Faculty: Veronica Simeoni
1. Applicants
The course is open to a maximum of 12 candidates of any nationality who have reached the age of 18 at the time of submitting the application. This is an exclusive educational opportunity designed to ensure intensive, personalized, and high-quality training.
2. Course Objectives
The course offers a highly professional experience aimed at perfecting vocal and interpretative operatic technique. Alongside individual and group lessons, participants will gain hands-on immersion in the productions of Teatro Coccia in Novara, thanks to an intensive work experience program designed to guide students toward a real artistic career. The 2027 academic year, in particular, will be enriched by a special focus on innovative projects giving students the opportunity to experiment with different languages and formats while engaging with new trends in musical theatre. With this approach, the course goes beyond technical training to become a creative and professional laboratory, offering students concrete placement opportunities. It is structured to be compatible with other academic or professional commitments and allows participants free access to all Teatro Coccia productions, giving them the chance to experience the operatic world in its entirety.
3. Course Period and Format
The course will take place at Teatro Coccia in Novara and will be held over several non-consecutive periods from NOVEMBER 2026 to OCTOBER 2027. Lessons will be scheduled in alignment with the Theatre’s calendar, with particular focus on musical theatre productions and alongside other course schedules. In the event of interruption due to force majeure, affected lessons will be held online. At the end of the course, a certificate of attendance will be issued, provided the conditions outlined in point 8 of this announcement are met. The most outstanding students may be considered for future collaborations or recommended for professional opportunities. The Academy maintains contact with its alumni, creating opportunities for debuts, concerts, and professional referrals.
Attendance is mandatory for a minimum of 80%. This level of attendance is also required for participation in any theatre productions. Any circumstances that may partially hinder participation in lessons or productions must be communicated to the Academy’s administration.
4. Curriculum
The course includes 25 days of theoretical and practical lessons and approximately 50 days of work experience. Work experience periods, integrated into Teatro Coccia productions, are a crucial and mandatory component for all participants. Maximum seriousness, commitment, and flexibility are required, as theatre production schedules often involve unconventional hours. The Artistic Direction, in agreement with the Faculty, will select students deemed suitable to be involved in scheduled productions. The nature of the engagement and any additional conditions will be discussed at the time of role assignment. The lesson calendar is subject to change, which will be promptly communicated to students.
5. Application
Requirements: An excellent knowledge of the Italian language is preferred.
To apply, send the following via email (subject: "AMO – CORSO CANTO LIRICO"):
- This completed and initialed application notice;
- Completed Application Form (Annex A) with front/back copy of ID and tax code
Note: Foreign candidates must also include valid residency documents or proof of renewal.; - A detailed artistic and academic résumé;
- Two video recordings of arias of your choice from the traditional operatic repertoire, at least one of which must be in Italian (please provide YouTube links including date and place of recording);
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Proof of payment of the €40.00 registration fee (incl. VAT) via bank transfer to:
Fondazione Teatro Carlo Coccia di Novara.
IBAN: IT80 X 05034 10100 000000042424
Note: All bank fees are the responsibility of the applicant.
E-mail address segreteria.amo@fondazioneteatrococcia.it
IMPORTANT: All files must be sent in PDF format only (NO PHOTOS), complete and
correct. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Students who have already attended one academic year of the course and wish to
enroll again must also submit the required documents listed in points 1, 2, 3 and 5. They
are not required to resend video materials, but they must include a new payment
receipt for the €40.00 registration fee. The participation fee for students admitted to
subsequent years will remain the same as in their first year.
6. Selection and audition
The selection will be based on the submitted videos; however, the Faculty reserves the right to request an additional live audition, which will take place at Teatro Coccia in Novara on October 9th, 2026. For the live audition, selected candidates must present four arias from the operatic repertoire in the original language, at least three of which must be in Italian, to be performed from memory. An accompanist will be provided by the theatre upon request at the time of registration; in this case, it is mandatory to send a copy of the scores of the selected pieces by email and to bring an additional copy to be given to the pianist for performance. Candidates may alternatively choose to be accompanied by their own pianist at their own expense. At the end of the auditions, candidates deemed suitable will take part in an interview designed to assess their motivation, aptitudes, and the coherence of their training path with the objectives of the Academy.
7. Deadlines
- Applications (as per point 5) must be submitted by September 3, 2026 at 24:00 GMT+1 via email segreteria.amo@fondazioneteatrococcia.it
- By September 17, 2026, selected candidates will be informed by email of the date and time of their audition;
- At the end of the live auditions, scheduled for 9 October 2026, the names of the candidates admitted to the course will be announced;
- The course will begin in November 2026.
8. Costs and Participation Conditions
The annual course fee for admitted students is €2,000.00 (VAT included). The fee must
be paid in 2 installments of €1,000.00 each via bank transfer to:
Fondazione Teatro Carlo Coccia di Novara
IBAN: IT80 X 05034 10100 000000042424
First installment deadline: October 15, 2026
Second installment deadline: December 15, 2026
Send proof of payment to: segreteria.amo@fondazioneteatrococcia.it
Failure to meet payment deadlines will result in termination of course attendance.
Thanks to the Academy’s agreements, students can access reduced-price meals by presenting specific coupons at food service venues located near the Theatre.