Apprenticeship Program

Our apprentice program is built on the belief that the next generation of opera makers deserves a place to learn, experiment and grow in a real artistic environment. We want to give emerging directors, conductors, designers, répétiteurs and stage managers the chance to develop their craft while working side by side with experienced professionals. Each role offers hands on experience in rehearsals and productions, so the apprentices can gain confidence, build essential skills and understand how an opera company truly works from the inside.

Opera Rehearsals

Serve as assistant conductor for the mainstage opera production
Conduct staging rehearsals with piano while receiving guidance from the faculty
Work closely with the stage director to create an artistic result that connects the music with the regie (staging).
Support the preparation of singers and the orchestra

Orchestra Time

Opportunities to conduct orchestral readings, stage orchestra rehearsals with singers, and selected performances after discussion with the artistic faculty

Conducting Lessons

Individual opera conducting lessons with piano and singers

Industry connections and insight into real opera houses

Hands-on experience in the daily life of a professional opera house, supported by Opera Zuid
Learn about logistics, planning and communication, which form a large part of an opera conductor’s work
Access to networking events with casting agents, managers and opera professionals, as well as on-site auditions and Q and A sessions with industry leaders

Credits and promotion

All performance credits listed on Operabase
Professional recordings of your work for personal use or career development

Tuition Fee: €1.100,00

All festival activities and lessons included

Accommodation & Food costs: €2.100,00

These include a hot lunch provided 5 times a week and a private room in a four bedroom apartment with a shared kitchen at Dormio Resort Maastricht.

Our accommodation offers comfortable, modern housing and easy access to both nature and the city. The resort offers houses with private bathrooms, terraces, free WiFi and flat screen TVs, with luxury options that include a whirlpool and sauna. Our apprentices can enjoy the on site restaurant and bar, free access to the swimming pool, and full use of the gym. Located next to International Golf Maastricht and scenic hiking paths, the resort is only a short distance from the centre of Maastricht.

For more information, please visit the ABOUT page

Opera Rehearsals

Serve as assistant director on the mainstage opera production, supporting the director in all stages of the process

Coach singers in character development, text work and aria interpretation

Lead selected staging rehearsals and scene work, with guidance from the directing faculty
Help maintain the production’s artistic vision by preparing schedules, rehearsal notes and communication with the artistic team

Directing Workshops

• Take part in practical directing workshops focused on movement, storytelling, dramaturgy and communication with singers

• Gain experience creating short scenes and arias, with feedback from professional directors

• Explore your own artistic voice through exercises in concept development and staging choices

Industry Connections and Insight into Professional Opera

• Observe rehearsals and planning sessions at Opera Zuid and learn how a professional opera house functions

• Develop skills in collaboration, leadership and problem solving within a creative team

• Access networking opportunities with casting agents, managers and opera professionals, including on-site auditions and Q and A sessions with industry leaders

Credits and Promotion

• Assistant director credits will be listed on Operabase

• Professional photos and video clips of your work will be provided for personal use and career development

Serve as assistant conductor for the mainstage opera production
Conduct staging rehearsals with piano while receiving guidance from the faculty
Work closely with the stage director to create an artistic result that connects the music with the regie (staging).
Support the preparation of singers and the orchestra