Auditions & Careers

Careers & Auditions

Vancouver Opera is western Canada’s largest professional opera company and an important cultural hub, community partner and resource in Vancouver. Employment opportunities include occasional openings within finance, administration, marketing, ticket centre, development and artistic departments. We also have opportunities for event volunteers, as well as co-op and practicum opportunities. Audition notices for our main stage and touring productions, Chorus and Orchestra and the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program are posted throughout the year.

Auditions

Throughout the year, VO holds auditions for the VO Chorus, the VO Orchestra, the Vancouver Opera In Schools touring program and the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists program, as well as general audition calls. For general audition inquiries, please e-mail Kewen Huang. You are welcome to send your resume (and headshot, for onstage positions) at any time. Please make sure to include your e-mail address in your resume, especially if you are not sending your materials by e-mail. Applications are accepted from both represented and non-represented artists. No phone calls, please.

Vancouver Opera Orchestra Notice of Audition Vancouver Opera will hold auditions for: 2nd Clarinet / Bass Clarinet, Section Violin, Section Bass (Core Orchestra) All candidates must apply by e-mail only with a current résumé to: Orchestra Auditions: orchaud@vancouveropera.ca Deadline: by 5pm Friday, September 11, 2026 Those applicants short-listed for an audition will be contacted in writing via e-mail by Friday, September 18 with details. Auditions for 2nd Clarinet / Bass Clarinet will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2026. Auditions for Section Violin & Section Bass will take place on Friday, October 2, 2026. These positions are being auditioned as per Section 6.6 of the Vancouver Opera/VMA Collective Agreement. The successful candidates will be subject to a probation period as per Section 10 of the Vancouver Opera/VMA Collective Agreement. This audition is being held as per Section 14 (Auditions) of the Vancouver Opera/VMA Collective Agreement—a copy of which may be found at the offices of the VMA. All candidates shall be members in good standing of the AFM and shall maintain membership in the VMA for the duration of their engagement as per section 2.5.1 of the VOA/VMA agreement. Candidates are responsible for travel and all associated costs of attendance at the audition. If the successful Candidate is not a Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident, they will be responsible for any immigration/employment concerns. The Vancouver Opera Orchestra (VOO) is comprised of a Core Orchestra of 54 players and a Core Extras List. Vancouver Opera engages all Core Orchestra / Core Extras List Musicians as per Section 3.2 (Recognition of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra (VOO)) of the VOA/VMA Agreement. Remuneration: The Vancouver Opera Orchestra is a per-service orchestra. Currently, Vancouver Opera has a season of 3 main-stage productions. Section scale per production is approximately $2,400.00 + 14% AFM-EPW. Principal players receive +25% premium. The VOO tunes to A440. Any questions, please contact orchaud@vancouveropera.ca VO Audition Package - Clarinet (2nd & Bass) VO Audition Package - Violin Section VO Audition Package - Bass Section

Vancouver Opera is pleased to announce auditions for the 2027-28 Season of the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist Program. This program offers outstanding emerging artists a valuable opportunity to develop their skills and gain significant experience in the opera industry. Audition Dates:

  • Toronto: November 19–20, 2026

  • Montreal: November 21, 2026

  • Vancouver: November 23, 2026

Audition Registration:

  • Last Day for Registration: October 22, 2026

  • Registration Instructions: Please submit your application through our online portal according to your category. Short-listed candidates will be notified via email with further details for the live audition.

  • Registration Links: Singers | Pianists | Stage Directors

Eligibility:

  • While there is no official age limit for the program, participants are generally between 22 and 34 years old.

  • Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Those who do not possess either a Canadian passport or permanent resident card are not eligible.

Required Documents:

  • Curriculum vitae and recent headshot.

  • Contact details (name, title, phone number) of two professional references from the music community who can attest to your work quality and professional conduct.

Live Audition Requirements: Singers:

  • Each applicant will be required to prepare five contrasting opera arias, in at least three different languages (French, German, Italian, or English; however, other languages are acceptable). These are to be performed from memory in their original language and should represent the singer's present technical development and ability.

Pianists:

  • A solo piano piece that demonstrates technical proficiency (max. 5 minutes)

  • An aria in French or German (5 minutes or less) to be played AND sung by the applicant with dramatic understanding

  • Carmen Act II Quintet, to be played AND sung

  • One of the following, to be played AND sung:

    • La Bohème Act I

    • Le nozze di Figaro Act 2 Finale

    • Don Giovanni Act 1 Finale

    • Così fan tutte Act 1 Finale

Stage Directors:

  • Submit a one page letter outlining your interest in and goals with Vancouver Opera.

  • A link to a video of some of your recent work.

Short-listed candidates will be notified via email for an online interview. The Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist Program is a paid opportunity. Members typically work full-time on a 25-week contract for two seasons. Singers in the program become members of the Canadian Actor’s Equity Association (CAEA). For further questions, please contact yapaud@vancouveropera.ca.