About CFLO
Developing artists. Enriching communities.
Since 1988, Central Florida Lyric Opera has paired artist development with affordable musical performances for audiences at home and abroad.
Mission
A two-fold commitment
- To identify, train, nurture, and develop young vocal artists and provide performance opportunities that improve their skills and professionalism.
- To bring affordable, high-quality musical performances featuring exceptionally talented young performers to audiences throughout the world, enhancing the cultural richness of the communities CFLO serves and increasing awareness of opera.
Company history
From light opera to an international training center
Founded in 1988 by Bill Doherty and a dedicated group of Central Florida opera lovers, the Central Florida Light Opera initially focused on Gilbert and Sullivan operettas and other light-opera works. By 1991, the singers wanted to perform grand opera and a broader range of concerts. The newly named Central Florida Lyric Opera became both a performance outlet and a fertile training ground for singers beginning their careers.
The Resident Artist Training Program grew from that mission. Members trained through private voice lessons and coachings, language classes, stage movement, and presentation while performing in operas and concerts. Productions were cast primarily from the program, with outside professionals hired only when a role could not be filled internally.
Over time, the program attracted singers from across the United States and Europe. Alumni gained national and international attention through competitions, regional opera companies, Broadway roles, and national Broadway tours. The International Opera Center of America expanded those opportunities by connecting performers, teachers, coaches, and musicians in the United States and Europe and bringing CFLO programs to audiences worldwide.
Program details
Resident Artist Training Program
The program is designed for talented, career-oriented singing artists, generally ages 18 to 35, who want advanced training and performance experience. Members attend classes in voice, stage presentation, and languages, participate in CFLO performances, and attend annual master classes led by nationally and internationally known teachers, coaches, and singers.
Responsibilities
- Perform assigned roles or chorus parts in mainstage productions.
- Attend scheduled classes, rehearsals, concerts, and performances for which the artist is called or cast.
- Support CFLO through promotional appearances, office volunteering, props, costumes, set work, and other assigned activities.
- Maintain rehearsal and performance spaces, develop one's own talent, support colleagues, and conduct oneself professionally.
Member entitlements
- Access to CFLO rehearsals, classes, and performances.
- First consideration in casting for CFLO opera productions.
- Regular private voice lessons and coachings with Artistic Director and Conductor Bill Doherty, visiting teachers, and the artist's assigned teacher.
Attendance and successful membership
Cast and chorus members must be available for all scheduled rehearsals, classes, and performances. CFLO does not always observe school or religious holidays, and releases are infrequently granted. Successful members approach professional singing as a discipline, welcome constructive criticism, respect the art and its history, value roles of every size, stay organized, and contribute to an enthusiastic artistic community.
Classes and tuition
Repertoire workshops focus on scene and aria preparation, with preference given to upcoming production material. Singers should arrive prepared with memorized music. During production or master-class periods, lessons may give way to rehearsals and workshops.
The training program is tuition-free. Members pay only for private lessons and coachings, approximately $70 to $100 per lesson, and contribute 20 service hours per season through office, costume, prop, set, or other assigned work.