February 8, 2026

In it’s fifth season, the Lyric Opera OC Emerging Artist Studio is led by Lyric Opera OC’s General Director, Michael O’Halloran; Artistic Director, Diana Farrell; and Dr. Lisa Sylvester, Chair of Opera and Voice at the University of Southern California. Artists of note on past and present faculty include Pamela Hinchman (Northwestern), Carl Pantle (repetiteur), Joel Balzun (baritone), Adam Cioffari (San Diego Opera), Jenny Madruga Chavez (Arizone Lyric Theatre & Sing Pretty Designs), Cynthia Stokes (University of Arizon), Jacob Sustaita (Pacific Symphony), and more. We are proud that our participants have gone on to make professional debuts at houses such as the Metropolitan Opera, San Fransisco Opera, and Houston Grand Opera. Final performances are presented for a paid, public audience, offering singers meaningful professional experience.

This season’s program includes an aria concert, masterclasses, social media and professional development coaching, and principal and featured roles in Michael Ching’s Notes on Viardot, and an English language, abridged production of Humperdinck’s Hänsel and Gretel. Plans for each singer currently include:

• New headshots by Molly Noori
• 2 Professional audition aria recordings, pianist included
• An aria concert performance
• At least one full role with performance
• Resume, website, and social media coaching
• Private coaching on audition arias and roles
• Movement for stage group lessons
• Stage makeup tutorials and a take home Ben Nye stage makeup kit
• Recommendation letters for future applications
• Finances & Taxes for singers
• Each student will be considered for The Mary Ann King Scholarship, currently valued at  $2,500, to be awarded at the program’s end. 

Housing is not provided but singers traveling from out of state will be provided free pick up/drop off to John Wayne airport and a list of recommended accommodations. The campus is situated right on the entrance to a county park, with beautiful views and opportunities for hiking.

The program will run from June 15th through June 27th in Orange County, California. Limited spaces available.

This is a tuition-based program at $2,240. Those who pay upfront in full upon acceptance will receive a discount of $250. Half of the tuition is due upon acceptance, second half is due on May 15th.

All applicants will receive singing roles in the program. APPLY HERE