2025-2026 Opera Program
The USC Thornton Opera Program prepares participants for the fall and spring productions as well as the winter (early spring semester) opera scenes performance. The Opera Program holds auditions the first week of classes each year. Students currently enrolled in a USC degree program are eligible to audition. See “Guidelines” below for more information.
Audition Schedule
- Wed. Aug. 27th, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location – MUS 105 - Fri. Aug. 29th, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location – MUS 105
Guidelines
- Returning Vocal Arts graduate students are requested to sign up for an audition slot on Wednesday August 27th.
- Newly arriving Vocal Arts graduate students are encouraged to sign up on Friday August 29th so that they can have a lesson with their voice teacher beforehand.
- Undergraduates from their sophomore year on are invited to audition on either day.
- Newly admitted freshmen need clearance from their Thornton Voice Teacher before they can audition.
- Audition slots are 10 minutes long.
- Arrive at least 20 minutes before the your audition time to complete pre-audition paperwork.
- Signup is being handled online. Email uscopera@usc.edu after August 11th to receive the link.
What to Sing
- Auditionees should prepare two to three selections. They can be arias, art songs, or musical theater pieces. If any season repertoire has been selected and announced before the start of classes, you will be informed. However, it is not necessary to audition with excerpts from the season.
- Pianists will be provided. You will be instructed to upload a PDF of the piano vocal score for each of your songs at least 48 hours before the day you audition.
- If you cannot be present in-person for the dates and times listed, a live video conference audition may be requested within the same timeframe. Contact the Opera Office (uscopera@usc.edu) after August 11th to discuss options.
*We recommend those cast enroll in the Opera Workshop class as soon as possible to avoid late registration fees. Check with your USC Thornton student advisor regarding which opera class to enroll in.
Further Information
- Visit this link for information about USC Thornton School Admissions.
- Visit the Vocal Arts & Opera ensemble page for more departmental information about the program.
- Visit the Opera Program website for information about past shows and participant artist bios.