In the fall 2024 issue of Opera America Magazine, in conjunction with an article on singers’ auditions titled “A Q&A on Auditions: Opera leaders and singers are discussing compromise and consolidation,” we asked readers for additional suggestions for improving the current system. Several singers responded with ideas for making auditions more affordable and accessible.

Their anonymous comments have been edited for length and clarity:

“It would be so much easier for singers if opera companies would attempt to have audition notifications around similar times. For example, there are many companies holding auditions the week after Thanksgiving. One company notified me of my audition in mid-October. Others, mid-November. Many singers don’t know if it’s worth it to wait to book their flights and hotels after hearing back from the first company, in hopes they may get other auditions. But while waiting, the costs go up. Perhaps there could be a ‘suggested notification day’ for companies.”

“This is small, but hopefully very doable: Communicate with singers more often and more fully. There is no reason to ‘ghost’ singers. Plus, it is demoralizing and stressful, because you don’t know if you’re going to need to book a last-minute flight, or if you are going to never hear a word.”

“More regional auditions would make things so much easier for singers. The flight time and costs could be much less. Also, recently, several companies in the Seattle area organized a consortium of auditions, where they held two days of auditions for singers in the area. This was a great way for them to hear local talent for their shows. More companies could also work together like that!”

“Something that would make auditioning much easier would be if a large number of companies and programs could agree on one or two weeks that they have auditions in a certain city. Then I would only have to arrange one flight and housing accommodation. I know this takes coordination among companies, but it would make a huge difference.”