Opera Idaho Auditions

Opera Idaho hosts informative auditions each season to fill vacancies in current and upcoming seasons. As a prominent cultural institution dedicated to enriching the community through opera, we invite passionate and skilled singing artists to consider auditioning for the performance opportunities listed below. Auditions are open to both managed and unmanaged singers. Video submissions are welcome, but in-person auditions are preferred. 

Note for student and community artists: Opera Idaho is a professional regional (Opera America level three) opera company. We value providing opportunities for student, young, emerging, community, and semi-professional artists to hone their audition skills in a safe and supportive environment. Before requesting an audition, you should consult with your voice teacher, mentor, or vocal coach to assess your readiness and preparedness for a professional company audition and to discern the opportunities that are best suited for you. Successful candidates are usually classically trained singers who have extensive or advanced performing experience, have degrees in music, or are continuing private vocal study with a qualified teacher or vocal coach. Singing in the Opera Idaho Chorus, Resident Company, or as a soloist is very competitive. Not all candidates who apply will be granted an audition, and not all singers who audition will be granted a position with the company. Auditioning is an excellent opportunity to practice your craft, and we encourage you to apply with this understanding in mind. 

LOCAL AUDITIONS 

***Singers who are within driving distance of the Treasure Valley/Boise Metro Area 

Next In-person Audition Dates: June 26 & 27, 2026  

Audition Location: Opera Idaho Offices, 515 South 9th Street, Boise, ID, 83702  

Details:  

• FOR NEW LOCAL SINGERS interested in Opera Chorus, Res Co, Lead, Comprimario, & Cover Roles.  

• If you have auditioned or performed with Opera Idaho in the last 8-12 months, you do not need to reaudition unless requested to do so by the General Director. Please email the General Director if you are unsure of whether you should present an in-person audition. 

• Singers who wish to audition for Critical Mass Vocal Artists, please contact Michael Porter michael@operaidaho.org to set up a separate audition.  

• Managed & Unmanaged professional opera singers, please see separate instructions on how to request an audition.  

• If you are unavailable for the June audition dates, please email andy@operaidaho.org to request an alternate date/time and complete the audition application below. 

How to Request an Audition:  

1. Submit an audition application using the link below. 

2. Make sure to upload your resume, headshot, and repertoire list according to the instructions and requirements in the application  

3. SEND AN EMAIL TO REQUEST YOUR PREFERRED AUDITON DATE & TIME TO ANDY@OPERAIDAHO.ORG. Please put “26-27 Audition Request” in the subject line for your email. Filling out the application does not guarantee an audition time. You must email for a time spot. You will not be scheduled for an in-person audition unless we receive an email from you. Audition time slots will be assigned individually to each applicant. Space is extremely limited. 

4. Once you receive confirmation of your audition date and time, email PDFs of your music directly to our pianist betsi@operaidaho.org.  

5. Bring hard copies of the following to your audition: 

1. Music Scores—2-sided, hole-punched in a 3-ring binder; no sheet protectors; no books, full scores, or loose-leaf paper. If your music is not properly prepared, you will be asked to come back with appropriately bound and prepared music scores for the pianist. 

2. Resume 

3. Audition Repertoire List 

INFORMATIVE & PROFESSIONAL AUDITIONS 

***Local and non-local singers who wish to request a first-time, informative, or role specific audition 

Next In-person Audition Dates: year-round by request and/or invitation 

Audition Location: Opera Idaho Offices, 515 South 9th Street, Boise, ID, 83702  

Details:  

• FOR UNMANAGED & MANAGED PROFESSIONAL SINGERS who wish to be considered for guest artist, lead roles, or other performance opportunities for current, upcoming, or future seasons.  

• If you have auditioned or performed with Opera Idaho in the last 8-12 months, you may not need to re-audition unless you are presenting new repertoire or want to be considered for a specific role.  

• Please not that not all requests for auditions can be honored, but we will do our best to hear you. 

How to Request an Audition:  

1. Singers and agents may email BOTH stacey@operaidaho.org and andy@operidaho.org to request casting consideration for specific roles and/or an in-person audition. Please include your preferred audition dates, preferred times, and any important information for scheduling (ex: how long you will be in town, conflicts, when your flight arrives/departs, your schedule flexibility, etc.) 

2. All singers are also encouraged to submit an audition application using the link below. We often reference these submissions when considering singers for future seasons. 

3. A staff member will reach out to schedule your audition time according to the availability of our staff and pianist. Once you receive confirmation of your audition date and time, email PDFs of your music directly to our pianist betsi@operaidaho.org.  

