FAQs
Can you list some examples of roles for each voice type that you consider dramatic?
Yes. We have compiled a sample list of roles that we consider dramatic, but we do not assume that a single artist is suited to sing every role listed in their respective vocal category. The lists are not exhaustive but are a fair representation of the types of roles we hope to see in your grant proposal for new role preparation or offered in an audition for an audition tour.
Does The Olga Forrai Foundation have an application fee?
No. The Olga Forrai Foundation does not have an application fee to apply for a grant.
If my Grant Application is accepted, what happens next?
If your Grant Proposal is accepted, you will receive an invitation to sing a live audition in New York for The Olga Forrai Foundation Board of Directors. The Board will secure a suitable venue for the audition. The pianist and any other expenses incurred are the sole responsibility of the artist.
Do I have to be an American to apply for a grant?
No. Grants from The Olga Forrai Foundation are available to artists of all nationalities. However, if your Grant Application is accepted, you will need to travel to New York City to sing a live audition.
Is there an age limit?
No. The Olga Forrai Foundation does not have an age limit. Therefore, if you are an emerging artist in the dramatic repertoire and meet the grant proposal criteria, you may apply.
When can I apply for a grant? Is there a deadline?
Grant Applications to The Olga Forrai Foundation may be submitted whenever an artist has a qualifying professional contract or audition tour. Applications are accepted year-round, and there is no deadline. However, the number of grants available will vary in any given year depending on the amount of money available and the number of applicants. Conductor grants are limited to a maximum of one (1) per calendar year.
Does The Olga Forrai Foundation grant money for headshots, recordings, websites, scores, or concert attire?
No. Grants are generally not awarded for purchasing music, website building/maintenance, headshots, meals, household expenses, grooming aids, wardrobe, or travel expenses. However, an exception will be considered for travel expenses, in part or in full, when travel is an integral component of a series three (3) or more auditions in significant centers of operatic performance, especially in foreign countries. The Olga Forrai Foundation will consider only audition tours scheduled by your manager/agent for this exception.
The role in my proposal is a professional contract, but it is a concert performance and not a staged production. Am I eligible for a grant?
Yes. Any role NEW to your dramatic repertoire is eligible for a grant.
I have a professional contract to cover a dramatic role new to my repertoire. Am I eligible for a grant?
Yes.
I am singing a leading dramatic role for the first time but I have to pay the organization for the opportunity. Am I eligible for a grant?
No. The Olga Forrai Foundation does not fund “pay to play” performances and will only consider Grant Applications for paid professional contracts..
The dramatic role in my proposal is also my first leading role. I have experience as a Young Artist with major opera houses and experience in supporting roles. Am I eligible for a grant?
Yes.
I have a professional contract for symphonic work, such as the Verdi Requiem, but not an opera role. Am I eligible for a grant?
Yes. All professional work with an orchestra in the dramatic repertoire is eligible for a grant.
I am an established professional singer in the lyric repertoire but have been contracted for my first dramatic role. Am I eligible to apply for a grant or does The Olga Forrai Foundation only grant money to emerging singers?
Yes. A transition from the lyric repertoire to the dramatic repertoire is eligible for a grant from The Olga Forrai Foundation.
I am a conductor applicant. How can I audition?
When filling out the Conductor Grant Application you must upload a video(s) of your conducting, preferably a live performance of a piece in the dramatic opera repertoire. Rehearsal videos are also acceptable. Successful applicants are invited to interview with the Board of Directors.
I am a conductor applicant. May I apply for a grant to purchase scores?
No. Grants are generally not awarded for purchasing music, website building/maintenance, headshots, meals, household expenses, grooming aids, wardrobe, or travel expenses. However, an exception will be considered for travel expenses, in part or in full, when travel is an integral component of a series of three (3) or more auditions in significant centers of operatic performance, especially in foreign countries. The Olga Forrai Foundation will consider only audition tours scheduled by your manager/agent for this exception.
I am a conductor applicant. May I use a grant to pay the tuition for a master class or seminar with a prominent conductor? May I use funds to hire an orchestra to practice conducting?
No. The Olga Forrai Foundation does not fund “pay to play“ or similar arrangements. However, we would consider grants to pay for lessons with recognized conductors or teachers of conducting and vocal coaching.
I have been offered a contract by a professional opera company as an assistant conductor. Am I eligible to apply for a grant?
Yes. Be sure to specify in your Grant Proposal what your duties as an assistant conductor in this position will entail. Will you be assisting in the preparation of soloists? Will you be preparing the chorus? Will you get to lead any rehearsals or cover rehearsals or performances?