Description

The Opera Camp™ Composition, Libretto & Illustration Program is an international fellowship and collaborative opera creation initiative for composers, librettists, and illustrators interested in developing new operatic works under professional mentorship.

Selected creators collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to develop original one-act operas that receive professional workshops, overture premieres, and—depending on the participation track—full opera productions. The program combines artistic mentorship, collaborative creation, international networking, and career development while fostering culturally authentic storytelling and sustainable opera creation.

Participants may apply to one of three tracks:
• Opera Master – Commission to create a full one-act opera, full fellowship (up to $30k), complete staged premiere, and international overture co-premieres.
• Opera Fellow – Collaborative opera commission, full fellowship (up to $15k), overture premiere, and selected aria/scene workshops.
• Opera Apprentice – Collaborative opera commission, overture premiere, selected workshops, and installment tuition options. Tuition is $6,000 USD. A separate application fee applies (see application materials for details).
In addition, participants receive professional mentorship, portfolio-quality recordings, inclusion in the CommunityOperaScores™ international catalog, and opportunities to collaborate with creators from around the world.

The program is open internationally and welcomes creators whose artistic voices reflect their own cultural identities while embracing collaborative opera creation.
NOTE: Priority and Early-Bird Applications due July 31 (Application $25). Application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If the application fee represents a financial hardship, you may request a full application fee waiver through one of our partner institutions or by emailing solutions@performingartslab.com.
Application requires personal statements and work samples. Check the website for when applications open.

Selected participants in the Opera Master and Opera Fellow tracks receive full Creator Fellowships (100% tuition remission). The Master track includes fellowships valued at $30,000 for composers and $15,000 for librettists and illustrators. The Fellow track includes fellowships valued at $15,000 for composers and $7,500 for librettists and illustrators. Opera Apprentice participants pay $6,000 tuition, with installment payment options available.

Participants receive direct mentorship from Maestro Diego Barbosa-Vásquez and the Performing Arts Laboratory creative team through online workshops, collaborative creation sessions, artistic coaching, and the development process leading to the premiere.

Depending on the participation track, creators receive commissions to develop new operatic works, professional workshops, overture and/or full opera premieres, professional audio/video recordings and portfolio materials, inclusion in the CommunityOperaScores™ international catalog for global management, international networking opportunities, and collaboration with composers, librettists, illustrators, performers, and production professionals from around the world.