2 answers
Kaylee
Student
Buford, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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When should I start auditioning for professional opera roles and how do you book roles with no experience?
I am just about to enter my first year of college at Boston Conservatory of Music at Berklee, and I'm wondering when (and how) I should get my professional career going.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2400
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kaylee !
Yes, I do know the eagerness. I was just like you before I trained as an actress, so I can relate !
You won't be able to pursue the professional Opera until you are finished and graduated from the Conservatory. Right now you have questions about this career that will become known to you throughout your college years and training experience. Even though you can't or shouldn't jump into it now, at the conservatory you'll be getting the discipline, support and everything you'll need to have to be in with the professionals.
Here's the awesome news: as a student, the Conservatory will have you doing Opera performance either on campus or in public in the community ! You will be performing. That's part of what that conservatory offers. They will even teach you how to audition for Opera. BCM partners with symphonic orchestras, chamber ensembles, contemporary ensembles, and pit orchestras for dance, opera, and theater productions. You will have a part in it as a student.
Get ready - you will be rehearsing and performing a new project every two weeks. That is so you can get used to the pace of a professional company and get a real feel for what it's like. You will also have the opportunity at the conservatory to perform in studio both doing solos and singing with others. By the time you graduate, you will have no questions on how to start your career. Savor this training as it is one of the best !
When you are ready, this is just to give you a heads up, you can audition or find out about roles a few ways. One is through YAP Tracker which is an opera casting website. Usually you'll need to prepare an audition reel of 4 to 6 arias. Choose pieces that show your vocal range and acting ability. Additionally, there is Audition Oracle. You could also go to all the Opera Companies websites to see if you can submit directly to their company. You can also register at the website Opera Singer Audition. These websites will keep you informed about where to audition, and where the festivals and competitions are being held.
Another way to get work is by networking through festivals and competitions because Opera professionals attend these events.
You'll need to begin your professional career after you've graduated the Conservatory because you may need to plan on traveling. The work is not in one city only. You will have a fantastic resume by the time you graduate because of how efficient and opportunistic the BCM training is. Focus on the here and now and enjoy the journey !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Yes, I do know the eagerness. I was just like you before I trained as an actress, so I can relate !
You won't be able to pursue the professional Opera until you are finished and graduated from the Conservatory. Right now you have questions about this career that will become known to you throughout your college years and training experience. Even though you can't or shouldn't jump into it now, at the conservatory you'll be getting the discipline, support and everything you'll need to have to be in with the professionals.
Here's the awesome news: as a student, the Conservatory will have you doing Opera performance either on campus or in public in the community ! You will be performing. That's part of what that conservatory offers. They will even teach you how to audition for Opera. BCM partners with symphonic orchestras, chamber ensembles, contemporary ensembles, and pit orchestras for dance, opera, and theater productions. You will have a part in it as a student.
Get ready - you will be rehearsing and performing a new project every two weeks. That is so you can get used to the pace of a professional company and get a real feel for what it's like. You will also have the opportunity at the conservatory to perform in studio both doing solos and singing with others. By the time you graduate, you will have no questions on how to start your career. Savor this training as it is one of the best !
When you are ready, this is just to give you a heads up, you can audition or find out about roles a few ways. One is through YAP Tracker which is an opera casting website. Usually you'll need to prepare an audition reel of 4 to 6 arias. Choose pieces that show your vocal range and acting ability. Additionally, there is Audition Oracle. You could also go to all the Opera Companies websites to see if you can submit directly to their company. You can also register at the website Opera Singer Audition. These websites will keep you informed about where to audition, and where the festivals and competitions are being held.
Another way to get work is by networking through festivals and competitions because Opera professionals attend these events.
You'll need to begin your professional career after you've graduated the Conservatory because you may need to plan on traveling. The work is not in one city only. You will have a fantastic resume by the time you graduate because of how efficient and opportunistic the BCM training is. Focus on the here and now and enjoy the journey !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Saint P
SongWriter and Creative writer
59
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Saint’s Answer
Hi Kaylee!
Congrats on getting into the Boston Conservatory that's amazing! As for starting your professional opera career, there’s no need to rush into auditions just yet. Take this time to really build your foundation. During your college years, dive into performance opportunities like school productions, competitions, or smaller gigs.
These will help you gain experience and grow your skills.
You can start auditioning for professional roles when you feel ready, usually around your second or third year, but go with what feels right for you. Even if you don’t have much experience yet, don’t be afraid to take on smaller roles or community theater projects they’re great stepping stones.
Networking is key, so connect with professors, guest artists, and fellow students, as they may know about opportunities. Also, creating an online presence to showcase your work can help you stand out when opportunities pop up.
Your journey will unfold in time just keep putting yourself out there, learning, and growing. You’re off to a great start, so trust the process!
Best of luck,
Saint
Congrats on getting into the Boston Conservatory that's amazing! As for starting your professional opera career, there’s no need to rush into auditions just yet. Take this time to really build your foundation. During your college years, dive into performance opportunities like school productions, competitions, or smaller gigs.
These will help you gain experience and grow your skills.
You can start auditioning for professional roles when you feel ready, usually around your second or third year, but go with what feels right for you. Even if you don’t have much experience yet, don’t be afraid to take on smaller roles or community theater projects they’re great stepping stones.
Networking is key, so connect with professors, guest artists, and fellow students, as they may know about opportunities. Also, creating an online presence to showcase your work can help you stand out when opportunities pop up.
Your journey will unfold in time just keep putting yourself out there, learning, and growing. You’re off to a great start, so trust the process!
Best of luck,
Saint