Classical Singing in LA

Every now and then, vocalists reach out to me for information about opportunities for classical & operatic singing in Los Angeles and the surrounding regions.  So I finally decided to compile my knowledge below in a single list of resources and performing organizations that folks new to the area may find useful. If you see any mistakes or wish to be added to or removed from this page, please contact me.

SITES

  • YAPTracker – The most comprehensive listing of competitions, auditions and training programs on the web. Join NOW, especially if you are a young singer.
  • Auditions Plus – The 2nd most comprehensive listing on the web, run by Classical Singer Magazine. Check here too.
  • Lauri’s List – great resource for local singers young and old (minimum age: 23) especially those interested in chorus positions or liturgical work (aka church/synagogue jobs). Different levels of access for different membership types, and there are eligibility requirements for full membership – more info on that here.
  • Facebook – seriously. Find the organizations you’re interested in and like their pages. Oftentimes audition announcements will be posted there.

NOTE: for all companies and choirs listed below, it is usually wise to check YAPTracker, Lauri’s List or Auditions Plus for audition notices, as many of them are listed on one or more of these sites.

OPERA COMPANIES

  • Los Angeles Opera – the biggest player in town. You’ve all heard of this one, I’m sure :-)
    • Mainstage – if you’re singing at this level, you probably already have a manager who can reach out to the right people and arrange an audition. If you have neither a manager nor a contact on the inside, don’t bother.
    • Young Artist Program – only the cream of the crop are accepted into this prestigious training program. Look for the audition notice on YAPTracker, or check the website for more info.
    • Community Outreach Program – throughout the year LA Opera holds concerts and produces smaller events in various locations, designed to bring opera to the masses. Once a year (usually in May/June) they hold auditions. Again, look for the audition notice on YAPTracker.
    • Chorus – not every production needs a chorus, but when it does LA Opera pulls from their roster of singers who have been accepted into the chorus ranks. Auditions are usually announced through YAPTracker.
    • Supernumeraries – don’t feel like singing with LA Opera? Sign up to be a super instead! Fill out and mail in the form here to be considered for upcoming productions.
  • Long Beach Opera – 2nd largest company in the region, specializing in modern opera
    • Mainstage – auditions are announced throughout the year on the company website. Send an email (or have your manager send an email) to auditions@longbeachopera.org to be considered for a specific role listed under the audition announcement.
    • Chorus – not every production needs a chorus, but if it does it will be posted on the website under audition announcements. If you want to audition, email auditions@longbeachopera.org
  • San Diego Opera – not in LA, but close enough to drive. Mainstage auditions usually require an inside contact or an agent, but they do hold Chorus auditions yearly. SDO is an AGMA company, and their chorus auditions are usually posted on the AGMA Auditions page, or sometimes directly on their website under Job Opportunities.
  • Santa Barbara Opera – also not in LA, but close enough to drive. Mainstage auditions usually require an inside contact or an agent, but they do hold Studio Artist and Chorus auditions yearly.
  • The Industry – specializes in experimental and contemporary opera. Visit their site and use the email link at the bottom right to send them a contact form and ask for audition information.
  • Pacific Opera Project – performances are fully staged, often with orchestra. Visit their auditions page for more info and sign up for the mailing list to be notified when auditions will be held.
  • Center Stage Opera – performances are fully staged with orchestra. Visit their auditions page for more info and sign up for the mailing list to be notified when auditions will be held.
  • Riverside Lyric Opera – performances are often fully staged with orchestra. No audition announcements on their website, and they haven’t had a YAPTracker listing since 2012. Best bet is to contact them through their website form and ask to be added to the audition mailing list.
  • Pasadena Opera – performances are fully staged with orchestra. Contact them and ask to be added to their audition mailing list.
  • Opera Pasadena – not to be confused with the company above. Contact them and ask to be added to their audition mailing list.
  • Repertory Opera – performances are fully staged with piano. Contact them and ask to be added to their audition mailing list.
  • Independent Opera – performances are fully staged with piano. Contact them and ask to be added to their audition mailing list.
  • Vineyard Touring Opera – performances are fully staged with orchestra. Contact them and ask to be added to their audition mailing list.
  • Celestial Opera – performances are fully staged with orchestra. Visit their auditions page for more information.
  • Redlands Opera – performances are fully staged with piano. Visit their auditions page for more information.
  • Los Angeles Metropolitan Opera – performances are fully staged with piano. Contact them and ask to be added to their audition mailing list.
  • Angel City Opera – some performances are staged, some are in concert, with piano. Contact them and ask to be added to their audition mailing list.

CHOIRS