Lyric Opera of Chicago is holding Chorus auditions in all voice categories for singers who are prepared for professional careers. Positions in the Regular Chorus, Core Supplementary Chorus, and Supplementary Chorus are available. Lyric Opera of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive casting and encourages all highly accomplished singers to audition.

Regular Chorus positions are:
Tenure track
Health insurance provided through AGMA
Guaranteed a 26-week minimum per season, with the possibility for additional week
Starting salaries begin at $1,904.50 per week and increase with seniority
PTO accrued annually
Two weeks of vacation paid out each calendar year
Additional seniority bonuses after 10 years

Preliminary Auditions
Chicago auditions will take place at the Lyric Opera House (20 N Wacker Drive, Chicago) on the following dates:
Monday, March 23, 2026 3:00-6:00pm
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 3:00-6:00pm
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 7:00-10:00pm
Thursday, March 26, 2026 1:00-4:00pm
Friday, March 27, 2026 3:00-6:00pm
Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00am-2:00p

Applicants must sing a preliminary audition to be considered for a callback audition. Please note that callback auditions are not always requested of singers in consideration for contracts.

Callback Auditions
Saturday, March 28, 2026 3:00-6:00pm

Auditions are by invitation only:
Please ensure materials are received no later than 5:00pm CDT on Monday, March 16, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

Audition Requirements:
Successful applicants are expected to prepare two opera arias that best demonstrate your vocal ability. These arias must be sung in two contrasting languages and must be memorized. Singers may be asked to sight-read. The ability to read and memorize music quickly and accurately is a must. You should anticipate an audition lasting no longer than four minutes; please plan your repertoire accordingly.

Lyric Opera of Chicago will furnish an accompanist. You must provide a legible copy of each aria, in the correct key, for the accompanist. Auditionees must be United States citizens OR possess, at the time of the audition, legal permission to work in the United States of America during the rehearsal and performance period.

Lyric Opera of Chicago employs a professional chorus under an AGMA (American Guild of Musical Artists) contract and pays competitive wages. You do not need to be a union member to audition.

Rehearsal and Performance Period:
The 2026/27 performance season runs from October 10 through November 29, 2026 (with rehearsals beginning in September) and the weeks of January 11 through April 25, 2027. A full (tentative) schedule of rehearsals and performances will be provided prior to the commencement of rehearsals.

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.