COT/CCPA Diploma Program
Joint Diploma Program
Chicago Opera Theater has partnered with Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) to offer a two-year Professional Diploma Program which couples advanced training and full scholarship support at CCPA with professional experience as a Young Artist at COT.
Under the guidance of the program's director, Scott Gilmore, singers and pianists selected for the program receive full scholarships from the college, and an AGMA Young Artist contract from COT during its season. The program is designed for post-graduate students specializing in opera, but may include some post-undergraduate students of exceptional ability. The program runs concurrently with the fall and spring semesters at CCPA, extending into the COT season.
Singers admitted to the program will receive four semesters of weekly individual voice lessons and twice-weekly coaching with CCPA's professional faculty. Pianists will accompany lessons and rehearsals, and also receive weekly coaching. Additional seminars on various topics concerning the profession are conducted throughout the year, and both master classes and performance classes are scheduled to help singers prepare for auditions. On-campus performance opportunities include roles in fully-staged CCPA operas with orchestra. Contract performances with COT may also include recitals, outreach and concert events throughout the year.
At the end of the spring semester, participants become Young Artists at COT. They will cover roles, sing in the mainstage ensemble, participate in performances with piano of each opera, master classes, recitals, and outreach presentations. Pianists will play some rehearsals, master classes, and assist in various capacities.
Members of the Joint Diploma Program typically comprise one-quarter to one-half of COT's Young Artists each season. The rest of the program is cast separately by Chicago Opera Theater through separate audition arranged by General Manager, Jerry Tietz, each fall.
For more information about the COT/CCPA Diploma Program, click here.
Chicago Opera Theater Young Artist program gratefully acknowledges support from:
The Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation | The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Fund |