For Immediate Release
Contact: Patricia Kiernan Johnson; PKJohnson@operaamerica.org
www.operaamerica.org


OPERA AMERICA LAUNCHES NEW CAREER GUIDE FOR OPERA

Multi-faceted online resource provides wealth of information for emerging professionals
www.operaamerica.org/careerguide


New York, NY — OPERA America, the national service organization for opera, is pleased to announce the launch of an exciting new online resource: the Career Guide for Opera. This new database, available on the OPERA America website, provides invaluable career guidance and information for emerging opera professionals, including artists, administrators and technical/production staff.

The Career Guide for Opera features over 1,000 career listings and indispensable details about producing organizations, training programs, universities, conservatories, competitions, grants, artist managers and publishers. Records are regularly added and updated, ensuring timely and accurate information. New podcasts, videos and articles are continually added to the already extensive archive, consisting of hundreds of items on topics including artist management, auditions, business advice, fundraising, marketing, new works, technical/production and training. Among the experts sharing their knowledge through these resources are John Conklin, designer; Dianne Debicella, program director, fiscal sponsorship, Fractured Atlas; Joyce DiDonato, mezzo-soprano; Ricky Ian Gordon, composer; Gayletha Nichols, director of National Council Auditions, Metropolitan Opera; Bill Palant, vice president, IMG Artists; Roger Pines, dramaturg, Lyric Opera of Chicago; Darren K. Woods, general director, Fort Worth Opera; and Francesca Zambello, general and artistic director, The Glimmerglass Festival, among many others.

“The Career Guide for Opera provides information that is essential for emerging opera professionals, but has never before been available from a single authoritative and accessible source.” stated Marc A. Scorca, president and CEO of OPERA America. “OPERA America is in a position to collect, maintain and distribute a great deal of constructive information from our own programs and through the tremendous opportunities provided by our member organizations across the U.S. and Canada.”

The multimedia Career Guide archive contains a deep and broad array of resources for the emerging opera professional, such as “An Evening with Designer John Conklin” (video), “Seven Habits of Highly Effective Outreach Artists” (article), “Fundraising for Independent Artists” (podcast) and “A Composer’s Cohorts: Secrets of Collaboration” (article).

The listings in the Career Guide for Opera feature contact information, performance histories, background information, and application and audition procedures on over 1,000 opera companies, artist managers, conservatories and more. Additional essential resources, including a sample cover letter and resume, the Singer’s Self Inventory analysis, costume measurement form and Role Preparation Primer can all be accessed through the Career Guide.

The Career Guide for Opera is a benefit of OPERA America membership, which starts at just $30. Visit www.operaamerica.org/membership for more information.

For press access to the Career Guide, please contact Patricia Kiernan Johnson at PKJohnson@operaamerica.org.



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ABOUT OPERA AMERICA

OPERA America leads and serves the entire opera community, supporting the creation, presentation and enjoyment of opera.

  • Artistic services help opera companies and creative and performing artists to improve the quality of productions and increase the creation and presentation of North American works.
  • Information, technical, and administrative services to opera companies reflect the need for strengthened leadership among staff, trustees and volunteers.
  • Education, audience development and community services are designed to enhance all forms of opera appreciation.

Founded in 1970, OPERA America’s worldwide membership network includes nearly 200 Company Members, 300 Associate and Business Members, 2,000 Individual Members and more than 16,000 subscribers to the association’s electronic news service. In 2005, OPERA America relocated from Washington, D.C. to New York as the first step in creating the first-ever National Opera Center. With a wide range of artistic and administrative services in a purpose-built facility, the Opera Center is dedicated to increasing the level of excellence, creativity and effectiveness across the field.

OPERA America’s long tradition of supporting and nurturing the creation and development of new works led to the formation of The Opera Fund, a growing endowment which allows OPERA America to make a direct impact on the ongoing creation and presentation of new opera and music-theater works. Since its inception, OPERA America has made grants of nearly $11 million to assist companies with the expenses associated with the creation and development of new works.