AUDITIONS
Maryland Opera auditions
January 25, 2026
Due to an overwhelming number of applications, we have changed the end time of auditions on January 25th to 5pm and added another day of auditions on Wednesday January 28 6pm-9pm. Audition times are assigned on a first come, first served basis.
Maryland Opera will hold an open call audition for local artists within the state of Maryland for casting consideration in our Education Outreach Programs as well as Chorus and Comprimario Roles for Mainstage Performances. We seek artists with strong stage and improv skills and an enthusiasm for audience engagement and helping us bring opera to all ages.
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Date/Time: Sunday, January 25, 2026 1pm-5pm
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Location: St. Mark's Lutheran Church 1900 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218
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Free parking is available in the lot across 20th street from the church
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Programming locations: Greater Baltimore and Eastern Shore
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Contact: Jason Buckwalter - info@marylandopera.org
All applicants are required to fill out the form below. Information regarding our programs can be found below the application form.
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Audition times will be assigned in 8 minute blocks between 1pm and 5pm on January 25. Please provide your top three choices for an audition time. We will do our best to honor these requests but times are not guaranteed.
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You will be required to offer 2 opera arias
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You may be asked to act out an improvised scenario
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You are not required to bring a rep sheet, résumé, or photo to the audition as they are part of the application form.
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Please bring your music printed double-sided in a 3-ring binder.
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A collaborative pianist will be provided for your audition.
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You will receive an email by January 17 to confirm your audition time.
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Please direct any questions to Jason Buckwalter at info@marylandopera.org.
Audition applications must be received by 11:59pm on January 16, 2026.
Maryland Opera Mainstage Auditions (Chorus and Comprimario Roles):
Maryland Opera offers quality opera performances, innovative artistry, and support for social awareness and change. Maryland Opera aspires to become the premier opera organization in Maryland! Mainstage performances include concerts and fully staged productions.
Maryland Opera Mainstage Requirements:
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Memorization of assigned role(s)
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Coached and prepared role(s) for staging.
*Those interested in principal roles only should email materials to
Jason Buckwalter at info@marylandopera.org. Principal auditions will be by invitation only.
Educational & Outreach
Maryland Opera offers programs at reduced fees or free of charge for opera education performances to Maryland schools, libraries, and community centers for grades pre-K through 12. Program performances are scheduled throughout the year. More information regarding our programs can be found here: Educational & Outreach for K-12.
Educational & Outreach Program Requirements:
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Memorization of assigned programmed repertoire and dialogue from a script.
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Most assigned program repertoire can be found in the “standard” operatic repertoire. Also, your personal repertoire is considered in the revision of the programs.
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Programs range from 30 to 45 mins
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Improvisational skills are highly desirable as the programs really benefit from your creativity, but not mandatory.
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Some programs use puppetry. This skill is a plus but not mandatory.
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Most programs are based in Baltimore City and surrounding counties, but Maryland Opera aims to bring opera throughout the state of Maryland. Performer’s residence will be considered when assigning runout programs for specific locations.
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Reliable transportation is requested as MD Opera cannot provide travel to performances.
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Compensation for programs: $100 to $150 per show
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A system of distributing props and other materials will be arranged depending on the needs of the program.
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A collaborative pianist will be provided for all programs.
Maryland Opera will offer:
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Paid rehearsals in preparation for the education outreach programs and main stage performances
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Access to study materials