Join the Program

The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program is conducted as an integral part of Central City Opera’s annual Summer Opera Festival held in Central City, Colorado. 

The summer program includes daily opera training in diction, movement, stage combat, individual vocal coaching, and sessions in career management such as how to write a resume and maintain a performance portfolio, audition techniques, 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. 

2027 Festival Audition Information

Applications for the 2027 Central City Opera Festival’s Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program are open July 21 - August 9, 2026. Live auditions will be held in the following cities: 

Denver: Thursday, September 17
Houston: Saturday, September 19
NYC: Friday, September 25-Wednesday, September 30
Cincinnati: Thursday, October 1
San Francisco: Sunday, October 4
Virtual: Friday, October 9 at 11:59 pm Pacific Daylight Time 

For the 2027 audition cycle, Central City Opera’s Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program will be powered by Stagetime — all your materials in one place! 

You’ll apply using your Stagetime profile as your application. Stagetime is free to use; there is no cost to apply for the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program. 

        Apply via Stagetime

        How It Works 

        • Create or update your Stagetime profile at stagetime.com
        • Ensure all required materials are uploaded to your profile (resume, media, etc.) 
        • Complete your application and submit your materials via Stagetime 

          Why Stagetime 

          • 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. 

          Please direct all questions to [email protected]  

                 

                Central City Opera is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, genetic data or any other legally protected status.

                Central City Opera is committed to and embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) in the opera and performing arts fields. CCO is committed to the recruitment, retention, and engagement practices that support IDEA in the workplace, including in casting. CCO is committed to proactively fostering an inclusive environment with regards to gender, gender identity, and gender expression. 

                Additional Details: Central City Opera’s Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Apprentice and Studio Artists Training Programs are limited to citizens of the United States and non-citizens with appropriate requisite working/training visas.