Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Bayer Fund Artists-in-Training Program

The Bayer Fund Artists-in-Training Program (AIT) is designed to identify, coach, and encourage promising young high school singers both on and offstage. This nationally acclaimed program provides rigorous vocal training meant to supplement in-school music education classes, and also teaches lifelong lessons about goal-setting, hard work, and perseverance.

AIT offers seven months of college-level voice lessons to approximately 20 high school students in the St. Louis community, who are selected through an open and free audition process. Students will also experience performances and programming by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Jazz St. Louis, Dance St. Louis, and more.

In addition to students’ weekly vocal lessons, Opera Theatre hires internationally and nationally recognized artists to work with AIT students during seasonal residencies. Visiting artists have included operatic legends such as Martina Arroyo, Harolyn Blackwell, Christine Brewer, Vinson Cole, Denyce Graves, Kathleen Kaun, Erie Mills, George Shirley, Marietta Simpson, Everett McCorvey, Sylvia McNair, and Barbara Smith Conrad.

Each year culminates with a public Spring Recital, at which AIT’s talented young singers are awarded more than $13,000 in scholarships for college or further vocal study. This inspiring event is one of the highlights of Opera Theatre’s annual calendar.