOUNG ARTISTS are selected by audition each season. 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. Young Artists are paid an honorarium for their performances. Reimbursements for travel and housing are not provided.
2026/27 AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026
Time: 2-5PM
Location: Mill Mountain Theatre Rehearsal Hall | 20 Church Ave. SE, 3rd Floor, Roanoke, VA 24011
A pianist will be provided for you free of charge. Warm-up space is available but limited.
ELIGIBILITY
The program is open to singers who are:
- Early in their professional careers
- Recent graduates of undergraduate or graduate vocal programs
- Developing artists seeking professional performance experience
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
- Resume
- Headshot
- Legible sheet music for pianist
AUDITION REPERTOIRE
- Three opera arias in at least two languages, with at least one in Italian and one in English
- One musical theatre or art song selection (optional but encouraged)
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
Opera Roanoke's Young Artist Program only accepts singers who live or attend school within a reasonable driving distance of Roanoke, VA (within 2-2.5 hours). Unfortunately, we cannot accept singers who live outside of this radius at this time.
VIDEO SUBMISSIONS
If you cannot attend the auditions in person (preferred option), we will accept video submissions through Saturday, May 9. Please follow the audition requirements and repertoire outlined above. Video submissions should be emailed to manager@operaroanoke.org with "Young Artist Audition (your last name)" in the subject line.
For questions, email manager@operaroanoke.org. No calls, please.
2025-26 YOUNG ARTISTS
Rebecca Beck, soprano
Ava Knight, soprano
Grace Parker, soprano
Michelle Manning, soprano
Lainey Parker, soprano
Rose Guo, mezzo-soprano
David Dorris, tenor
Christopher Badgett, tenor
Willie Dykes, baritone
Opera Roanoke
20 Church Avenue Southeast, 3rd Floor, Roanoke, Virginia 24011, United States
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.