Lyric Opera of Chicago announces Lyric Unlimited auditions for 2026-27 opportunities, including Opera in the Neighborhoods tour.
Lyric Opera of Chicago will hold general auditions in Chicago for local opera singers to participate in Lyric Unlimited programming. Primary of those opportunities will be the Opera in the Neighborhoods children’s opera presentation of Earth to Kenzie, by Frances Pollock and Jessica Murphy Moo, during the periods September 28 through November 1, 2026, and April 5 – May 2, 2027. Artists should be local to the Chicagoland area and have daytime availability for rehearsals and performances. Lyric Opera of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive casting and encourages all highly accomplished singers to audition.
Earth to Kenzie will engage four principal cast singers and four covers for the following roles:
•Kenzie (soprano), an avid video game playing fifth grader.
•Edwin/Eddie (mezzo-soprano), a split role of Kenzie’s in-game avatar and real-life classmate.
•Mother (mezzo-soprano), Kenzie’s mother.
•Space-Kitty/Teacher (baritone), a split role of Avatar’s in-game nemesis and Kenzie’s real-life teacher.
Audition schedule
Auditions will take place at Lyric Opera of Chicago, 40 North Wacker Drive (stage door):
Tuesday, April 28, 1:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, April 29, 1:00-4:00pm
Auditions are by invitation only.
To be considered, please complete the submission form at this link: https://forms.gle/yyJLgLRKMhRjcJFZ7 and submit resume and headshot to soloaud@lyricopera.org. The submission form includes a requirement for a video link of at least one aria.
Deadline for submission is Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Not all applicants are guaranteed an audition, and all auditions must be done live in Chicago. Applicants will be notified if they have been granted an audition by Friday, April 17, 2026.
Audition requirements
Successful applicants should prepare at least two arias (maximum four) that best demonstrate their vocal ability. One aria must be in English; the other may be in a contrasting language. Arias must be memorized. Lyric Opera of Chicago will provide a pianist. Artists must furnish a legible paper copy of each aria in the correct key for the pianist.
Additional information
Artists at Lyric Opera of Chicago are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). Should an artist be hired, they will be required to join this union if they are not already a member. Auditionees must be United States citizens or possess, at the time of the audition, legal permission to work in the United States of America during the rehearsal and performance period.
For more information please email soloaud@lyricopera.org, or visit our website at www.lyricopera.org/about/auditions.
About Lyric Opera of Chicago and Lyric Unlimited
Lyric Opera of Chicago’s mission is to express and promote the life-changing, transformational, revelatory power of great opera. Lyric exists to provide a broad, deep, and relevant cultural service to Chicago and the nation, and to advance the development of the art form. Lyric Unlimited is Lyric’s department devoted to education, community engagement, and new artistic initiatives. To learn more about Lyric’s current and future season, visit lyricopera.org.
Lyric Opera of Chicago 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.