Frequently Asked Questions

Applications for the 2026 Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program have closed.

The contract period of May 25 – August 2, 2026, is continuous, with a general schedule of Tuesday through Sunday, with classes from 10 am to 1 pm and rehearsal and performance time from 2 pm to 5 pm and 7 pm to 10 pm. Releases may be requested with no guarantee of approval. 

• The Marriage of Figaro (Italian)
• The Ballad of Baby Doe (English)
• Master Class (English)

• 8-minute slot (includes setup & exit)
• 1 aria (2 if first is under 2:30)
• At least 1 English selection required
• Musical theatre, art song, oratorio welcome
• We are happy to hear repertoire from or appropriate to the 2026 productions.
• If interested in Master Class, do not present a monologue at this time, but DO let us know you’re interested

• One aria per performer
• Two arias may be presented if your first aria is 2:30 or shorter. Do not be alarmed if we do not hear all of your second selection.
• This approach will allow you to maximize the impact of your allocated time.

• Sheet music 
• 2 copies of headshot, resume, repertoire list 

Developing and Apprentice Artists are covered by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) Collective Bargaining Agreement. Studio Artists receive all instruction and training on a full scholarship basis plus a weekly Honorarium to contribute towards living expenses and are eligible for per performance compensation at the designated rates for Apprentice Artists. 

The BSFATP offers three levels of training: 

The Developing Artist Program is open to former members of the BSFATP, these emerging artists are developing their careers and are engaged to perform Leading, Featured, or Supporting roles in mainstage productions, as well as other public performance opportunities. There will be no more than 6 Developing Artists in any given season, depending upon casting needs. Developing Artists do not take on ensemble or chorus assignments unless their assigned role designates it. 

 The Apprentice Artist Program is a career-entry program with positions available for no fewer than 16 artists; additional positions may be available depending upon casting needs. Generally, these are singers who have obtained or are pursuing graduate degrees, have some performing experience in school or professional productions, and are ready for secondary roles and to understudy featured and principal roles in main stage productions. Apprentice Artists perform in ensemble/chorus (inclusive of chorus bit roles) and take on solo bit roles in up to three Main Stage productions. 

 The Studio Artist Program is intended for singers who demonstrate outstanding potential and who are seeking pre-Apprentice experience. All Studio Artists receive instruction and training on a FULL SCHOLARSHIP BASIS plus an Honorarium to contribute towards weekly living expenses. Positions are available dependent upon casting needs. Generally, these are singers who are pursuing their education, have some performing experience in school or community productions, and are ready for ensemble and chorus work. In some instances, they are ready to understudy secondary and featured roles in professional productions and study opera scenes, culminating in public performance. Studio Artists perform in ensemble/chorus (inclusive of chorus bit roles) in up to three Main Stage productions. Should they take on roles of solo bit designation or higher, they will be compensated according to the rates designated for Apprentice Artists. 

Central City Opera’s Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Programs are limited to citizens of the United States and non-citizens with appropriate requisite working/training visas. F-1 visa holders must have CPT or OPT authorization sponsored by their institution. CCO does not sponsor training artist visas. Please reach out to [email protected] with any visa questions. 

Go to https://app.getacceptd.com/centralcityopera and then select the “Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program” from the drop-down menu on the left. 

All members of the BSFATP receive travel and housing. 

• To lower the first barrier to entry. Applications are your foot in the door. We want that door to open more easily.
• To support equitable access. The industry is shifting — we’re committed to fairer, clearer processes. 
• To meet you where you are — and grow with you consistently. Your profile isn’t just for one gig. It shows your journey — where you’ve been, where you’re going.
• To make the tools work for you. Run by artist-admins who know these headaches firsthand — and know how to fix them fast.