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.

Performers of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, and backgrounds are encouraged to audition.

HOW TO APPLY:
Using the links below, be prepared to submit a current headshot and résumé along with the appropriate audition materials below: two contrasting vocal selections that demonstrate your voice, range, musicianship, and performance ability.

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:
Sign up for an audition appointment. CLICK HERE

TIPS AND INSTRUCTIONS:
If you are auditioning for a specific role in our season, we strongly suggest you prepare any solos specific to those roles, especially when instructed below. If you are applying for a role that does not have a solo, please choose audition material that is similar to that style.

MUSICAL THEATRE 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.

THE MUSIC MAN
Performances: May 29 and 30, 2027
Venue: Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo
Rehearsals: TBA - Most likely 5/13/27 - 5/28/27
Rehearsals Begin: April 2027 in San Luis Obispo, California OperaSLO is casting principal, featured, ensemble, dance, and youth roles. This is a non-Equity "grand" production of the beloved musical with expansive two-story sets, vivid costumes, accompanied by the full OperaSLO Grand Orchestra. Local San Luis Obispo County performers are strongly encouraged to audition. Performers of all identities and backgrounds are encouraged to audition. Each audition scenario below will include a monologue. Please CLICK HERE for all song selections, monologues, and character breakdowns. Callbacks, including movement and dance, are by invitation only.

LA CENERENTOLA (Cinderella by G. Rossini)
Performances: October 2027
Specific Dates: TBA - Multiple performances: San Luis Obispo / San Fernando Valley
Rehearsals: TBA - Most likely 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 - Most likely 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

Select Private Auditions:

Opera San Luis Obispo evaluates potential leading artists through POSTED AUDITIONS and PRIVATE AUDITIONS. All auditions occur at the invitation of Opera San Luis Obispo, based on the specific criteria released in conjunction with an applicant's ability. Generally, all interested candidates should have standard repertoire on YouTube, Vimeo, or another online source available, no older than 3-years at the time of application, or, be willing to prepare such material for consideration.

Posted Auditions occur 1-3 times each year through social media and other sites with specific criteria identified in the public audition notice. Posted Auditions are usually specific to a future production. Once an artist is approved to participate in a Posted Audition, there are no fees associated with the audition process.

Private Auditions occur at the request of an individual artist, outside of a Posted Audition. Private Auditions can be specific to a future production, or as an opportunity to share one's talents for a variety of future opportunities: leading roles, educational outreach, smaller recitals, etc. All Private Auditions are video taped, and that collateral will be shared with the candidate at their request. Once a candidate is accepted to participate in a Private Audition, the candidate 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 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 Music Man, and Rossini's La Cenerentola, OperaSLO’s 2027 New Year’s Bash, and additional performance opportunities throughout the year. Performers of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, and backgrounds are encouraged to audition.

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.