Applications for the Detroit Opera Resident Artist Program 2026–2027 season are now open!

AUDITION CITY AND DATE
Detroit, MI: January 26, 2026
Please note: Virtual auditions will not be accepted.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
November 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Resident Artist Program is led by renowned opera coach and pianist Nathalie Doucet, Detroit Opera’s Head of Music. The program offers individualized study to cater to the unique needs of each artist and aligns with the country’s top training programs. Detroit Opera serves as a nurturing home for these rising stars, supporting and helping them achieve their full potential in the highly competitive opera industry. The program builds on the strong foundations of the Studio Artist program founded by the late Dr. David DiChiera, the company’s founder, while embodying the forward-looking leadership of Yuval Sharon, the Barbara Walkowski Artistic Director of Detroit Opera, President and CEO Patty Isacson Sabee, and Music Director Roberto Kalb. The program was reshaped in 2022 by Detroit Opera’s former Associate Artistic Director, Christine Goerke, to keep pace with the spirit of innovation, outreach, and community-building that has characterized Detroit Opera’s programming and administration since Yuval Sharon’s arrival in 2020.

The four Resident Artists commit to an intensive program while living in Detroit from September through May. They train directly with Nathalie Doucet as their main coach in specially crafted and individualized curricula curated by Doucet, covering voice, movement, language, and career guidance. In addition to hands-on training and mainstage performances with Detroit Opera, Resident Artists also benefit from mentorship by a wide range of guest professionals throughout the season. In the 2024–25 season, guest faculty included soprano Caitlin Lynch, tenor Galeano Salas, bass-baritone Alfred Walker, voice teacher Don Marrazzo, stage director Chía Patiño, fight director and choreographer Katherine Coyl, Italian-language instructor Daniela D’Amico Henderson, and financial planner Brian Rood. Throughout the season, Resident Artists also work with Detroit Opera Staff Pianist John Etsell, Roberto Kalb, and Yuval Sharon. Additional guest artists and faculty in the program since 2022 have included sopranos Ana María Martínez and Janet Williams, mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, conductor Francesco Milioto, coaches Ellen Rissinger and Timothy Cheek, and numerous visiting directors and collaborators from across the industry.

In keeping with Detroit Opera’s longstanding focus on making opera accessible to the surrounding community, Resident Artists forge direct ties to Detroit through recitals, concerts, and other collaborations with local schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and institutions. Resident Artists perform regularly during the season for patients at Detroit’s Henry Ford Hospital and in public concerts throughout Detroit and the state of Michigan. All Resident Artists begin on a one-year contract, and selected artists are invited to participate in a second year.

ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

APPLICATION MATERIALS
Applicants must submit:
• Completed application form
• Résumé (PDF format)
• Repertoire list
• Two professional references
• Prescreening video recordings

PRESCREENING REQUIREMENTS
Submit two (2) arias of contrasting styles and languages.
• Recordings must be no more than 12 months old.

LIVE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants invited to a live audition must prepare arias of contrasting styles and languages, one of which must be composed within the last 50 years.

At least:
• One aria in Italian
• One aria in another language (e.g. English, French, or German)
• One aria from the 20th or 21st century

Please ensure selections demonstrate stylistic versatility, technical command, and expressive range.

AUDITION MATERIALS
Please bring:
• Clearly marked scores for the pianist
• A printed repertoire list

Email your repertoire list in advance to: residentartist@detroitopera.org
A pianist will be provided at no cost.

CONTACT
For questions about the Resident Artist Program or auditions, contact:
Nathalie Doucet
Head of Music and Director of Resident Artist Program
residentartist@detroitopera.org

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Detroit Opera Announces 

Chorus Auditions For The Handmaid’s Tale

The Handmaid’s Tale serves as a cautionary tale that forces reflection on whether America’s core values—freedom and separation of church and state—are at risk.

Detroit Opera is holding auditions for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, & Baritone/Bass voices for the chorus in The Handmaid’s Tale. Auditions will be held at the Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway, Detroit, MI 48226 on:

Saturday December 6, 2025

Creative & Cast Information: The Handmaid’s Tale

AGMA Chorus information

Music rehearsals begin: January 5, 2026

Staging rehearsals: February 2-February 28, 2026

Performances: March 1, 5, 7, 2026

AUDITION DETAILS:

• One aria in English
• One aria in a Foreign Language
• Music must be memorized
• Operatic repertoire is preferred, but standard oratorio selections will be accepted.
• Singers are required to bring their own music in the correct key.
• Detroit Opera will provide an accompanist.
• All applicants must be over 18 years of age.

TO APPLY:

• Email Vocal Resume in PDF format with “CHORUS AUDITION” in the subject line to auditions@detroitopera.org
• Following a review of your vocal resume you will be contacted about audition availability.

Audition note: If you auditioned for the company in September 2025, you do not need to re-audition.

