2026 Summer Festival Auditions
How to Apply
Complete the online application form and submit it along with a current resumé detailing performance experience (PDF only) and a headshot or recent photo by the deadlines listed below. There is no age limit for applicants.
Online Application Form
Audition Dates and Location
September 26, 27, & 28, 2025
November 22 & 23, 2025
Cincinnati Music Hall
Corbett Opera Center
1243 Elm Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Application Deadlines
Cincinnati September Auditions:
Must be received by Friday, August 22, 2025
Cincinnati November Auditions:
Must be received by Friday, Oct. 17th, 2025
Audition Requirements
You will be permitted to change your list of repertoire by providing a current list at your audition.
Minimum number of selections permitted: 2
Maximum number of selections permitted: 5
Engagement Details
Company: Cincinnati Opera
Location: Cincinnati, OH, USA
Term: 2026 Summer Festival • June 4, 2026-August 2, 2026 (Including, but not limited to, 3 productions)
SALOME (June 4 – June 20)
Performances: June 18 & 20, 2026
Casting for supporting roles:
Page (contralto); 1st Nazarene (bass); 2nd Nazarene (bass); 1st Soldier (bass); 2nd Soldier (bass); 1st Jew (tenor); 2nd Jew (tenor); 3rd Jew (tenor); 4th Jew (tenor); 5th Jew (bass); Slave (soprano or mezzo-soprano); Cappadocian (bass)
LALOVAVI (June 8 – July 11)
Performances: July 9 & 11, 2026
For the chorus casting of Lalovavi, an original Afrofuturist opera that draws deeply from Black culture, history, and imagination, we are seeking artists who can authentically and respectfully represent the lived experiences and cultural perspectives of the characters in this work.
CARMEN (June 29 – August 2)
Performances: July 25, 29, 31 & August 2, 2026
Casting for chorus and supporting roles:
Zunia (bass); El Dancairo (tenor); El Emendado (tenor); Morales (baritone); Fasquita (soprano)
Program Information
The Cincinnati Opera Chorus and Supporting roles are paid, professional engagements under the jurisdiction of AGMA, the American Guild of Musical Artists.
Rehearsals for the 2026 Summer Festival will begin June 4, 2026, and run through August 2, 2026.
Compensation is provided per the hourly and performance rates outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement with AGMA. Mainstage contracts are negotiated on either a weekly or per-performance basis.
Notes
Please select the dates most convenient for you. Singers from outside the Greater Cincinnati region are welcome and encouraged to audition; however, applicants should be aware that most chorus members and smaller mainstage roles tend to be cast locally. If you are unable to attend an in-person audition, please email us at auditions@cincinnatiopera.org and explain any special circumstances. We will do our best to accommodate!
For questions or assistance, please email auditions@cincinnatiopera.org
Cincinnati Opera is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where all backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.