OIO FOR ARTISTS

Dreaming of a Career as a Professional Opera Singer?

At Opera in the Ozarks, gain experience to boost your performance résumé,
confidence in your vocal and theatric abilities, and friendships to last a lifetime.

Current or Alum artist? login HERE

A Bridge to the
Professional Opera World

Vocal, musical and technical artistry, expertise and mentorship come together in the splendor of the Ozark mountains to prepare you for that career. Since 1950, many OIO alums have gone on to glittering careers around the world.

Your Journey to the Opera Stage Starts Here.

E

very summer at Inspiration Point in Eureka Springs, Opera in the Ozarks offers a unique opportunity for young vocalists like you. From audition to closing night, with the supportive guidance of vocal teachers and production coaches, under the roof of our brand new, state-of-the-art theater, you will gain experience to boost your performance résumé, confidence in your vocal and theatric abilities, and friendships to last a lifetime.

It all begins with the audition; once accepted and cast in your role as an Emerging or Studio Artist, you will have paperwork and forms to complete, and then you’ll be connected to the entire OIO online community. We will send you instructions you need to prepare you for a memorable, creative summer. Before you arrive at Inspiration Point, we’ll make sure you have travel, room and board arrangements information. Even after you leave as an Opera In the Ozarks Alumni you will always have a place in our hearts, our pages, and our stage

Two Immersive Opera Training Programs

Emerging Artists Program

OIO Emerging Artists are cast in the principal roles of the three mainstage productions and sing three to four performances of each role during the four-week festival season. Many artists perform multiple roles but because roles are only double cast, artists are assured of the opportunity to grow into their roles through multiple performances. Emerging Artists also sing in the chorus (but are involved in only two of three productions) and the Broadway Cabaret. Many contribute to OIO outreach activities. A trio of singers may be invited to participate in pre-season outreach programs with beginning early/mid-May.

Studio Artists Program

OIO Studio Artists are the younger, not-yet-as-experienced company members, undergraduate vocalists but by the end of the summer, they no longer lack lots of significant performance experience. Studio Artists are featured in the very popular, one-hour outreach production (2025 production is TBD) which is performed for hundreds of children and families throughout Northwest Arkansas. Previous productions have included Monkey See, Monkey Do, The Magic Flute, Little Red’s Most Unusual Day, Jack and the Beanstalk, Pinocchio, Cinderella, The Opera Games, When Toys Talk (adaptation of Ravel’s L’Enfant et les sortilèges) and The Pirates of Penzance.

Studio artists are often cast in secondary or featured-chorus roles in the mainstage productions, sing in the chorus and are featured in the Broadway Cabaret. They partake fully in lessons, classes and all other enrichment activities at The Point.

How to Apply:

1

Select Repertoire

Prepare three selections to audition with: one Italian, one English and a third in a language of your choice.

2

Submit Audition

Submit your audition via YAPTracker.

3

Find Your Place

Successful applicants become OIO Emerging or Studio Artists cast in full-length operas at Inspiration Point.

4

Immerse Yourself

Get ready for an intensive, comprehensive immersive training summer in all aspects of opera production.

Current or Alum artist? login HERE

Past Productions

Each Year We Perform three fully produced operas. Here are photos from past shows.

Cosi fan tutte

Le nozze di Figaro

La boheme

The New Opera in the Ozarks Theatre:

A Stage Worthy of Your Talent

Designed to elevate your artistry and prepare you for the world’s grandest stages, this new 300-seat venue offers unmatched production capabilities, a rehearsal hall, practice rooms, and expanded costume and production shops—all set against the stunning natural backdrop of Eureka Springs. Supported by a $34-million grant from the Walton Family Foundation, these transformative facilities will provide you with an immersive, professional experience that mirrors the demands and rewards of a career in opera.

OIO Orchestra Musicians:

Bringing the Opera to Life

The OIO Orchestra is comprised of young professional musicians from across the country. The instrumentalists enter fully into the artistic and social life at The Point. Rehearsals begin in June for performances throughout July. After the main stage operas have opened, opportunities for chamber music, practice and relaxation abound. All musicians receive a stipend, housing and all meals for the period of the six-week contract.

OIO Artistic Staff:

The Magic Behind the Curtain

Each season, Opera in the Ozarks has openings for musical, costume, technical and stage management staff.

Alumni Around the World

Zoom in to see the hometowns of over 70 years of alumni from The Point. Are you an Alum, but not yet listed? If not, fill out this form.