In-person auditions are by invitation and appointment only.
Submission Guidelines
Include your resume, links to online recordings, and three references using this online form.
Recording Guidelines
Minimum of (2), maximum of (3) – at least one must be a video recording
One English-language aria and one Italian-language aria required.
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.
- If you were to spend a season with us, what would you most want to expand or improve upon?
- If you were not going to be in the performing arts, what would you want to do as an occupation?
- Imagine you are performing in your favorite opera. What do you say to your Uber driver on your way to the sitz to encourage them to attend?
- Other than its inherent beauty, why do you think opera is important?
- How do you envision the future of opera in the United States and your role in it?
- Is there anything else about you that you would like us to know?
Applications for this listing are only through the online form.
Please do not apply through any other method. If you have any questions, you may contact Auditions through the contact form.
The submission date for audition materials is November 15, 2026.
Audition Information
Audition Location and Date
New York City, NY
Monday, January 4, 2027 11:00am-6:00pm
Tuesday, January 5, 2027 11:00am-6:00pm
Wednesday, January 6, 2027 11:00am-6:00pm
A pianist will not be provided for New York auditions.
Memphis, TN
Saturday, January 16, 2027 10:00am-1:00pm
Sunday, January 17, 2027 10:00am-2:00pm
A pianist will be provided for Memphis auditions
Season Information
2027-2028 Season planning is in process, and mainstage shows will be chosen with the Handorf Company Artists (HCAs) in mind. Titles being discussed and roles open to HCAs include:
Elixir of Love (All roles)
Don Giovanni (Elvira, Zerlina, Anna, Masetto, Ottavio, Commendatore)
The Medium (All Roles except Baba)
The Coronation of Poppea (All Roles)
Pepito (All roles)
Barbe-Bleu (All Roles)
Figaro and the Zombie Apocalypse (All Roles)
Rossini’s Stabat Mater (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 2027 – late November 2027 and January – April 2028.
Company Artist Auditions
Opera Memphis is auditioning all voice types for the 2027-2028 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.
- Have a strong viewpoint about the role of opera in modern society, beyond their individual career.
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 Donald Lee III, 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 though 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.