The following small roles in the production will be cast from the Detroit Opera House chorus:

· New Ofglen, Warren’s Wife, Echo, Econowife, Wido, Handmaid A1, Handmaid B1, Moira’s Aunt, Commander X, Guard, Eye, Girl, Man, Guard

The Detroit Opera Chorus is a professional group of diverse classical vocal artists of all professions and backgrounds. Vocalists of the Detroit Opera Chorus are members of the American Guild of Musical Artists.

Department: Development 

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt 

Salary: $55,000 – $60,000 

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; some evening and weekend hours required 

How to Apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to employment@detroitopera.org 

Position Summary: 

As a key member of the Individual Giving team within the Development Department, the Manager of Individual Giving oversees the annual giving program and provides critical strategy and support to further Detroit Opera’s ambitious artistic vision through increased and consistent fundraising success. The successful candidate will be motivated to network socially and have a call and passion for building relationships with those in decision making positions; is high energy with a positive attitude and the ability to provide superior donor service; and is a dynamic self-starter who can think strategically and provide solutions. 

This position reports to the Director of Individual Giving and is joined at the peer level with another Manager of Individual Giving. 

Responsibilities: 

• Individual Giving Strategy and Support 
  • Serve as a development strategist and support specialist for the Director of Individual Giving, Director of Development, and President and CEO. 

• • Assist with leadership communication, briefing, and follow-up for donors. 

• • Support development events with strategy, research, briefings, and project management. 

• • Facilitate coordination between the Individual Giving and Data and Operations teams.   

• Frontline Fundraising 

• • Develop and manage a portfolio of approximately 100 individual giving prospects with the goal of maintaining and increasing annual expendable support and planned gifts. 

• • Meet with current and prospective donors in-person, on the phone, and virtually, to discover their philanthropic priorities, seek alignment with Detroit Opera, and solicit them for increased giving. 

• Direct Mail Campaigns 

• • Provide strategy support on Direct Mail campaigns in partnership with Manager of Individual Giving. 

• • Support the data segmentation process for DM.
     

• Other Fundraising Campaigns 

• • Manage stewardship and active solicitation of giving societies such as Avanti Society (planned giving) and DiChiera Prelude Society (young professionals). 

• • Actively participate in the cultivation of departmental strategies to grow contributed revenue. 

• Events and Performances 

• • Assist the Data and Operations team in planning and executing each season’s annual fund benefit events. 

• • Participate in stewardship through frequent attendance at Opera and Dance performances as assigned, engaging with donors in the Herman Frankel and Barbara Frankel Lounge. 

• • Participate in day-of event assistance for Development events as assigned. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience. 

• Two or more years of professional experience. 

• Demonstrated, exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to create personal relationships and to communicate effectively delivering exceptional customer service to a variety of stakeholders (i.e. donors, sponsors, volunteers, and subscribers), both verbally and in writing. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with competing demands, while maintaining strong attention to detail. 

• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. 

• Superb written communication skills. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, specifically in the manipulation of Excel spreadsheets and mail merges. 

• Ability to understand diverse perspectives and acknowledge the significance of differences and complexities in backgrounds, cultures, values and viewpoints as the foundation for an inclusive environment. 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Functional knowledge of Tessitura and/or other CRM donor databases. 

• Prior experience in a not-for-profit organization. 

• Prior experience in fundraising, marketing, event management, etc. 

• Knowledge of fundraising principles and techniques and direct mail appeals and newsletters. 

Application Deadline: 

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled. 

Additional Information: 

Detroit Opera is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the DO mission. 

Department: Safety and Security

Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: This position maintains a flexible work schedule, and is part of a pool of Crowd Managers, who work various performances/events at the Detroit Opera House.

Salary: $18.00 – $19.00/hr.

How to apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume by email to employment@motopera.org.  Please include how you learned of this position. 

Position Summary

Detroit Opera (DO) is southeast Michigan’s premier venue for opera and dance, and is a contemporary cultural-corner stone of the City of Detroit. Located in the heart of downtown, near Comerica Park, Detroit Opera offers a dynamic work environment. DO Crowd Managers work with the Security Team to provide services designed to ensure the safety of Detroit Opera and the Detroit Opera House patrons, visitors, performers during performances and other events. Through working cohesively with the DO Security and Events teams Crowd Managers work to secure the safety of patrons, visitors, and performers by regulating traffic control, maintaining access to entrances and emergency exits, and performing security screenings—when required.  

Responsibilities

• Regulate traffic by managing the movement of activities and guests  

• Monitor entrances and exits to ensure proper egress, in accordance   
• Observe crowds in order to keep vigilant watch for signs of danger  
• Correspond with the Manager on Duty, Director of Security, and the Manager of Venue Operations to adequately provide emergency care within the existing security plan framework.  
• Ensure security and safety of patrons, visitors, performers, and staff, through adherence to DO security policies   
• Ensure security and safety of the venue, and perform security screening when required  

• Interact with guests attending events, provide information and direction in a positive and friendly manner  

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent  
• Ability to pass state background check 

• Minimum 1 year of experience as a crowd manager or related events management experience 
• Demonstrated customer service skills  

Desired Qualifications

• Security experience 
• Law enforcement experience 
• Crowd control/venue management certification

Essential functions/physical demands

• The person in this position works evenings and weekends, in accordance with the events schedule. 

