Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program

A rigorous and nationally-recognized 10-week professional development program for young opera singers, regarded as a national model for professional development.

Program Details:

• Duration: 8-10 weeks (summer season)
• Participants Selected: 30-32 participants selected from nearly 1,000 applicants annually
• Founded: 1978 by Artistic Director Emeritus John Moriarty
• Program Director: Michael Baitzer (appointed 2019)

Program Components:

• Daily training in language and diction
• Movement and choreography instruction
• Acting and stage combat training
• Individual vocal coaching and role study
• Career management sessions
• Opera rehearsals and performances in main stage and festival productions

Instructional Staff:

• Michael Baitzer (Director, Principal Coach)
• Kenneth P. Cazan (Stage director/acting instructor)
• Melinda Sullivan (Movement/choreographer instructor)
• Erick Wolfe (Stage combat instructor)

Notable Alumni: Denyce Graves, Alan Held, Cynthia Lawrence, Margaret Lattimore, Mary Mills, Emily Pulley, Greg Turay, Latonia Moore, Matthew Polenzani, Jesus Garcia, Chad Shelton, Daniel Belcher, Celena Shafer

Geographic Scope: National (applicants from across the United States)

Location: Central City, Colorado (8,500 feet elevation)

Contact:

• Box Office: 303-292-6700
• Email: boxoffice@centralcityopera.org
• Administrative Office: 303-292-6500
• Website: centralcityopera.org/artists-training-program

Application Process

Application Timeline:

• Applications open in summer/early fall
• Deadline: Typically October 20 (based on 2019 reference)

Application Requirements:

• Submit through standard audition process
• Rigorous audition selection process required
• Nearly 1,000 applicants compete for 30-32 spots annually

Application URL: centralcityopera.org/artists-training-program