Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program Overview
The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program is an integral part of Central City Opera’s annual Summer Opera Festival. Held in the historic town of Central City in the mountains of Colorado, the training artists’ program includes daily opera training in diction, movement, stage combat, individual vocal coaching, and sessions in career management, combined with rehearsals and performance opportunities.
There are many places to learn how to sing; there are few places to learn how to be a performing artist. The difference is subtle, but it is a difference on which Central City Opera has built an effective and successful training program perennially sought after by gifted early-career singers.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Artists Training Program are to provide participants with:
- Comprehensive career preparation, giving equal attention to practical instruction, performance training, individual coaching and counseling
- Main stage performing experience, appropriate to individual levels of development, in professional productions attended by reviewers, management representatives, and representatives from other opera companies
PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
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.
The Program offers approximately 30 positions each year, with nearly 1,000 applications for these coveted spots. Trainees receive salaries and benefits and may earn additional performance fees for secondary and featured roles or if called to step in for a singer.
All Program activities take place in Central City in housing, training, and performance facilities owned by the Association. Given the close proximity of these facilities, the Program has sustained its original and unique value – interaction among the trainees, the staff, and the principal singers. Emily Pulley (Studio Artist 1992, Apprentice Artist 1993) here in 2016 as Carmen , said, “What means most to me is the chance to pass on to these kids the same kind of support that the professionals gave me when I was an Apprentice.”