Body Work FOR   Singers

In a few short decades, the Young Artist Program has become a ubiquitous element in the career arc of the contemporary opera singer. These programs, colloquially known as YAPs, are housed within opera companies for which young singers hope to work; they are meant to be a stepping stone of sorts, bridging the gap between academia and a singer’s professional career

There’s a symbiotic relationship between the YAP and the company. The latter accepts a group of singers into their YAP—often including a pianist or two—who enjoy the rare luxury (in North America at least) of a season-long contract. The singers will take on small roles in the company’s mainstage performances; understudy larger roles; shadow professional music staff in the rehearsal room—all at an efficient and relatively low cost for the company. Often—perhaps even more so than performing on the mainstage—these young artists become the frontline for the company’s extraneous events: they are expected to attend and perform at fundraising parties, donor appreciation events, and various ‘teaser’ performances that publicize the company’s upcoming productions.

In short, the young artists provide cost-effective labour for the companies, and in return, the companies offer their young artists valuable professional development and