Apprentice Artists
The Sarasota Opera Apprentice Artists Program was started in 1982. Like similar programs throughout the country, it is meant to help trained singers in the important transition from student to professional life.
The program functions within the aesthetic of Sarasota Opera by focusing on the standard operatic repertoire from Mozart to Puccini.
The company provides many performing opportunities throughout its fall and winter seasons. The training aspect of the program focuses on encouraging singers to give impassioned performances through vocal expression with an understanding of the meaning of the text, the poetry, and the music. In private coaching’s and classes, acting is approached through an efficiency of movement that brings out the meaning of the work rather than obscuring it.
The company aims for a consistent teaching approach that is supported by the artistic staff and the productions we produce on our stage.
Applications for the Winter 2024 Apprentice Program will open in the summer. The program runs from January 10 through March 24, 2024, and includes participating in the chorus of the Main Stage productions.
In addition, Apprentice Artists will:
- Participate in classes given by Victor DeRenzi (Artistic Director of Sarasota Opera), Lindsay Woodward (Chorus Master/Program and Music Director of the Apprentice Artists), Martha Collins (Apprentice Artists Program stage director), Stephanie Sundine (Apprentice Artists Program stage director), Marco Nisticò (artistic administrator), and other members of the Sarasota Opera staff.
- Coach music with members of the music staff
- Coach foreign languages with native-born speakers
- Participate in master classes
- Network with experienced colleagues
- Perform at concerts during the season
- Perform and cover main stage roles.
Click Here to apply to the 2024 Apprentice Artist program.
2023 Winter Apprentice Artists
ROSARIO ARMAS, Mezzo-Soprano
Tlaxcala, Mexico
Sponsored by Steve and Lynn Blackledge
MARY P. BURKE, Mezzo-Soprano
Centreville, Virginia
Sponsored by Hank and Melinda Foster
SCOTT HETZ CLARK, Baritone
Leesburg, Virginia
The Lynn and Steve Blackledge Endowed Artist
LIZ CULPEPPER, Mezzo-Soprano
Austin, Texas
Sponsored by Ruth Kreindler
OLIVIA CURRIER, Mezzo-Soprano
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Sponsored by Amanda and Dick Smoot
JEREK FERNANDEZ, Tenor
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Sponsored by Forrest Crawford
STEELE FITZWATER, Bass-Baritone
Dawson, West Virginia
Sponsored by Larry and Carol English
HELEN HENDRICKS, Soprano
Phoenix, AZ
Sponsored by Ms. Katherine Benoit and Mr. John Brooks
MARK HOSSEINI, Baritone
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sponsored by Felicia and Andrew Hall
MELINA JAHARIS, Mezzo-Soprano
Winnetka, IL
Sponsored by Janis and Hobart Swan
JW KECKLEY, Tenor
Carl Junction, Missouri
Sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. William Lloyd
KAREN KELLEY, Mezzo-Soprano
Tempe, Arizona
The Joel D. and Ellen S. Fedder Endowed Artist
GIOWOOUNG KIM, Tenor
Seoul, South Korea
Sponsored by Joey Frye, in memoriam
AMANDA LEVY, Soprano
Smithtown, New York
Sponsored by Eleanor Faber
JAMES MANCUSO, Tenor
Shoreham, NY
Sponsored by Margaret Renner
SERGIO MANDUJANO, Tenor
Norwalk, CT
Sponsored by Janet Stern Solomon and Lewis D. Solomon
RANDELL MCGEE, Baritone
Saint Louis, Missouri
Sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mallof
VIRGINIA MIMS, Soprano
West Palm Beach, FL
Sponsored by Alan Kesten
AMANDALYNNE PERZYK, Soprano
Rochester Hills, Michigan
Sponsored by Helena Panoyan
SAMUEL RACHMUTH, Bass-Baritone
New York, New York
Sponsored by Alain and Helene Lebleu
JUSTIN RAMM-DAMRON, Bass-Baritone
New York, New York
Sponsored by William C. and Joyce K. Fletcher
ELLEN ROBERTSON, Soprano
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
The Joey Frye Endowed Artist
VERONICA ROBINSON, Soprano
Los Angeles, California
Sponsored by Paul and Sharon Steinwachs
ESTEBAN SENZIG, Tenor
Provo, Utah