The American Prize in Opera Performance, 2023-24
The American Prize in Opera Performance recognizes and rewards the best performances of opera and operetta by opera companies, ensembles and schools in America, based on submitted recordings. There is no live competition. The competition is designed to evaluate productions, not individual singers. (Vocalists interested in The American Prize should apply in the Vocal Performance competitions in Art Song/Oratorio or Opera/Operetta.)
Applicants performing American Music should also consider applying for the BACON AWARD. (Click "American Music" in the "Competitions" menu, above). In this division we are accepting performances made within the last five years.
DOWNLOAD OPERA PERFORMANCE APPLICATION HERE (PDF)
REVISED DEADLINE (because of many requests): Tuesday, Oct 10, 2023. Questions?
Email: theamericanprize@gmail.com
Every applicant must send certain required information by email.
Applicants can then complete their application either of two ways:
A. ONLINE ONLY: pay fees online, submit the downloaded application as a PDF or scan, along with the required emailed information (see application form), and include links to your online audition selections. (Application forms for The American Prize can be filled out on computer, saved and emailed by using Adobe Reader 11. Download it free here.)
—or—
B. BY MAIL & EMAIL: mail the completed, downloaded application form and send audition selections on disc to the office, and email the required information (see application form), paying fees online, or by check, by money order or credit card.
1. Download the application form for The American Prize in Opera Performance. Select the category which best identifies the applicant.
2. MAIL the completed application form by the deadline date or EMAIL it as a PDF or scan with your required email.
3. If providing audition selections ONLINE, include the links in your required email (see application form.)
4. If providing audition selections BY MAIL, include two identical recordings of the ensemble in performance, with the selections clearly indicated on both the recording itself and on the recording's cover or box. Be sure it lists applicant's name.
5. Be sure to sign the form and pay the application fee. Pay ONLINE (click "FEES/GIFTS" in the menu bar, above), or use this link: "Pay competition fees", or send check, money order or credit card information by mail.
6. Be sure to email the required information (see application form.)
The application fee is $95 per application. Pay ONLINE (click "FEES/GIFTS" in the menu bar, above) or use this iink: "Pay competition fees" pay by credit card, or make checks payable to HCMT/The American Prize (see application form.) Application fees are nonrefundable. No incomplete applications will be accepted. When paying online, BE SURE to identify the applicant with the payment.
REQUIREMENTS for the RECORDED AUDITION:
The American Prize in Opera Performance:
1. MAIL recordings of, or email ONLINE links to, at minimum approximately twenty minutes of staged, conducted opera or operetta, which must include one complete act of a standard work, performed either in the original language or in translation, with the original accompaniment, whether it be orchestra (or reduced orchestra), chamber ensemble or piano. Neither the size, make-up, location or repertoire of any qualified organization limits its eligibility. Excellence within categories is the primary criteria for the selection of finalists and winners. The judges will listen from the beginning of the recording unless you request otherwise. Recordings must have been made within the last five years.
2. Performers and works must be clearly identified on the disc itself and on the cover or box. We accept DVDs or online links only. No audio-only tapes.
3. If submitting ONLINE links, include them in your required email. Be sure to identify the links by title of the selection and provide any passwords necessary, so judges can easily access your audition. Links must remain active until the end of the contest year. PLEASE NOTE: The responsibility for the viability of links rests with the contestant. Please double-check that they work correctly.
4. There are no other restrictions. No materials will be returned. Completed applications will be confirmed by email.
SEND required email to: theamericanprize@gmail.com
GENERAL TIMELINE for this competition:
In general, the competition process is completed over a number of months. Semi-finalists are announced in the fall and winter, finalists in the winter & spring, followed by winners—after which all certificates, evaluations and prizes are mailed. Specific dates for the announcement of each stage of the competition are posted in regular updates to the competition's blog and facebook pages. Find those links on the homepage of this website.
The American Prize competitions are administered by Hat City Music Theater, Inc. (HCMT), the 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization based in Danbury, CT.