EDMONTON, ALBERTA · SUMMER 2027

2027 Vocal Arts Training Intensives

A summer devoted
to your craft.

Summer training for singers and pianists.

Intensive training. Individual mentorship.
Public performance.

AUDITIONS NOW OPEN
Register by October 10, 2026

A singer in a red costume performing onstage.

Make room for what’s next.

Join emerging artists from across Canada for intensive training, individual mentorship, and public performance. Based at MacEwan University in downtown Edmonton, NUOVA’s summer programs help singers and collaborative pianists strengthen their technique, deepen their artistry, and build confidence in rehearsal and onstage.

Images from previous NUOVA training and performances.

Six programs. Your next step.

Choose the training that fits your experience and artistic goals.

01

May 8–16, 2027

02

May 9–30, 2027

03

May 14–30, 2027

04

May 17–June 20, 2027

05

May 17–June 20, 2027

A singer and coach working in a rehearsal studio beside a grand piano.

01 / SUMMER PROGRAMS

10-Day Voice Intensive

May 8–16, 2027

A focused opportunity for singers with previous vocal training to develop their technique and interpretation. Individual coaching, studio classes, acting, speech, and movement connect detailed repertoire work with expressive performance.

For: Singers seeking concentrated training within a shorter summer commitment.

AUDITIONS NOW OPEN
Register by October 10, 2026

02 / SUMMER PROGRAMS

Three-Week Opera Studio

May 9–30, 2027

Build your skills through vocal coaching, acting, movement, language study, and ensemble rehearsal. Put your training into practice through the preparation and performance of short chamber operas.

For: Developing opera singers ready to strengthen their role preparation and stage experience.

Performances: May 27–30 at the Capitol Theatre, Fort Edmonton Park.

AUDITIONS NOW OPEN
Register by October 10, 2026

A singer and pianist working together at a grand piano.

03 / SUMMER PROGRAMS

Collaborative Pianist Intensive

May 14–30, 2027

Deepen your work with singers through repertoire study, technical development, and close mentorship. Strengthen your listening, musical communication, and rehearsal skills while exploring the foundations of vocal coaching and opera collaboration.

For: Pianists with advanced training interested in vocal repertoire and collaborative performance.

AUDITIONS NOW OPEN
Register by October 10, 2026

04 / SUMMER PROGRAMS

Five-Week Opera Intensive

May 17–June 20, 2027

Develop the integrated craft of the singing actor through private lessons, coaching, masterclasses, and training in acting, movement, diction, and ensemble musicianship. Apply your skills in chamber opera and the a cappella mainstage production SWEAT, directed by Benjamin Smith.

For: Advanced emerging opera singers and returning NUOVA artists.

Mainstage performances: June 16-20.

AUDITIONS NOW OPEN
Register by October 10, 2026

La Bohème · Photo: Nanc Price

05 / SUMMER PROGRAMS

Five-Week Musical Theatre Intensive

May 17–June 20, 2027

Strengthen your voice, acting, movement, and ensemble skills through individual instruction and sustained rehearsal. Training includes festival performance opportunities and the a cappella musical In Transit.

For: Advanced emerging musical theatre performers and returning NUOVA artists.

Mainstage performances: June 16-20.

AUDITIONS NOW OPEN
Register by October 10, 2026

06 / SUMMER PROGRAMS

2027 Intern Conductors & Directors Program

Summer 2027

Develop the practical craft of leading singers, musicians, and collaborative rehearsal processes alongside NUOVA’s faculty and creative teams. Interns gain hands-on experience through observation, mentorship, assisting, and selected rehearsal responsibilities across the 2027 festival.

For: Emerging stage directors, conductors, and music directors seeking practical professional development in opera and musical theatre.

Work within an active festival environment and build your practice through direct contact with professional artists and rehearsal rooms.

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

Meet your faculty

Work closely with artists and teachers across voice, acting, movement and musical storytelling. Our faculty bring their experience into the studio, the rehearsal room and your individual work.

Voice & vocal artistry

Benjamin Butterfield
Voice

Tracy Dahl
Voice

Frédérik Robert
Voice

Michelle Todd
Voice

CJ Greer

Acting, speech & movement

Nikki Hulowski
Acting for stage & film

Lora Brovold
Voice-over

Christine Lesiak
Clown

Doug Mertz
Speech

Kathryn LaBouff

Direction & music

Benjamin Smith
Director, SWEAT

Ryan Sigurdson
Music direction

Michael McMahon

Kim Mattice Wanat

More faculty will be joining us. Additional artists and teachers will be announced here, and this page will be updated regularly. Faculty and teaching assignments are subject to change.

Your audition starts here.

Four steps towards your NUOVA summer.

1. Choose Your Program

Explore our five summer programs and find the training that fits your experience and artistic goals. You may indicate interest in more than one program.

2. Register for an Audition

Complete the audition registration form by Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time. Select your preferred audition format and, if auditioning in person, your preferred city.

No audition recordings are required at registration.

3. Receive Your Audition Details

After registration closes, we will email your audition requirements and next steps. In-person applicants will receive their city’s schedule and venue details. Online applicants will receive instructions for submitting recordings by November 15, 2026.

4. Audition

In-person auditions (Canada-wide): October 21–31, 2026. Each city’s schedule will be determined by registration numbers.

Online auditions: recordings accepted until November 15, 2026. Submit your recordings by this deadline, following the instructions provided after registration.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to secure their spot.

Artists laughing outdoors alongside colourful inflatable unicorn costumes.

Returning to NUOVA?

Continue your development with focused one-on-one mentorship in our five-week programs. Training will build on your previous experience and respond to your current artistic goals, with priority given to working with new faculty, coaches, and mentors.

Past summers. Unforgettable performances.

Discover the range of opera and musical theatre brought to life by NUOVA artists in previous summer productions. Select a photo to view it in full.

Nanc Price. Gallery images from the NUOVA production archive.

Your next chapter begins here.

Register for an Audition

Registration closes Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time.

Use the registration form to select your program interests and choose an in-person audition or online video submission.

Have your headshot, résumé or CV, and reference contact information ready. First-time applicants need two references; returning NUOVA participants need one. Reference letters and audition recordings are not required at this stage.

We will email your audition requirements and next steps after registration closes. Canada-wide in-person auditions: October 21–31, 2026. City schedules depend on registration numbers. Online recordings are due November 15, 2026. Apply early to secure your spot.

Have questions? Contact NUOVA.