(Scroll down to bottom of page for application links)

A summer experience designed for burgeoning young singers.

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Stafford Opera Troupe launched its inaugural Summer Opera Program in 2016. This fun and educational training program was designed for high school and young collegiate singers, but is a collaboration of performing artists of diverse ages and experience levels. Mentored by the program faculty, participants develop their voice and stage skills, learn about performance practice and etiquette, and sing stunning music from the opera, operetta, and musical theatre repertoire. The program culminates in a public performance of an opera production or opera scenes. Between the production and masterclasses, every student enrolled in the program has the opportunity to perform as a soloist in addition to ensemble and chorus work. Repertoire selections are tailored to the unique abilities of each student.

This is a day program only; while out-of-town participants are welcome, housing is not provided. Rehearsals, masterclasses, and educational sessions generally take place in the afternoon and evening, with private lessons scheduled earlier in the day.

The 2026 Summer Opera Program

The application for the 2026 season opened August 1st! Please email us with any questions at [email protected].

In addition to rehearsals culminating in four public performances, program singers will take part in the following:
  • Educational workshop sessions on topics such as effective practice, audition preparation, role study, entrepreneurship, stage etiquette, and overcoming performance anxiety.
  • Masterclasses in which each singer is given the opportunity to perform a solo selection under the instruction of program faculty.
  • Private coachings with program voice faculty.
  • Opportunities to work alongside emerging artists.
  • Potential additional performance opportunities in the community.
Learn more about eligibility requirements below.

Program Dates: June 8 - June 28, 2026

Rehearsals will take place on the University of Mary Washington campus

Application Deadlines:
Emerging Artist Deadline – NOVEMBER 17, 2025 (priority casting)
Community Deadline – May 2, 2026

Questions? Contact us.

Repertoire: 

Program Cost: TUITION-FREE!*

*The Summer Opera Program is tuition-free! There is a non-refundable $200 confirmation fee to reserve your place upon acceptance into the program. ($10 application fee for emerging artists is applied to this confirmation fee upon acceptance to the program)

Application Materials

Emerging Artist Applicants
Follow this link to apply for the 2026 program:

​Please prepare the following materials:
  • Two video OR audio recordings of classical vocal or musical theatre selections.
  • A performance resume (don't worry -- we accept singers of all experience levels!)
  • Head shot and/or bio.
  • A Participation Agreement is included in the application submission.​

Community Applicants
Follow this link to apply for the 2026 program:

​Please prepare the following materials:
  • A video OR audio recordings of classical vocal or musical theatre selections.
  • A performance resume (don't worry -- we accept singers of all experience levels!)
  • Head shot and/or bio.
  • A Participation Agreement and Parental Consent Form are included in the application submission

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum Age: 14 years

Stafford Opera Troupe serves singers of many experience levels through the Summer Opera Program. To meet the needs of all our singers as the program grows in size and placement becomes increasingly competitive, we offer the opportunity for Emerging Artists and ​Community Members. While all participants will have access to the same learning and performance opportunities, these options guide casting decisions and allow each of our singers to grow at a pace appropriate to their experience and skill. This integrative approach provides maximal learning opportunities for all and fosters an environment of mentorship and collaboration.

Emerging Artists

Emerging Artists are carefully selected burgeoning professionals who show potential for successful careers in opera or classical vocal performance. They are often cast in major roles in the Summer Opera Program production and may be selected for additional performance opportunities.

Emerging artists meet the following criteria:
  •  At least 2 years of collegiate vocal study, such as those pursuing (or planning to pursue) undergraduate studies in voice
  • Have experience performing lyric theatre roles (or equivalent experience)
  • Display an advanced level of artistry and professionalism in audition recordings.
Selection is competitive, and decisions are made at the discretion of the program faculty. Those applying as an emerging artist are given priority casting for the selected show.

Emerging Artist Applications Due:
November 17, 2025
Offers will be sent by December 15, 2025

​There is a non-refundable $10.00 application fee for emerging artist applications. If accepted to the program, this will go toward the $200 Confirmation Fee.​​

Community Members

The Community Member track is for developing singers such as community musicians and high school students 14+. Community members are often cast in supporting roles, as covers (understudies) of leading roles, and/or in the ensemble of Summer Opera Program productions; occasionally, community members may also be cast in leading roles. In addition to the production, all singers are given the opportunity to perform as soloists in public masterclasses throughout the program.

Community Applications Due:
May 2, 2026