4. Bring hard copies of the following to your audition: 

1. Music Scores—2-sided, hole-punched in a 3-ring binder; no sheet protectors; no books, full scores, or loose-leaf paper. If your music is not properly prepared, you will be asked to come back with an appropriately bound and prepared repertoire for the pianist. 

2. Resume 

3. Audition Repertoire List 

PIANIST & FEES: 

THERE ARE NO AUDITON, APPLICATION, OR PIANIST FEES. Auditions are accompanied by Opera Idaho Staff Pianist, Betsi Hodges. Singers are welcome to tip the pianist but are not required to do so. Singers have the option of using their own accompanist and should notify management in advance of the audition. 

AUDITION REPERTOIRE 

For Main Stage Roles, Covers, and Understudies:  

• 3-5 selections in multiple languages and styles from opera, musical theatre, Zarzuela, or Mariachi genres according to the role/concert of interest 

• Singers are encouraged to include an excerpt, song, or aria from the role and show in which they are interested 

• All selections must be memorized 

For All Other Opportunities:  

• 2-5 pieces from opera, musical theatre, Zarzuela, art song, Mariachi, and/or jazz genres according to your vocal ability, training, and program of interest 

• All selections must be memorized 

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES 

Cover and Lead Roles still being considered: 

The Abduction from Seraglio – Sung in German with English dialogue 

Performance Dates: October 16 & 18, 2026 

• Blondchen – spirited and precise coloratura soprano with excellent German 

• Osmin – true bass (must have low D2) capable of delivering buffo roles with beauty and elegance 

Pagliacci – Sung in Italian set during Mardis Gras in New Orleans 

Performance Dates: February 26 & 28, 2027 

• Tonio – baritone, comfortable with Verismo roles and moves well on stage 

• Nedda (COVER) – lyric soprano who moves well 

• Canio (COVER) – tenor, comfortable with Verismo roles and moves well on stage 

La bohème – Sung in French

Performance Dates: April 30 & May 2, 2027 

• Rodolfo  – tenor 

• Musetta – soprano or mezzo with great high notes, must move on stage well 

• Musetta (COVER) – soprano or mezzo with great high notes, must move on stage well 

• Marcello (COVER) – baritone, lively who moves well on stage 

• Benoit – bass-baritone with great comedic timing 

• Alcindoro – bass-baritone/baritone/tenor with great comedic timing, must move well on stage 

Please note that preference is given to Boise, Idaho-based and regional singers within driving distance of the Treasure Valley for comprimario, cover, ensemble, chorus, educational, and community engagement opportunities. Lead roles are cast with a mix of Idaho-based professional artists and guest regional, national, and international artists. This helps meet the needs of our community while supporting Opera Idaho’s commitment to fostering and developing regional singing artists. 

Other Performance Opportunities: 

• Opera Idaho Resident Company Artists – Boise-based professional, emerging, young, and student artists who sing lead and comprimario roles, in the opera chorus / ensemble for main stage productions and a variety of performances throughout the season including as soloists in Operatinis, educational performances, school shows, community engagement concerts, promotional and pop-up concerts, donor and friend-raising events, appearances at special events, and add-on recitals and shows; performances are hosted in schools, public spaces, and various venues in the Treasure Valley. 

• Operatinis – An “opera dinner theater” experience at the Sapphire Room at the Riverside hotel including a dinner buffet; Opera Idaho artists perform opera arias with musical theater, jazz, and art song sprinkled in; featuring guest artists from the cast of upcoming main stage productions. 

• Critical Mass Vocal Artists – Opera Idaho’s premier chamber choral ensemble sings four or more concerts of a cappella and chamber music each season. Please click here for more information about CMVA auditions. 

• Master Class Series – Public master classes presented by guest artists, renowned coaches, stage directors, and opera industry professionals for members of the Opera Idaho Resident Company, young and emerging artists, and student artists studying at Idaho colleges and universities seeking professional coaching and professional master class experiences.  

• Cover / Understudy Opportunities – When possible, Opera Idaho casts covers (paid) and understudies (unpaid) for main stage roles; covers must be ready to go on stage in the event a principal cannot; understudies are usually student or young artists who are performing in the Opera Ensemble but learning a main stage role as a role-study opportunity; covers and understudies may be invited to perform in educational, outreach, community engagement, or other concert performances. 

If you have questions, need assistance, or have not heard from a staff member regarding scheduling within two weeks of your submission, please email auditions@operaidaho.org or andy@operaidaho.org. Please note that the auditions email account is not monitored daily and responses may take up to 1-2 weeks.