Welcome to
Opera DEI
a new program at West Bay Opera
that offers coaching on
role preparation and audition technique
for minority singers.
Our goal is to help to increase diversity on the opera stage by providing training, insights into casting and connections and referrals.
This program is geared to advanced young singers, committed to pursuing a professional career in opera.
Scroll down for more information.
Pictured: L to R: Olga Chernisheva as Cio Cio San and Kristen Choi as Suzuki in WBO's Madama Butterfly - 2016
Opera DEI
at WBO
Opera DEI is a new West Bay Opera initiative to help minority singers with role preparation, audition strategies and career development.
Opera DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion)
offers a series of FREE online, private coaching sessions for vocal artists. These sessions focus on improving the young artists' chances of getting cast by learning to address repertoire from the perspective of conductors, directors and impresarios. Opera DEI was created to serve young singers from minority communities who may not have access to postgraduate professional training opportunities.
The goal of the Opera DEI sessions is to offer professional guidance to talented young performers, and to develop relationships with artists who may be cast in future West Bay Opera productions. Opera DEI will also provide career guidance and, as appropriate, help facilitate additional connections with other professionals in the field.
· Participants will be guided through the complex process of preparing an opera role at the professional level. The sessions will be immersive, integrating the musical, linguistic and dramatic elements of performance.
· Opera DEI will work with four singers per training cycle. During the 6-week training cycle, each participant will receive a weekly coaching.
Opera DEI will provide a thorough and detailed evaluation of each participant, identifying the artist’s strengths, as well as areas requiring improvement. Opera DEI instructors will also make suggestions regarding repertoire and provide advice on the business aspects of opera as an international career.
An important objective of Opera DEI is to enable a continuing relationship with and among artists following their participation in these training sessions, to facilitate information about casting opportunities and serve as an ongoing source of career support and encouragement.
The first cycle will begin in August 2021.
Pictured: L to R: Jesús León as Rodolfo and Karen Slack as Violetta in WBO's La traviata - 2009
Application guidelines and requirements:
Pictured: Kenneithia Mitchell as Cio Cio San in WBO's Madama Butterfly - 2009