Mentorship Programs

May 26 - June 29, 2025

Aspiring perfomers, directors and conductors may participate in this five-week program to get hands-on, practical experience in their field. Applicants must have previous experience with opera or theatre on the college, community, and/or professional level. Participants are selected on the basis of prior training, experience, demonstrated interest, and assessed potential in professional theatre. Participants normally will have completed at least two years of relevant academic training, with related professional experience, or will have experience in a related area of professional performing arts. Participants must read music proficiently. Knowledge of a foreign language is an asset, but not required.

Opera Mentorship Program

May 26- June 29th, 2025

Join NUOVA Vocal Arts for a newly commissioned opera premiere – June, 2025

7 emerging artists (6 vocalists, 1 collaborative pianist) will be chosen to understudy roles in our newly commissioned opera, while further developing their artistic portfolio by choosing to explore an entrepreneurial track: Producing, Directing, Stage managing, Marketing, Administration.

The 6 vocal performers, and 1 collaborative pianist will receive one full week of coaching from the head repetituer – Emily Hamper (May 26th – May 31st) . This week will culminate in a Feature Artist Recital.

The vocal performers will receive 2 hours of daily understudy rehearsals with the conductor, director, and collaborative pianist. The artists will perform in outreach performances, as well as be put on the roster as 1st contacts for remounts of Silence in other cities.

The opportunity is available to the following:

The professional artist playing the role is listed in brackets

1 Coloratura Soprano- Silence (Teiya Kasahara)

1 Lyric Soprano- Ymma of Normandy (Lara Ciekiewicz)

1 Mezzo Soprano- Agnes (Rebecca Cuddy)

1 Tenor- Roger (Matthew Dalen)

1 Baritone- King Ethelred

1 Bass-Baritone- Eadric (Clarence Fraser)

1 Collaborative pianist (Emily Hamper)

SYNOPSIS:

Set against the rugged heaths of northern Scotland during the Dark Ages and rooted in true events, Silence depicts characters grappling with power struggles, societal and gender constraints, and the quest for freedom from a tyrannical ruler. The opera delves into modern themes such as gender identity and female empowerment within a patriarchal framework, while also addressing existential anxieties about apocalyptic threats and the future. By promoting hope, self-empowerment, and inclusivity, Silence resonates with contemporary audiences, offering a compelling and relevant narrative amid today’s climate crises, authoritarianism, and evolving discussions on gender identity.

Silence dares us to rediscover hope, reclaim our agency, and experience the world through a lens of profound inclusivity and transformation. Our creative team delves into this tender interplay of resilience and hope against a foreboding backdrop of historical and existential fears.

We are driven to craft a work that transcends melodrama, choosing instead to embrace the profound and authentic essence of human experience. Moira Buffini’s script and Darrin Hagen’s adaptation make Silence a unique mix of dark satire and comedy. The opera manages to blend provocative themes with humour, letting us laugh at our own naive views while still delivering a powerful message. It’s a rare treat that combines depth with a touch of optimism and wit.

Silence becomes a tribute to love’s unwavering light, even as humanity wrestles with apocalyptic shadows that have loomed for millennia. Our intention is to weave a narrative that, while acknowledging the weight of past fears, ultimately celebrates love’s enduring power and our relentless quest for renewal.

PLEASE NOTE: Silence deals with themes of gender identity (cross-dressing) and sexual assault

AUDITION INFORMATION

We invite artists who are currently in post-secondary studies, as well as emerging artists who are on the forefront of their operatic careers.

The mentorship program is designed to offer artists an opportunity to delve into a contemporary operatic role, while building skills as a portfolio artist who has diversified interests in creating a sustainable career in the performing arts

REQUIREMENTS:

SINGERS:

1 contemporary aria in English
1 english artsong
1 excerpt from Silence

PLEASE Note: Interested artists should email admin@nuovavocalarts.ca to receive the required audition excerpt for their voice type.

COLLABORATIVE PIANISTS

2 contemporary arias with a singer (one aria MUST be in English)
1 excerpt from Silence

(Those applying for a collaborative pianst role will have an audition facilitated through a zoom link)

Tuition:

FREE

A deposit of $500 will be required to secure your role, but will be returned upon arrival in Edmonton.

VIDEO & APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Vocalists: November 1st, 2024

Collaborative Pianists: We will be setting up a Zoom auditions

Housing:

Understudies will need to provide their own accommodations and food(TBD)

Assistant Director Professional Internship

May 26 – June 29, 2025

As an Assistant Director, participants will assist the faculty directors and work-study stage managers with blocking notation and production documentation. They will be required to attend every production meeting and may assist with staging. Assistant Directors will have the opportunity to stage scenes for a variety of public performances and concerts and this work will be monitored and guided by the professional directorial team.

Upon completion of the Assistant Director Professional Internship, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion. Students may receive course credit depending on their institution and should discuss course credit with their faculty representative.

Assistant Conductor Professional Internship

May 26 – June 29, 2025

Assistant Conductors will work directly with our music faculty, receiving valuable instruction in technique and musical leadership. They will learn practically through observing, coaching, and conducting, as well as take part in specifically designed forums to assess their individual questions and needs. There will be ample opportunity to develop technique and gain experience through conducting rehearsals. Based upon experience and at the discretion of the artistic team, the conducting intern may have the opportunity to conduct a dress rehearsal or matinée mainstage performance.

Upon completion of the Assistant Conductor Professional Internship, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion. Students may receive course credit depending on their institution and should discuss course credit with their faculty representative.

Tuition

Please see the Tuition page for additional information regarding Tuition, Fees and Accommodations.

NUOVA is a special place for young conductors and directors

with both an illustrious faculty and steady stream of first rate singers. How often we hear that the only way to learn is through experience: NUOVA has created the unique opportunity to do just that, in a supportive environment that fosters creativity and encourages independence.

— Jordan de Souza

NUOVA took a chance on me when I was just beginning my career as an opera director.

I needed practical, hands on experience to develop my craft and NUOVA provided me with that. Over two summers, I directed two full-length operas, working with two casts per show and collaborated with a skilled Musical Director. These experiences definitely played a role in my development and passion for theatre and opera.

— Joel Ivany, Artistic Director of Edmonton Opera

Previous slide

Next slide

Internship Programs for Directors & Conductors