American Lyric Theater Calls For Applications For CLDP, Deadline 6/1

American Lyric Theater is now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 Composer Librettist Development Program (CLDP), open to eligible composers, librettists and playwrights. The application deadline is June 1, 2011.

The CLDP is the only full-time professional mentorship initiative for emerging opera composers and librettists/playwrights in the United States. The program runs from September to June annually, and includes a core curriculum of classroom training and hands-on workshops with some of the country's leading working artists, including composer/librettist Mark Adamo (ALT's Director of Professional Development), conductor and vocal coach Lucy Arner, composer Anthony Davis, dramaturg Cori Ellison, librettist Michael Korie, and stage director Rhoda Levine. In addition to ongoing classes and workshops, artists in the program take part in residency observerships at New York City Opera. Through this partnership, the CLDP is able to provide writers the opportunity to explore the process of mounting fully staged operatic productions. CLDP classes and workshops take place at OPERA America, the national service organization for opera, providing exceptional workshop facilities and additional opportunities for Resident Artists to expand their professional network.

The CLDP is tuition free for selected artists, and is designed to provide customized mentorship to artists from a wide variety of backgrounds. ALT's mandate includes mentoring artists with classical training, as well as those with non-traditional / non-classical backgrounds who have a passionate interest in writing for the opera stage. Based on the quality of applicants each year, ALT accepts up to eight artists to participate in year one of the Program. Selected artists are invited to continue their residency with ALT after their first year to receive private mentorship as they work towards developing full-length works.

Applications are welcome from any emerging composer or librettist/playwright who is a U.S. Citizen or legal resident. Artists may apply individually to the program or as a member of a writing team. ALT defines an emerging opera Composer or Librettist as someone who has acquired significant skills as a composer and/or librettist (or playwright) through academic study, practice, and professional experience; who demonstrates a unique and important musical and/or theatrical perspective that could benefit from intense mentorship as part of the CLDP; and who has not yet had a work commissioned or performed by an OPERA America professional producing company. Their work in other genres may have been performed professionally, as ALT's definition of emerging applies specifically to an artist's development as a writer for the opera stage. Students of degree granting institutions are not eligible for consideration. There are no age restrictions for participation. The CLDP takes place in New York City, and residency in the metropolitan New York City area is required for the entire duration of the program.

Click HERE for detailed information about the CLDP Curriculum and Schedule.

Click HERE for application information.

Click HERE for biographies of ALT's faculty.

Click HERE for biographies of ALT's current CLDP Resident Artists.

www.altnyc.org