Audition Process

A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute

Audition Process

Application and Pre-Screen Deadline for Fall 2025 December 1, 2024
Auditions in Winston-Salem

January 12, 2025
February 8, 2025
February 16, 2025

Auditions in Chicago

February 14, 2025

Application Requirements

To obtain an audition for the A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute, you must submit the following:

  • A formal application and fee paid to UNCSA (You can find the application here.)
  • A cover letter concisely stating your career goals and why you feel the A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute can best help you achieve those goals, as well as your preferred audition date
  • Transcripts from all secondary institutions attended. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution.
  • Three letters of recommendation from professionals in the field of opera
  • Up-to-date résumé
  • Recent headshot
  • Audition repertoire
  • MM in Voice applicants: Pre-screening video recording file or link consisting of two contrasting arias representing two languages
  • Graduate Certificate applicants: Pre-screening video file or link consisting of three arias representing three languages
  • PAC applicants: Pre-screening video recording file or link consisting of four arias, representing at least three languages.


Audition Information

Auditions will be conducted in three parts:

Part I: Information Session with Artistic Director Steven LaCosse

Part II: Live Auditions for Voice/Opera Faculty

Part III: Work Session with Music Director James Allbritten 

  • You will be tested on sight singing and diction
  • Musical and dramatic work on your Pre-Screen Selections and Audition Repertoire List

Repertoire Requirements

Master of Music in Voice Auditions

  • Six selections of contrasting style in four languages; English, Italian, French, German, Russian, Czech, Spanish
  • One selection must be in Italian
  • One selection must be in English
  • Three of the selections must be opera arias
  • One of the selections must be written after 1950
  • One of the selections must be musical theatre

Graduate Certificate in Voice Auditions

  • Seven selections of contrasting style in four languages; English, Italian, French, German, Russian, Czech, Spanish
  • One selection must be in Italian
  • One selection must be in English
  • Four of the selections must be opera arias
  • One of the selections must be written after 1950
  • One of the selections must be musical theatre

Professional Artist Certificate Auditions

  • Eight selections of contrasting style in four languages; English, Italian, French, German, Russian, Czech, Spanish
  • One selection must be in Italian
  • One selection must be in English
  • Four of the selections must be opera arias
  • One of the selections must be written after 1950
  • One of the selections must be musical theatre