Audition for the Artist in Residence Program
Now Appearing on the Mainstage
Opera Colorado is opening a new chapter of artistic growth and innovation—and we invite emerging artists to be part of this journey. Under dynamic new leadership at both the company and within the program, the 2026–27 Artist in Residence class will step into an era defined by expanded opportunities, bold storytelling, and a continued commitment to developing the next generation of operatic voices.
This season, we are auditioning all voice types. Artists in Residence will now be considered for principal roles at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, in addition to supporting and covers, and also take on principal roles in touring productions across Colorado. In addition, Artists will be integral in Opera Colorado’s expanded community building efforts, and will be featured in statewide performances, concerts, and community events, making their voices central to Opera Colorado’s presence on stage and beyond.
With guidance from esteemed professionals and the support of a company embracing fresh vision, Artists will hone their craft while helping to define the future of opera in Colorado and across the nation. Alumni of this program have gone on to star at The Metropolitan Opera, The Santa Fe Opera, Wiener Staatsoper, Salzburger Festspiele, and more. Now, we look forward to building the next generation of artists who will carry this legacy forward while shaping the art form for tomorrow.
Apply by December 15, 2025 for the Opera Colorado Artist in Residence Program!
Find the Information You Need
Tips from Former Opera Colorado Artists in Residence
Audition & Application Frequently Asked Questions
Application Materials Examples & Templates
2026-27 Audition Information
ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. NEW THIS YEAR: No age limit.
DATES: August 31, 2026 – May 31, 2027
APPLICATIONS DUE: December 15, 2025
AUDITIONS: January 10 & 11, 2026 in Denver, CO
SECOND ROUND RECORDED AUDITIONS DUE: January 9, 2026
APPLICATION MATERIALS
- Completed Application Form
- Resume (PDF Format)
- Repertoire list
- 2 references (One must be from a previous/current teacher, coach, or director)
- Professional headshot
- 2 video recordings for pre-screening purpose
LIVE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants invited to a live audition must prepare arias of contrasting styles and languages, one of which must be composed within the last 50 years.
At least:
- One aria in Italian, preferably Mozart
- One aria in another language (e.g. English, French, or German)
- One aria from the 20th or 21st century
Please ensure selections demonstrate stylistic versatility, technical command, and expressive range.
AUDITION MATERIALS
Please bring:
- Clearly marked scores for the pianist
- A printed repertoire list
PROGRAM FACULTY
Dennis Robinson, Jr., Director of Programs & Partnerships
Ari Pelto, Music Director
Sahar Nouri, Assistant Conductor & Chorus Master
Daniel Belcher, Voice Teacher
Nathan Salazar, Vocal Coach
CONTACT
For questions about the ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE Program or auditions, contact:
Dennis Robinson, Jr.
Director of Programs & Partnerships
programs@operacolorado.org
Tips from Former Opera Colorado Artists in Residence
Audition & Application Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Applications will be reviewed in the order that they are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. All applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed, and all candidates are given equal consideration. It is common for us to receive over 200 applications in the final 24 hours before the application deadline, so please submit as early as possible. Submitting early gives us more time to view and read through your materials.
No, the application process and the auditions are two separate processes. The application process is used to prescreen all candidates and assign audition slots to the selected candidates. Once you submit an application, your materials will be reviewed. You will receive an email stating whether or not you have been selected to audition.
All applicants will receive notice of their audition status via email no later than January 5, 2026. If for some reason you have not heard from our team after that date, please feel free to contact us at programs@operacolorado.org.
Our template below is a great starting place for creating your resume. Your resume should contain the following: (listed in order of importance)
- Contact information – your name, email address, and phone number
- A current headshot
- Roles Performed – list the role, producing company or university, year Roles Studied and/or Prepared – list role
- Concert and Oratorio
- Training programs – list any training programs you have done, include the company and the year
- Education information – institution and year
- People you’ve studied with – list directors, coaches, and teachers
- Special Skills – if desired, include any special skills
Yes. You will receive notice of your application status regardless of whether or not you are selected to audition.
For your introduction, we would like to see how you might explain your performance to a group of elementary school students who are unfamiliar with opera. It should be short, easy to understand, and show us your personality.
Yes! The video above offers some useful tips from former Artists in Residence.
- Submit a recent video or audio recording that showcases your voice as it is now. Avoid using older recordings that are not representative of your current talents. Any recording you submit should be no more than six months old.
- Select repertoire that is appropriate for the season for which you are applying. Choose music and composers that appear in our upcoming season or are similar in style.
- Be sure to read the application and audition requirements thoroughly. We want you to know what you’re applying for. If you have questions, please email programs@operacolorado.org to request the information you need.
Application Materials Samples & Templates
Materials like resumes and repertoire lists can sometimes feel like the biggest hurdle when you are gathering all that is necessary for your application. To help take the guesswork out of the process, we’ve provided some examples below.
Resume Sample Repertoire List Sample