Audition Process

Pre-Screening Application Requirements

There are three rounds of auditions: the first being the video submission of three (3) arias of contrasting styles, composers, and languages. These videos, along with other requested documents and two (2) professional references are due by the deadline, which is to be announced. Of these applications the AVA Faculty will offer an in-person audition/interview in Philadelphia. If granted and in-person audition, you will be asked to select and the weekend(s) that work best for your schedule. Callbacks will be held at a later date. Applicants must be available during all three days. No virtual or video auditions can stand in lieu of the second round of in-person auditions. All singers must come to Philadelphia to audition, without exception.

Please contact Dr. Josh Miller, Dean at jmiller@avaopera.org with any questions regarding this application.

Live Audition Round

March 4–6, 2027 (Thursday–Saturday)

• All applicants will be notified by the end of the business day on Friday, January 15, 2027, whether they have been invited to an in-person audition. At that time, we recommend making your travel arrangements to Philadelphia as soon as possible. AVA will assign all audition dates/times; trading or swapping will not be permitted.
• If you pass the first round of in-person auditions on either Thursday or Friday (March 4 or 5), you may be asked to return on Saturday (March 6) for a second audition hearing with the AVA Faculty. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you do not schedule your return flight before 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 6.
• All travel costs are the responsibility of the applicant. AVA does not cover travel expenses.
• AVA will provide a no-cost audition pianist, typically one of our highly experienced faculty coaches. You will not have an opportunity to rehearse with the pianist in advance; however, you are welcome to bring your own pianist if you prefer.
• If using the AVA pianist, you must bring clean, clear copies of your arias for the pianist. Music should be printed double-sided, secured in a binder, with all cuts clearly marked.
• Please note, AVA does not provide trial voice lessons or coachings prior to auditions.
• The live audition in Philadelphia will follow a standard audition format, with the applicant selecting their first aria. You will be required to submit in advance a repertoire list of four additional arias, representing a variety of languages, composers, and musical periods. These may be the same arias presented in your video audition.
• AVA typically produces standard-canon operas in Italian, French, German, English, and Russian. Prior to your audition, you will be asked to submit your repertoire sheet and an updated ONE-page résumé. Here is a link to an example of the required repertoire sheet and 1-page resume. 
• Unfortunately, AVA is unable to provide written feedback on individual applications or auditions.