Singers’ Development Award Application

Thank you for your interest in the Seattle Opera Guild Singer Development Awards.

We are committed to supporting the efforts of emerging professional artists in their continued training. Cash awards vary from year to year and are granted at the discretion of the judges.

Application Deadline: Materials must be postmarked by May 1, 2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

Auditions: Applicants will be pre-screened by a listening committee, and finalists will be invited to participate in live auditions on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Chapel in the Good Shepherd Center in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle. Finalists will be notified by May 15, 2026.

Please describe how this grant will support your artistic development and advance your professional goals. In your response, we encourage you to share:

• Why you are seeking financial assistance at this stage in your career
• How this funding will enable opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach
• Your current and future plans for vocal study, coaching, auditions, or program participation

Examples of appropriate funding requests include vocal instruction, coaching, summer opera programs, audition travel, and related professional development expenses.

Participation in the Seattle Opera Guild Singer Development Award Program is subject to the following regulations:

• Finalists must be available for live auditions on May 28, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to be considered. Finals will be held at:

  The Chapel Space
  Good Shepherd Center, Fourth Floor
  4649 Sunnyside Ave N
  Seattle, WA  98103
  (SW corner of 50th & Sunnyside in Wallingford, nearest Metro stops: 16, 44, 26)

• Applicants must be residents of the State of Washington, though travel during the grant period is permitted for lessons, coaching, auditions, performances, masterclasses, and young artist programs
• Grant recipients are required to perform free of charge at one Seattle Opera Guild function
• The Seattle Opera Guild does not offer employment, though a stipend may be awarded for special vocal services
• Recipients are subject to evaluation during the funding year. Misrepresentation on the application or breach of stipulations may result in disqualification without appeal
• Grant funds will be disbursed within one week following the final auditions