Audition Application: OLV Studio Artists

FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2025-2026

Deadline for applications: October 20, 2025

Applicants will be notified by October 27, 2025, regarding advancement to the live audition round.

The Christopher and Anita Murray Opera Las Vegas Studio is a joint initiative between Opera Las Vegas and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas designed to prepare emerging artists for a professional operatic career while they pursue a graduate-level music degree. Participants in the Studio are simultaneously enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, or artist diploma program at UNLV and gain valuable professional experience through performance opportunities with both the university and Opera Las Vegas.

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Cecilia Violetta López

General Director & CEO, Opera Las Vegas
📧 [email protected]

Dr. Linda Lister

Artistic Director, UNLV Opera | Professor of Music
📧 [email protected]

As I step into this new leadership role at Opera Las Vegas, rooted in my own journey as a proud UNLV alum, this program holds a special place in my heart.

While still in its early stages, the program is full of promise. I’m excited to watch young artists grow and thrive, and I look forward to sharing the tools, insights, and experiences that were generously passed down to me by my mentors at UNLV, as well as by trusted colleagues and mentors across the industry.

Cecilia Violetta López, Soprano
General Director and CEO of Opera Las Vegas

Required Materials

• Completed application form (either below, the alternate form here, or via YapTracker).
• Current résumé (PDF format)
• Recent headshot
• Video recordings of two opera arias in contrasting styles and languages (recorded with live or pre-recorded accompaniment)

Live Audition Details

• Date: December 13, 2025
• Location:
  University of Nevada, Las Vegas
  Alta Ham Fine Arts Building, Room 147
  4505 South Maryland Parkway
  Las Vegas, NV 89154

Live Audition Requirements

• Prepare four opera or operetta arias in contrasting styles and languages.
• At least one contemporary selection is strongly encouraged.

OLV repertoire being considered for future seasons: Bel Canto, Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Massenet, Heggie.
School Touring production being considered: Frida and the Bravest Girl in the World.

Additional Information

• Neither OLV or UNLV provide ground transportation for the duration of the contract.
• Travel stipend for live audition will not be provided.
• Housing is not provided.
• Applicants who are not selected for the Studio Program will still be considered for admission to the graduate degree programs in voice at UNLV.

Application Form

You may apply via the form available here, or via YapTracker. All applications as submitted through either of these means will be equally considered. Please only submit one application.

Please see the top of this page for the updated application deadline.