Deadline 3 DAYS AWAY!: Opera Colorado Young Artist Program 2016-17
Apply by March 18 for the Opera Colorado Young Artist Program! In a time when many companies are downsizing or eliminating young artist programs, Opera Colorado is thrilled to announce our plan for expansion. In January 2015, Opera Colorado embarked upon a strategic growth process to plan for the future of the company and to expand our cultural significance in the Colorado community and operatic world. The company has formulated a five-year vision of how to increase the artistic and educational offerings of the company while remaining rooted in the tradition and integrity of producing world-class opera at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and throughout the state of Colorado.
Beginning in November 2016, Opera Colorado will launch an expanded season and begin an exciting new era in the company’s history. As part of this new vision, the Opera Colorado Young Artist Residency Program will also undergo an expansion. Over the course of the next five seasons, the program will grow from the current five Young Artists to ten Young Artists. The program will also move from a one year, single tier residency to a two tier, two year program. Young Artists may be selected to return to the program for a second year in the coming seasons and by full expansion, it will be a two year program. The expansion will allow for additional performance experience as well as increased training opportunities.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2016-2017 Opera Colorado Young Artists Program. Application deadline: March 18, 2016. Program dates: September 19th – November 14th, 2016; January 2nd – May 31st, 2017. Auditions will take place in Denver, Colorado on April 8th and 9th, 2016.
What graduates of the Opera Colorado Young Artists Program have said about their experience:
"Being a member of this program has given me the opportunity to develop into a true artist rather than simply a student of an art form. It has given me the confidence to move forward in my career knowing who I am, where my talents lie and the next steps to take in order to build upon my successes."
"My experience has made me fall in love with this art form again. I've not only grown as an artist, I've grown as a person. I am more comfortable and confident in my choice to pursue this as my career."
"Before joining the Opera Colorado Young Artists Program I felt inundated by the relentless opinions of many. The people at Opera Colorado helped me form a team of advisers I trust. They respect me for my unique talents and I know they would never lead me astray. Their honesty and integrity are reasons they are among the people I count as part of my team."
"Opera Colorado takes care of us. I was never pushed to sing anything against my will. I was allowed to explore repertoire, using it as process for growth. It was an awesome change from school and other YAPs where I felt forced into the 'fach box'."
"I used to think community and school outreach was an obligatory rite of passage for this career. Being a Young Artist at Opera Colorado has turned that on its head. Instead of the amateurish kids' shows many companies produce we performed fully staged and costumed operas from the mainstream repertoire. Not only did I gain valuable experience and a solid resume credit from these touring productions, I learned the importance of engaging the community. Taking opera to people ranging in age from 3 to 103 who had never experienced it before was exhilarating. It made me realize my part in building the audience of the future; the people I hope will fill the seats in a major opera house for me someday"
