Auditions
Seeking:
Opera-singing Actors
2026
Melbourne-based Artists
We are seeking highly skilled opera singing-actors in all voice types for upcoming productions.
General Requirements
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Post-tertiary (or singers with equivalent advanced vocal training and musicianship)
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Strong stagecraft and acting ability, with an expressive and flexible dramatic range
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Willingness to do things differently
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Rehearsal availability: selected week-day evenings and daytime Saturdays
FIRST ROUND:
SELF-TAPE VIDEO AUDITION
Due: December 15, 2025
Please video record two arias of contrasting style and character (preferably at least one sung in English).
Submit links to recordings and upload CV and Headshot using form below.
SECOND ROUND: LIVE AUDITION BY INVITATION
Melbourne: end January 2026)
Selected artists will be contacted about Second Round Live Audition to be held in MELBOURNE late January 2026
FAQ - RISING ARTISTS
Application and Auditions
Q: I have auditioned or submitted materials before. Should I send them again?
A: If you have auditioned or submitted materials previously, please provide your most up-to-date materials.
Q: How do I submit my audition materials?
A: Audition materials are submitted online with a completed application form. Ensure all audio/video links are active and accessible.
Q: What should my application include?
A: Provide a recent CV, headshot, and video recordings that best represent your current performance standard.
Q: Is there an audition fee?
A: There is no fee to submit materials. Shortlisted artists may be invited to an in-person or online audition
Eligibility
Q: Who qualifies as a Rising Artist?
A: Rising Artists are those with fewer than 5 years of professional or paid experience with State or National opera companies.
Q: Can international artists apply?
A: Yes, international artists are welcome to apply for the Festival program (August 10 - October 25), provided they can arrange the necessary travel and accommodation, and meet visa requirements to participate in scheduled rehearsals and performances. International artists bear all their own costs, including visa, administration, travel and living costs. A non-refundable administration fee of AUD500 is payable by international participants upon acceptance and prior to submitting Visa application.
Q: What qualifications does a Rising Artist need?
A: Post-tertiary level or equivalent in private study. We prefer Rising Artists to have finished formal University studies, but will make allowances in certain cases.
Coaching and Rehearsals
Q: When are regular music rehearsals held?
A: Regular sessions will take place from 2PM to 5PM on Saturday afternoons.
Q: What are the regular session dates for 2026?
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February 7
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February 21
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March 21
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March 28
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April 11
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April 18
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May 9
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May 23
[Winter Break in June and July]
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August 8
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August 22
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September 12
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September 25-26-27
FESTIVAL PROGRAM
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August 17 - October 25*
*During the Festival Program period, weeknight and weekend rehearsals & performances are in addition to the above regular dates.
Q: Where do rehearsals take place?
A: Rehearsals are usually held in Melbourne CBD.
Q: Are attendance and preparation important?
A: Yes, regular attendance, consistent practice and preparation are expected. Artists must notify the company well in advance of any unavoidable absences.
Q: Are there other performances outside the Festival?
A: Yes, concerts, soirées, public art performances and stand-alone projects throughout the year.
Casting subject to suitability and availability; determined after audition process and interviews.
Festival Period
Q: When does the Festival take place?
A: The festival runs from October 16 to October 25, with additional rehearsals prior on weekday evenings and Saturdays from August 10.
Q: What kind of performances occur during the festival?
A: Performances may include staged works, public concerts, and showcase events as part of the ten day contemporary opera and song program.
Q: Will there be promotional or community engagement activities?
A: Yes, artists may be invited to participate in educational or promotional activities during the festival period, and at other times throughout the year.
Fees and Compensation
Q: Are public performances paid?
A: Yes, artists are paid at Live Performance Award minimum rates for public and corporate performances. Promotional and donor/stakeholder engagement events may not be paid.
Q: Are music rehearsals and coaching paid?
A: No, coaching, music rehearsals, and pre-production preparation are provided free of charge.
Q: Are there any costs involved for Rising Artist participants ?
A: Participation in the ACOCO Rising Artist program for Australian residents and citizens is free. All artists are responsible for personal travel, accommodation and living costs.
International participants in the Festival Program (August 17 - October 25) must cover all their own costs including visa, travel, accommodation and living for the duration of their participation in the program. Upon acceptance and before Visa application, a non-refundable AUD500 Admin fee is payable.
General Information
Q: What kind of repertoire will be explored?
A: ACOCO focuses on contemporary opera and vocal works, with selections chosen to match the artists’ profiles and the festival’s programming. Opportunities to develop and present traditional audition/competition repertoire are provided.
Q: Who leads the coaching and rehearsals?
A: Coaching and rehearsals are led by experienced conductors, pianists, and directors associated with the company.
Q: What opportunities can arise from participating?
A: Artists expand their contemporary performance practice, gain work and performance experience, receive professional coaching and feedback, and create potential casting opportunities within future company projects.
