Portfolio Artist
Internship Program

Opera training that makes sense for the next generation of opera artists

What’s involved in the program?

Interns participate in three levels of programming

Performance Practice - Interns cover a role in our professional production and/or take the stage in the intern production for their Toronto debuts. They also perform in the Portfolio Artist Intern Gala.

Professional Skills Learning - Throughout the year, interns participate in a series of skills development sessions, exploring topics such as grant writing and budgeting, time and project management.

Secondary Skills Development - Mentorship and hands-on learning in administration, production, and/or design.

What is the Portfolio Artist Internship?

The Internship Program is designed to support the development of individuals pursuing a portfolio career: a multi-faceted path, artistic or otherwise, simultaneously. The internship provides three levels of learning opportunities: performance, professional skills development, and secondary artistic/administrative skills with a focus on fostering a supportive learning environment. Interns are often curious, creative thinkers, who are keen to expand their skill sets, try new things, and take risks.

Can I get involved?

Are you an early career artist? Reach out and say hello! We are currently accepting applications for the program from current Opera McGill student and alumni (priority is given to current students). Click here for more information and to apply.

If you are not currently an Opera McGill student, we would be happy to let you know when there are new opportunities. We also always love to meet artists!

Are you an educator from an institution? If you are interested in bringing the Opera Intern model to your institution, exploring ways to collaborate with Indie and Professional opera companies, or expanding professional skills training for your students, reach out! We would love to talk about how we can support you in these various ways.

Are you a mentor wanting to support early-career artists? We are always keen to bring new mentors and learning opportunities to our Opera Interns. Please email Jaclyn@Opera5.ca to say hello!

Who is our internship program for?

The program is for early-career artists ready for their first professional experiences and eager to learn secondary and parallel skills. The program is currently in its second iteration, and is being developed in collaboration with Opera McGill.

What our interns are saying

100% of interns reported that this experience helped them gain confidence as artists.

Interns shared that they gained confidence in and further developed professional skills in areas such as creativity, grant writing, adaptability, taking risks, and goal setting.

100% of interns reported that participation in the program has made them want to further engage in the Canadian opera community.

“The Opera 5 internship gave me the opportunity to experience being a part of a professional opera production while strengthening my performance skills and learning other tools that would be helpful to my career. The environment was incredibly warm, inclusive, and encouraging. It went above and beyond my expectations. I am so grateful to have worked with and learned from this amazing team of artists, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat!”

VIVIEN ILLION, 2024 INTERN

“The opportunities for learning in this Internship were endless. Not only did I have my professional debut as an artist, I also got to learn about the different aspects of what goes into an opera behind the scenes. I had the opportunity to work with the stage management and set design team. I made countless connections within the opera community that I would not have been able to make otherwise. Exposure to professionals within the industry; the orchestra, designers, directors and singers provided me with the knowledge of what it takes to put on a professional opera and further grew my passion, desire and love of this art form.”

PAIGE ROBINSON, 2024 INTERN