FAQ
Composer Librettist Development Program
How does ALT define an emerging composer or librettist?
ALT defines an emerging opera composer or librettist as an artist who has acquired significant skills as a composer and/or playwright/librettist through academic study, practice and professional experience; who demonstrates a unique and important musical and/or theatrical perspective that could benefit from intensive mentorship as part of the CLDP; and who has not yet had a main stage work commissioned and/or performed by a professional opera company. Artists’ work in other genres often has been performed professionally, as ALT’s definition of emerging applies specifically to an artist’s development and career stage as a writer of opera. ALT embraces the work of gifted operatic writers from diverse ethnic/racial backgrounds. There are no age minimums or maximums for participation.
Can I apply to the CLDP with a writing partner?
Artists apply to the CLDP individually. All artists will collaborate with multiple writing partners during the program, as building collaborative skills is a critical component of the CLDP.
What is the cost of the program?
The CLDP is completely tuition-free for artists accepted into the program.
How long is the program?
For the 2024-25 season, artists will be accepted into the CLDP for one year (from September 2024 through June 2025). Artists who successfully complete the first year of the CLDP are considered to return to ALT for an extended residency during which they will receive a commission from ALT to develop an opera.
I heard that you could take part in the CLDP even if you don’t live in New York City; is that true?
For the 2024-25 season, the CLDP will be offered through a combination of weekly virtual classes and workshops, and four residency periods in New York City (one week in October 2024; one week in January 2025; one week in April 2025; and one week in June 2025).
Due to budget limitations this season, we are not able to provide housing and travel for artists from outside the greater New York City area. We regret that this change is necessary this year, however artists from outside of the New York City area are welcome to apply for and participate in the program with the understanding that the costs of travel and housing for the four weeks in New York are not provided.
Is there any sort of financial assistance?
In addition to being a completely tuition free program, during the 2024-25 season, ALT will provide a stipend of $1,250 per week for each artist during the four weeks of in-person residency, as during these weeks, a full-time commitment to the program is required (a total stipend of $5,000).
What is the schedule like?
The first year of the CLDP is a master’s level program that consists of over 250 hours of classes and hands-on workshops with ALT’s mentorship faculty between September 2024 and June 2025. In addition, artists have multiple writing assignments and attend rehearsals as are necessary to support their projects in the program. The program requires a considerable commitment outside of class time for collaboration with writing partners and the completion of assignments.
Classes are scheduled on Monday, Tuesday and/or Wednesday evenings. There are no more than two classes scheduled each week, and classes are spaced to provide time for writing assignments. In addition, there are four in-person residency periods required in New York City as outlined above. A detailed schedule with a complete calendar of all classes and workshops will be made available to all artists accepted into the program at time of acceptance.
Artists are required to commit to the entire scope of the program to participate. We understand that artists may need to request professional or personal releases during the CLDP, but full disclosure of known conflicts in advance is required, and all absences are subject to the approval of the program director. Releases are not available during the in-person residency periods. Please do not apply to the CLDP if you have significant conflicts that would prevent your full participation.
Can I work on an opera that I am already developing in the CLDP?
No. The first-year of the CLDP is a mentorship and training program focused on process, developing skills, and fostering collaboration. Through the CLDP, ALT does not develop works that are already in process. There are other opportunities for this sort of developmental work available at other organizations. We recommend membership in OPERA America for all artists to stay informed about such opportunities.
I have an idea for an opera; is the CLDP right for me?
It depends what you are looking for. If you are looking to spend the next year working on a specific idea that you already have, this is not the program for you. The first year of participation in the CLDP is not about writing a full-length work.
If you are serious about developing your skills and meeting new collaborators, the CLDP could be for you. The CLDP is an intensive professional development program with a highly credentialed faculty and proven track record for developing the skills of gifted artists, incubating successful operas, and fostering lasting collaborations.
Alumni of the CLDP are now creating operas both at ALT and at companies around the country. Some artists who have participated in the CLDP had ideas for operas in mind when they entered the program. Other artists were looking to identify potential collaborators for future projects. The CLDP will provide you with a supportive environment to develop your skills, regardless of where you write operas, or with whom, in the future.
If I apply to the CLDP, when should I expect to hear if I have been accepted?
Artists will be notified of their acceptance into the program by June 15, 2024.
Is there an application fee for the CLDP?
No, it is free to apply for the CLDP.