• The person in this position navigates stairwells, hallways, and other areas of the Detroit Opera House.  
• The person in this position stands for up to 3 hours at a time. 

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.  Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

Detroit Opera is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the DO mission. 

Department: Safety and Security

Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: This position maintains a flexible work schedule, and is part of a pool of Event Medics, who work various performances/events at the Detroit Opera House.

Salary: $20.00/hr.

How to apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume by email to employment@motopera.org.  Please include how you learned of this position.

Position Summary

Detroit Opera (DO) is southeast Michigan’s premier venue for opera and dance, and is a contemporary cultural-corner stone of the City of Detroit. Located in the heart of downtown, near Comerica Park, Detroit Opera offers a dynamic work environment. DO Event Medics work with the Security Team to provide services designed to ensure the health and safety of Detroit Opera and the Detroit Opera House patrons, visitors, performers during performances and other events. Event Medics work to secure the safety of patrons, visitors, and performers by providing immediate medical care to any and all individuals who fall ill, to be vigilant of individuals displaying signs or symptoms of illness, to call for or facilitate communication with emergency first responders, and provide crowd management services for the safety of patrons, visitors, employees and artists.  

Responsibilities

• Immediately respond to all medical emergencies in accordance with the relevant procedures and policies.   

• Observe crowds in order to keep vigilant watch for symptoms and early signs of illness or medical emergencies.  
• Treat symptoms of minor injuries, such as small cuts/scrape, dizziness, nausea, headaches, contacting emergency medical services as needed.     
• Correspond with the Manager on Duty, Director of Security, and the Manager of Venue Operations to adequately provide emergency medical care within the existing security plan framework.  
• Participate in traffic control duties for large events, as needed.   

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent 
• Ability to pass state background check 
• EMT-B license 
• Demonstrated ability to work ethically and dependably 

Desired Qualifications

• EMT-I license or EMT-P license highly preferred 
• Nursing/other health care experience  
• Security experience  
• Crowd manager experience  

Essential functions/physical demands

• The person in this position works evenings and weekends, in accordance with the events schedule. 

• The person in this position navigates stairwells, hallways, and other areas of the Detroit Opera House.  
• The person in this position stands for up to 3 hours at a time. 

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.  Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

Detroit Opera is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the DO mission. 

Shifts available: 

Sat., Sun., 3 PM – 11 PM (16 hrs./week) 

*Detroit Opera employees who work 20 or more hours/week are eligible to participate in the employee benefits program 

Salary: $20/hr.

How to Apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume by email to employment@detroitopera.org.  

Position Summary:  

Detroit Opera (DO) is southeast Michigan’s premier venue for opera and dance and is a contemporary cultural-corner stone of the City of Detroit. Located in the heart of downtown, near Comerica Park, Detroit Opera offers a dynamic work environment. Through a meticulous security strategy, Detroit Opera Security Officers provide services designed to ensure the protective security of Detroit Opera staff, patrons, visitors and performers; and the Detroit Opera House buildings and grounds. Incumbents in this position will secure premises, personnel, patrons and guests by patrolling property; monitoring surveillance equipment; patrolling and inspecting buildings, equipment, and access points; permitting entry and checking credentials. During performances and other large events with visiting attendees, Security Officers monitor crowds, and provide crowd management services for the safety of visitors, employees and artists.   

Job Responsibilities: 

• Patrol and secure the Detroit Opera House. 
• Monitor and analyze CCTV camera footage. 
• Protect company assets relative to theft, assault, fire and other safety issues; guard valuables in a secure area 
• Respond to alarms and emergencies, communicate any irregularities with management 
• Keep a thorough incident report record; follow procedures for various initiatives including fire prevention, traffic control and accident investigations  
• Check visitors in and out of the Detroit Opera House, and escort visitors around the premises. 
• Guard valuables in a secure area 
• Ensure compliance with government regulations       

Required Qualifications:  

• High school diploma or GED equivalent  
• Ability to pass state background check 
• Clean driving record  
• Minimum 1 year of relevant security experience  
• Demonstrated ability to work ethically and dependably   
• Ability to understand diverse perspectives and acknowledge the significance of differences and complexities in background, cultures, values and viewpoints as the foundation for an inclusive environment. 

Desired Qualifications:  

• First aid/CPR-certified 
• Customer service experience 

Physical Demands of the Work Environment:  

• The person in this position navigates different areas through the building including stairwells, work areas, parking structure, and patron areas as part of building security checks.   
• The person in this position ascends and descends stairwells multiple times during a shift, as part of building security checks. 
• The person in this position stands for up to 3 hours at a time. 
• The person in this position occasionally lifts heavy objects up to 60 lbs.  

Application Deadline  

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.  

Additional Information  

Detroit Opera is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the DO mission.