Program Details:

The VOCAL IMMERSION PROGRAM at CASTLETON (ViP) is a professional performing arts mentoring program in the bucolic Piedmont Region. Established in 2020 by Paul Groves, Michelle DeYoung, and Dietlinde Turban Maazel for emerging professional artists, the program allows a select group of young singers to explore their artistic potential through two weeks of diverse lessons and classes culminating in performances of well-known opera arias, duets, and ensembles as well as German Lieder. Faculty instruction led by world-renowned artists, mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung, tenor Paul Groves, actress Dietlinde Turban Maazel, are joined by Robert Grayson, Ben Malensek, and world percussion artist Tom Teasley.

Guest Faculty include Susan Graham, Bryn Terfel, and Stephen Wadsworth, and more.

The program is merit-based and tuition-free. Shared houses and meals in the rural farm area of Castleton permit full immersion and focus. The program’s mission is not only to hone skills but to encourage the young stars of tomorrow to find their path in their desire to communicate with audiences in a meaningful way and connect to the human spirit.

There are no age restrictions or limitations for applicants.

Program Cost:

Tuition, housing, and meals are covered for all participants. Participants are responsible for application and travel costs.

Program Dates:

January 06 to January 18, 2025 – Participants should reserve JAN 05 and JAN 19 for travel.

There are two main performances during the program:
Art Song & German Lieder Recital, January 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Opera Scenes Performance, January 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM

Audition Information:

AUDITIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN THREE ROUNDS ~

1. Pre-screening:
Voice applicants should submit two Art Songs, two Arias (as YouTube links only), application ticket receipt from SimpleTix (as PDF), Headshot (JPEG), Resume (PDF), and a short, program-length Biography (as Word file)

Piano applicants should submit two Art Songs, two Arias (as YouTube links only), application ticket receipt from SimpleTix (as PDF), Headshot (JPEG), Resume (PDF), and a short, program-length Biography (as Word file).

In pre-screening stage, all pieces for the piano applicant must be with a singer.

Pre-Screening Materials are due by the end of the day JULY 15, 2024 to this e-mail address: JaredY@castletonfestival.org

2. ZOOM-LIVE Auditions:

After review, applicants will be selected for ZOOM-LIVE auditions. Applicants should expect to receive a 10-minute audition slot in this round. Applicants should bring two art songs and two contrasting arias. Detailed information will be sent via e-mail to the invited applicants.

The Zoom-Live auditions are TBA in early September 2024.

-Vocal applicants at this stage are expected to provide their own pianist.

-Piano participants at this stage are expected to provide a singer for a minimum of one art song and one aria. The panel may ask to hear the pianist alone during the audition.

3. Final Interviews:

After ZOOM-LIVE auditions, a final group of applicants will be contacted for a final interview round.

Please be prepared to speak on your Rèsumé/CV, your experience as an artist, “why” you are interested in the Vocal Immersion Program as your next step, and line-up contact information for references (upon request from panel).

Application Deadline:

Pre-screening materials are due JULY 15, 2024.
There is a nonrefundable application fee of $50 due for all applicants by JUL 15, before the pre-screening round.

Submit all materials to Jared Alan Yoakem; Administrative Assistant, Castleton Festival via e-mail to JaredY@castletonfestival.org

Please contact Jared Alan Yoakem with any application questions. 

Proof of Covid vaccination and at least one booster is required for all participants and is expected to be shown upon arrival to the program. 

Accepted Participants will be required to test negative 4 days prior to arrival, in addition to flashing their vaccination record. Experience has shown one participant who contracts the virus can shut down an entire workshop.