In-person auditions are by invitation and appointment only.
Submission Guidelines
Include your resume, links to online recordings, and three references using this contact form.
Recording Guidelines
Minimum of (2), maximum of (3) – at least one must be a video recording
One English-language aria/song required (can be an aria, art song, or operetta/musical theater)
Please only send links to online recordings – do not attach files
Record yourself answering the following questions, and provide a link to the recording. Please do not read from a script. We want to get to know you as an individual.
When people describe your voice, what are some words or phrases you especially like or dislike?
If you were not going to be a performer, what would you want to do as an occupation?
Imagine you are starring in your favorite opera. What do you say to your Uber driver on your way to the sitz to encourage them to attend?
Is there anything else you would like us to know?
Applications for this listing are only through the contact form. Please do not apply through any other method. Please include “Handorf Company Artist Auditions” in your message.
The submission date for audition materials has been extended to October 29, 2025.
Audition Information
Audition Location and Date
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Thursday, December 11, 2025 (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
Friday, December 12, 2025 (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
New York City, NY
A pianist will not be provided for auditions.
Season Information
2026-2027 Season planning is in process, and three mainstage shows will be chosen with the HCAs in mind. Titles being discussed and roles open to HCAs include:
The Pirates of Penzance (Mabel, Frederick, Pirate King, Edith, Sergeant of Police)
Rigoletto (Gilda, Duke, Maddalena, Borsa)
Don Giovanni (Elvira, Zerlina, Anna, Masetto, Commendatore)
The Medium (All Roles)
The Coronation of Poppea (All Roles)
Hansel and Gretel (All Roles)
In addition to roles in all mainstage shows, Handorf Company Artists will be involved in:
30 Days of Opera (Daily performances throughout September)
Community Performances (Collaborations with other local arts groups)
Curated Recitals (Each HCA will work with staff on programs they can self-produce in other cities)
Collaborations with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra
Program Information
Location
Memphis, TN
Program Dates
Late August 2026 – late November 2026 and January – April 2027.
Company Artist Auditions
Opera Memphis is auditioning all voice types for the 2026-2027 season.
Program Description
The Handorf Company Artist Program provides career-building experience to emerging singers through robust performance opportunities and personalized goals. Beyond pursuing artistic excellence, it seeks to provide the tools and entrepreneurial mindset necessary for citizen-artists to champion opera in the 21st Century.
The ideal candidates for the program:
Have completed their graduate studies.
Have participated in young artist programs or have experience in professional settings.
Are ready for meaningful performance opportunities in a wide variety of styles.
Are comfortable speaking with individuals and in front of audiences of diverse backgrounds to talk about opera and its value in our communities.
Handorf Company Artists will work extensively as a part of Opera Memphis’ civic practice and in collaborative projects with other community arts partners. HCAs do not take part in our school tour.
This year’s contract will include roles in mainstage opera performances, recital and cabaret performances in a variety of venues, and “30 Days of Opera,” OM’s award-winning program that brings a month of free performances to every zip code in the city. Serving as both guerrilla marketing and civic practice, this program is the public face of Opera Memphis for most Memphians. Handorf Company Artists are the core performers of this program, singing everything from “pop-up” arias to fully staged short operas.
Company Artists will coach with Music Director, Jonathan King, General Director, Ned Canty, and Principal Diction Coach Matthew Burns, as well as visiting artists and coaches. Additional coaching sessions are based on the needs of the individual artist and include specific language coaching, movement classes, and topics like tax preparation and social media brand development.
Handorf Company Artists are in residence in Memphis from late August through Thanksgiving, and again from January through the end of April. During that time, they are employees of Opera Memphis and receive a salary, housing, and medical insurance as well as a travel stipend to cover audition trips and lessons. A driver’s license is required, and a car is highly desirable.