Employment & Auditions

OperaSLO invites San Luis Obispo County’s extraordinary performing arts community, along with artists from throughout California and beyond, to take the stage and become part of our 2027 season. Audition appointments and video submissions are now being accepted for opportunities in musical theatre, opera, concerts, special events, private benefit performances, and more. The 2027 season will feature Meredith Willson’s The Music Man, and Rossini's La Cenerentola, 2027 New Year's Eve Gala with the OperaSLO Grand Orchestra, in addition to other other performance opportunities throughout the year.

PERFORMANCE COMPENSATION:
All leading roles and understudy positions receive a formal paid performance contract. Out of town guest artists are eligible for no-cost home-stay housing accommodations for the required rehearsal and performance period.

QUESTIONS:
OperaSLOauditions@gmail.com

HOW TO APPLY:
Using the links below, be prepared to submit a current headshot and résumé along with the appropriate audition materials below. Learn more about what music to prepare in "Tips and Instructions" below as well as within the linked material: 

VIDEO AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL PRODUCTIONS:
For out-of-town artists video submissions are now being accepted through November 8, 2026. Use THIS LINK to submit. Videos should be well lit, have clear audio, and make sure the camera is positioned so we can see you clearly from head to toe throughout your performance.

IN PERSON AUDITIONS - SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA: NOVEMBER 13 & 14:
Local San Luis Obispo County performers are strongly encouraged to audition. 
Sign up for an audition appointment. CLICK HERE

TIPS AND INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare music that best demonstrates your voice, range, musicianship, and performance ability. If you are auditioning for a specific role or other performance opportunity, it is strongly recommended you prepare music specific to that role (i.e. any solos or extended excerpts).

MUSICAL THEATRE ONLY PERFORMERS: Unless instructed to prepare a selection specific to the role you are auditioning for, prepare 32 bars of a musical theatre song that demonstrates both your vocal ability and personality. Please bring clearly marked sheet music in the appropriate key. An accompanist will be provided. No a cappella auditions will be permitted.

OPERA FOCUSED AND CROSSOVER PERFORMERS: Unless instructed to prepare a selection specific to the role you are auditioning for, prepare three contrasting standard opera arias that best represent your FACH. If you are a crossover performer one or two of your three selections may be from standard Broadway solos. Please bring clearly marked sheet music in the appropriate key. An accompanist will be provided. No a cappella auditions will be permitted.

THE MUSIC MAN
Performances: May 29 and 30, 2027
Venue: Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo
OperaSLO is seeking performers for principal, featured, ensemble, dance, and youth roles in this non-Equity grand production of the beloved Broadway musical The Music Man. Production will feature spectacular sets, vibrant costumes, all accompanied by full OperaSLO Grand Orchestra at the 1200-seat Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo. Local San Luis Obispo County performers are strongly encouraged to audition! Rehearsals for local performers and ensemble members begin in mid-April 2027 in San Luis Obispo, California. Out-of-town guest artists will join the production beginning May 13, 2027, with performances running through May 30, 2027. All audition categories include a monologue requirement.

CLICK HERE for complete audition requirements, song selections, monologues, and detailed character breakdowns for all principal, featured, ensemble, and youth roles.

LA CENERENTOLA (Cinderella by G. Rossini)
Performances: October 2027
Specific Dates: TBA - Multiple performances: San Luis Obispo / San Fernando Valley
Rehearsals: TBA - 9/28/27 - 10/17/27
This is a collaborative production between Opera San Luis Obispo and Mission Opera (San Fernando Valley). Both Mission Opera and OperaSLO are seeking principal artists, covers, and ensemble singers for this grand touring production accompanied by full orchestra in each venue. Scroll up to "Video" and "In Person" audition instructions to choose the application link best for you.

2027 NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA WITH THE OPERASLO GRAND ORCHESTRA
Performance: Friday, December 31, 2027 - 7PM
Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo
Rehearsals: TBA - 12/28/27 - Friday, 12/31/27
This event features a variety of popular opera, Broadway, Hollywood, and dance, in concert accompanied by the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra. 

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES: 
• Concert appearances
• Private benefit concerts and performances
• Featured solo and ensemble opportunities
• Featured Guest Artists with the Lompoc Pops Orchestra

YEAR-ROUND PRIVATE AUDITIONS:
Private auditions occur year-round at the request of an applicant. This is a popular option for non-California based professional artists visiting the West Coast at a specific time that may not align with set date posted general auditions. To apply for a private audition: send an email to brian@operaslo.org and include a resume/CV and up to 3 links of contrasting standard repertoire (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) no older than 3-years at the time of application. Material older than 3-your years will not be considered. Our team will review your links and determine if an invitation to engage in a Private Audition is appropriate. 

All Private Auditions are video taped, and that collateral can be shared with the applicant at their request. Once an applicant is accepted to participate in a Private Audition, the applicant is responsible for covering the pianist's fee for the audition, payable directly to the pianist at the time of audition. 

To inquire more about Posted and Private audition, please call our offices at (805) 782-7342

OperaSLO Grand Chorus Auditions

If you are interested in auditioning for the OPERA SAN LUIS OBISPO GRAND CHORUS, please contact ur offices at (805) 782-7342.

Staff Opportunities

Opera San Luis Obispo welcomes inquiries for the below listed part-time and seasonal positions. For information please call our office at (805) 782-7342, or email Dr. Brian Asher Alhadeff, General and Artistic Director at brian@operaslo.org

• Set Designers and Builders (must duel-proficient and local)
• Director of Touring
• Touring Sound Engineer
• Touring Crew
• Technical Director & Shops Steward
  

Intern Opportunities

Opera San Luis Obispo welcomes inquiries about the below listed 120-hour certificated internships. For information please call our office at (805) 782-7342, or email Dr. Brian Asher Alhadeff, General and Artistic Director at brian@operaslo.org

• Operational Management Intern: 3-4 month volunteer position
• Arts Publicity Intern: 3-4 month volunteer position
• Marketing Intern: 3-4 month volunteer position
• Assistant to the General Director

Company Statement of Inclusivity

Opera plays an important role as the genre of classical music responsible for uniting more art forms together, on one stage, than any other form of performance art. We acknowledge our genre of performance is often experienced by thousands in a single production, which imposes a greater responsibility and push to enact positive change through our work, practices, educational programs and policies.

OperaSLO exclusively performs in ADA compliant venues. We provide educational programs in collaboration with our County Office of Education, which serves a broad and diverse community. In 2017, OperaSLO developed our Mobile Opera House, which allows us to reach underserved communities that would otherwise not have access to live performances. OperaSLO is committed to fair and equitable hiring practices companywide. We do not support, sponsor, author, or advocate programs or events that benefit any single group, at the exclusion of others. Working at OperaSLO is based on an individual’s professional skill, and legal right to work in the State of California. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, sex, or nationality.

Opera San Luis Obispo is welcoming to all. We make these commitments to you, and to ourselves, and we hope all will hold us accountable to these standards.