Each year, Seagle Festival selects thirty-two of the finest young singers from across the country and around the world to participate in its program. Emerging artists are chosen through a rigorous application and audition process. Both in-person auditions and recorded auditions are considered in the selection process. Selected emerging artists are in residence each summer from mid-June to mid-August.

Artists participate in five fully staged productions every season along with concerts, diction and acting classes. Twice weekly, artists receive private voice lessons. Artists also receive private coaching sessions. A major portion of class time each year is devoted to audition techniques and career planning. Masterclasses by visiting professional artists, artists’ managers and professional company arts administrators are regularly scheduled throughout the summer. Classes and sessions in other theatrical aspects of the performance of opera and musical theater, including sets and costumes, make-up and haristyling are also given.
How to Apply/Audition
Detailed information about applying to a part of our 2024 season will be available on or before November 1, 2023.
Application/Audition Requirements
– Completed Application Form
– Scholarship Application Form (if applying for scholarship)
– In-person or recorded audition. Audition requirements are two contrasting pieces, one preferably in English.
– Headshot
– Performance resume detailing opera and musical theatre experience
– $5 application fee
– $25 audition fee if selected for an in-person audition
Casting
All roles – including principal, featured and supporting, as well as chorus – are pre-cast from the ensemble of emerging artists attending Seagle Festival. All artists receive at least one featured role during the season.
Fall Season Community Engagement Artists
This extended season includes additional community engagement performances consisting of a touring revue and in-school children’s opera in September and early October. Four emerging artists participating in the summer season are selected to remain in Schroon Lake for this program. The program includes a stipend and housing for the residency period, as well as coaching and extended performing experience. No additional application is required for this program.
Faculty/Staff

Seagle Festival is managed by General Director, Tony Kostecki and Artistic Director, Darren K. Woods. A professional faculty of voice teachers, pianist/coaches, stage directors and theater technicians bring their years of experience to our emerging artists each season.
Location
The Seagle Festival campus facilities are located on 32 beautiful wooded acres just southwest of the Adirondack town of Schroon Lake. The Adirondack Region of upstate New York includes the 6.1 million acres Adirondack State Park, comprised of both private and public lands. Our area of the county is considered by many one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the eastern United States.
Costs
Seagle Festival is a tuition-based program. Tuition costs for the 2023 season are $6,000 plus the application/audition fees (please see application requirements above), and a refundable housing security deposit of $200 collected upon arrival. This cost covers lodging and meals for the entire season as well as all other costs. Transportation to Schroon Lake, books and scores are not included. Scholarships are given to most emerging artists based on the financial needs of the artist and the production needs of the program. Before application, please read our full payment and cancellation policy.