The COT Young Artist & Professional Diploma in Opera Program in conjunction with Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts

The COT/CCPA Young Artist Program is a specialized opportunity for developing pianists and singers. It allows developing artists with exceptional career promise and mastery of basic skills to focus on all areas of their artistic growth. The program affords them professional experience, particularly in the development and performance of innovative new work, while also supporting them with voice lessons, vocal coaching, and dramatic training from the illustrious music and performance faculty at CCPA.

Participants receive a full-tuition scholarship, as well as a monthly stipend during the performance season, which runs September – April.

At COT, Young Artists engage in the artistic process of the company for the duration of the two-year program.

• Regular performance opportunities at Chicago Opera Theater, including covering roles, chorus participation, and consideration for principal roles

• At least one individual coaching with Music Director Lidiya Yankovskaya per year

• At least one masterclass with artists from each mainstage production

• Targeted coaching and networking with nationally respected composers, librettists, conductors, and directors

• Regular mentorship from COT leadership in artistic and professional development opportunities

• Involvement in the Living Opera Series, which focuses on the development of new works – participation may include direct involvement in workshops and engagement with the Emerging Opera Composers in residence through COT’s Vanguard Initiative

• Supplemental sessions relating to theatrical skills classes (e.g., movement, puppetry, languages) or business/life topics (e.g., taxes, websites, personal marketing)

• Occasional participation at donor-focused events and COT Education programs in Chicago Public Schools.

• Attendance at COT and Lyric Opera dress rehearsals, as well as select operatic events throughout the city
  

“I love new music, and the opportunity to work on new pieces with living composers was really formative in my career. Working at a company that values diversity and belonging is so special, and I'm grateful to COT for forging that path both onstage and off.”

YA Alumna Quinn Middleman

2023/24 Young Artists

COT Young Artists collaborate with Vanguard Composers in developing new operas, while covering and singing roles on our mainstage throughout the season. In addition to regular voice lessons and coachings, they also regularly participate in masterclasses at both COT and CCPA.