Audition/Program FAQ

    1. What are the casting requirements for this summer’s program?

    The program is designed primarily to help singers by providing opportunities to prepare and perform roles with a process that they can then apply to the rest of their professional careers. We select the repertoire with a broad range of criteria, including appropriateness of the roles for vocal, stylistic and dramatic development.

    2. Are there any costs associated with the program? Are singers paid?

    There are no fees associated with the program. Transportation, housing and meals are not arranged or paid for by the company. Modest stipends (ranging from $500 – $1500) are available.  A pianist will be provided for the call-back audition if you are advanced. Singers may elect to purchase archival video recordings of the productions they are in.

    3. There is a role I’ve done in concert (or in English, or in scenes) that I’d like to do in a more complete setting. Am I still eligible to be cast in this role?

    Especially in leading roles, we consider any ‘head-start’ you may have on a role to be an asset. If the experience with dell’Arte can move your work forward and still be considered a complete, staged, original language role debut, you are eligible to participate.

    4. How many audition pieces do you want to hear? Who determines the first choice?

    In the preliminary video round, we will hear at least one full aria (our choice) from each applicant, and may listen to all or portions of the other offerings.  For call-backs, we will request selections from your existing repertoire, and may provide an excerpt for you to learn.

    5. What languages must my aria choices represent?

    Singers should provide at least one aria in English, and one additional piece in French (may be an art song).  We encourage you also to offer a Musical Theater selection with relatively ‘legit’ vocal technique.

    We encourage you to bring material from any work for which you wish to be considered only if it is a polished representation of your work.

    We highly encourage applicants to bring repertoire which shows the best possible balance between singing and acting work. (Examples of arias which we discourage and are less likely to listen to: The ‘Doll’ Song, Rusalka’s ‘Song to the Moon’, “The trees on the mountain”)

    6. When will I hear if I’m called back or cast?

    If you are advanced to the call-backs, we will give you as much notice as possible. If you are from out of town, we may invite you to appear via zoom with a live pianist from your location.  We will make every effort to notify all applicants of their status in a timely fashion.

    7. May I send my application materials by e-mail?

    All applications must be submitted through YAPTracker. Please do not send any materials via e-mail, as they will be discarded.