Windy City Operafest is pleased to announce online auditions for Verdi’s Rigoletto, a semi-staged opera production directed by Andrea Silvestrelli with piano accompaniment, to be presented as part of Operafest, taking place May 1–15, 2027.

This program includes full role preparation, Italian diction coaching, music coaching, an acting workshop, and a final performance. Special role mentors are Andrea Silvestrelli and Franco Pomponi, with collaborative pianists and vocal coaches Irina Feoktistova and Leo Radosavljevic.

Please submit a resume and a video recording. The application fee is $30.

Tuition fee:

• $1,680 for Rigoletto, Duke, Gilda

• $1,340 for Sparafucile

• $1,120 for Maddalena

• $800 for Monterone, Giovanna

• $600 for Marullo, Borsa

• $400 for Count Ceprano

• $300 for Countess Ceprano plus Page (combined fees)

• Artists who have previously participated in Windy City Operafest will receive a tuition discount of up to $250.

• A non-refundable deposit is due within five (5) days of acceptance to secure participation. The deposit is $300 for all roles except Count Ceprano, Countess Ceprano, and Page, for which the deposit is $150. The deposit is applied toward the total tuition.

• The remaining tuition may be paid in two (2) equal installments, or, upon request, in up to six (6) installments.

• Limited tuition assistance may be considered upon request.

We look forward to welcoming you to Windy City Operafest for a rewarding musical and artistic experience!