LEADERSHIP INTENSIVE APPLICATION

Please make sure you answer all mandatory fields.

LEADERSHIP INTENSIVE PROGRAM APPLICATION

Each year, the Association for Opera in Canada selects and sponsors two Canadians to participate in the OPERA America Leadership Intensive program.

The Canadian envoy joins an international cohort of delegates from the USA and Europe for a unique learning experience designed to bolster the next generation of opera leadership through capacity and career advancement opportunities.

Program Dates: August 24-29, 2026

Application Process

Applications for the 2026 Cycle will close on January 5, 2026.

Applicants to the program are strongly encouraged to contact AOC before applying to the program. christinal@opera.ca

Selection Process

Canadian applicants to the Leadership Intensive will be selected by a Canadian jury that will include past alumni of the program. Candidates will be assessed according to the AOC selection rubric available here: https://www.opera.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2025LIRubric-1.pdf

Which of these statuses applies to you? * Please note: This opportunity is reserved for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Other applicants are encouraged to apply directly via OPERA America (https://www.operaamerica.org)"*

Canadian Citizen Permanent Resident

Do you have the required credentials to enter the United States? (a passport valid for at least six months after the return date at the end of the session August 30, 2026) *

Yes
No

The majority of this program is offered in the United States by OPERA America, and as such, the working language is English.
Are you able to participate in English?*

Yes
No

First Name*

Last Name*

Personal Email*

Personal Phone Number*

Personal Address*

Please share the pronouns you use in reference to yourself (e.g., she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/their, ze/hir/hir)

If you identify as an Equity Seeking Artist or Company, provide your preferred self-description here

Do you identify as a person with a disability?*

Current Employer *

Current Title*

Work Address*

Work Phone Number*

Professional Email *

How long have you been with your current employer?*

How long have you been in your current position?*

How many people report directly to you in your current position (if any)?*

How many years have you worked in the opera field (including part-time, contract, full-time, or self-employed work)?*

Biography: Please include a current 200-word biography below. If you are accepted into the program, this biography will appear in the related press release and be shared with the faculty and other participants. (Please note: If you are accepted into the program, you will need to submit a high-resolution headshot.)*

Resume: Please submit a resume outlining your academic and administrative experience. Artistic resumes listing roles performed or works directed/conducted/produced will not be accepted. Please be sure to include: 1- Higher-education degrees, completed or in progress 2- Other types of training or leadership development 3- Relevant certifications or memberships 4- Professional, social, or volunteer experience that highlights areas of expertise that can support your leadership in the field*

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YOUR EXPERIENCE IN YOUR OWN WORDS

Please respond to the following prompts about your experience and goals. Answers may include references to the wider industry but should reflect an understanding of your personal career needs and how they can be supported by this program.

Why have you chosen to pursue a career in the field of opera? (Maximum 250 words)*

The Leadership Intensive Program prioritizes personal leadership development and growth. Describe two or three personal leadership learning objectives you hope to get out of the Leadership Intensive program. (maximum 250 words) *

Association for Opera in Canada is committed to creating a more equitable field. What social justice efforts are you most passionate about addressing on a deeper level through this program? (Maximum 250 words.)*

It's 20 years from today and you look back with pride at your career achievements. How have you advanced the opera field? What has your journey looked like (roles, organizations, experiences)? (Maximum 250 words.)*

What support, opportunities, or areas of growth would you need now to achieve what you just described? (Maximum 250 words.)*

Please provide an example of your leadership experience and something you've learned from this experience. (Maximum 250 words.)*

Reflecting on your past participation in mentorship, leadership, or professional development, what moments stood out to you as the most meaningful? (Maximum 250 words.) Hint: If you have participated in the following or similar programs, please list them here: AOC's OAR Program; AOC's RBC Mentorship / Fellowship Program; Participation in AOC Summits, Participation in OPERA America's Opera Conference, Forums, or listservs, etc.*

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