Ryan Opera Center Ensemble auditions
Applications for The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center 2026/27 Ensemble Conductor, Stage Director, and Stage Manager are now open.
The Ryan Opera Center seeks early-career candidates for these positions with some previous training and/or experience working in opera, who are eager to learn by being immersed in a high-level professional environment.
The full-time contract dates are May 4, 2026, through May 2, 2027 (subject to change), with an option for renewal, as the positions are expected to have a two-year residency.
Applications are free and must be submitted via YAP Tracker.
For questions, please contact Logan Skirm via email at [email protected].
APPLY NOW FOR 2026/27 conductor
APPLY NOW FOR 2026/27 stage Director
APPLY NOW FOR 2026/27 Stage Manager
Conductor application deadline: January 9, 2026
Audition Date: February 20, 2026
Location: Chicago, IL
Stage Director application deadline: January 9, 2026
Virtual interviews: February 2026
Stage Manager application deadline: January 9, 2026
Virtual interviews: February 2026
Singer and Pianist applications for the 2026/27 Ensemble are closed. Audition information for the 2027/28 Ensemble will go live in early 2026.
The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center
The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is Lyric's acclaimed artist-development program that nurtures the talents of some of the most promising operatic artists of each generation. Ryan Opera Center alumni are among the dominant names in opera today. This highly competitive program, established in 1974, is led by Director Dan Novak, Music Director Craig Terry, and Director of Vocal Studies Julia Faulkner.
Pictured: Ryan Opera Center Ensemble pianist Michael Banwarth and baritone Finn Sagal in Lyric's 2024/25 Season Sunday in the Park with Lyric.
The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.
Header image: Mezzo-soprano Lucy Baker performing at Final Auditions (2023). Credit: Kyle Flubacker