Here are various frequently asked questions that applicants often have.

Q. Will I get to sing the whole role in the opera being performed?

A. Yes, the entire opera will be performed in its' original language (Italian) using the Baerenreiter Edition of the score, with standard cuts in the recitativi.

Q. Is the production with orchestra or piano?

A. The production is with piano accompaniment. It is the goal of the studio to provide the singer with a role from the standard repertoire. The cost of the program would be substantially higher, were we to have an orchestra and of no great benefit in aiding the singer to present himself to a theater.

Q. Will I get to sing for an agent?

A. Yes, most definitely. In 2008 we had three agents over the summer and have already several singers who have received offers to sing in German theaters, as a direct result of their agent auditions at LOSW.

Q. Are the productions multi-cast?

A. All roles assigned will be multi-cast; double, triple or quadruple depending on the nature of the role. All participants are guaranteed equal staging and coaching time as dictated by size and depth of role. All participants are guaranteed a minimum of one (1) performance per role assignment provided the role(s) assigned is adequately prepared prior to arrival in Weimar. Final cast groupings and performance days will be decided approximately two (2) weeks into rehearsals. The Faculty reserves the right to remove an individual from a role if the singer is not sufficiently prepared.

Q. How many students are accomodated per room

A. There are three students to a room. The rooms are large however and the facitlities are spacious. There is also a large garden.

Q. How do I get to Weimar?

A. You will want to book a flight to either Frankfurt or Berlin. From either of these cities, it is approximately 2.5 hours by train to Weimar. While you can pre-book tickets with the Deutsche Bahn (www.bahn.de) to get special prices, you should be aware if your flight is delayed and you miss your scheduled train connection, you will forfeit your train ticket. (Special price tickets are restricted to a specific itinerary while regular/full price tickets are not). Train tickets can be bought upon arrival and you will likely find a train to Weimar every hour or so from either Frankfurt or Berlin. Munich is also an option but the train ride from Munich is about 4.5 hours. Frankfurt is arguably the easiest of connections as the train station is accessible directly from the airport (Flughafen). Other International airports you may want to investigate are Leipzig (approx 1 hour by train to Weimar) and Dresden (2 hours by train to Weimar). The closest regional Airport to Weimar is in Erfurt (approx 10 minutes by train to Weimar). Air Berlin (www.airberlin.com) services this airport and you may be able to find a hopper flight from one of the International Airports to Erfurt.

Q. What does "half-board" mean?

A. Half board translates to two meals a day; breakfast and hot lunch (European dinner) from Monday to Saturday. You are responsible for your own dinner and meals on Sundays. There are several reasonably priced restaurants within walking distance for both take-out and eat-in meals. You can eat well for around 10 Euros a day in Weimar.

Q. Are there laundry facilities?

A. There are no on-site laundry facilities however there is a weekly pick-up/drop-off service. The cost is 5 Euros per load (washed and dried). We recommend bringing a laundry bag with a nametag.

Q. Do I need a VISA for Germany?

A. If you are a member of the European Union you do not need a visa. If you are American or Canadian, who intends to visit Germany for tourism or business related purposes for a period not exceeding three months, you do not require a visa. If you want to extend your stay over three months you will need to apply for an extension. You can do this prior to arriving (visit your local German consulate) or when you are in Germany. If you are another nationality, please check with your local German Consulate for visa requirements.

Q. What is the language of instruction?

A. The primary instruction language is English, however there will be daily German lessons.

Should you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to write us at info@lyricoperstudioweimar.com