Milnes VOICE Studio
August 3-17, 2025 in Savannah, GA
The Milnes VOICE Studio offers a variety of opportunities to develop the singer as a whole artist in preparation for their next step, whatever that may be.
Students will be considered for performance opportunities with the Savannah VOICE Festival (SVF) while benefiting from the training in the Milnes VOICE Studio. Opportunities include:
- roles available in Rigoletto and the world premiere of Michael Ching’s A Royal Feast
- Master Class opportunities with Sherrill Milnes and other renowned artists
- Concerts and community outreach as part of the 2025 Savannah VOICE Festival
During the week, singers also participate in career development workshops, with topics ranging from vocal health to personal branding.
New this year, SVF Outreach and Community artists will serve as the faces of the Festival. Performing for audiences who aren’t always traditional patrons, SVF faculty will train these artists in programming and presenting effective outreach performances in a wide range of venues, including retirement homes, hospice care facilities, places of worship, schools, and in the squares and streets of Savannah. Artists will learn to communicate both as singers and speakers, and adjust to unusual audiences and venues, advocating for their art in unexpected places. The Director of Education and the Interim Artistic Director lead and nurture the artists in this program, and will have individualized preparation prior to arrival in Savannah.
- Sessions and rehearsals begin around 10am daily, with evening events most days
- Singers can expect one voice lesson or one private coaching each day, unless they are in rehearsal for a role
- Singers can expect at least one group coaching and/or workshop* each day
- Private Coaching opportunities with Sherrill Milnes and other members of the SVF artistic staff
- Programming takes place in and around the Historic District of Savannah, GA. Most venues are within a 15 minute walking radius
- Participants are responsible for their own housing, travel, and meal costs.
*Workshops cover topics relevant to the lives of singers and go well beyond musical topics. Past workshops have included marketing and branding, career development, how to read a contract, resume and headshot review, vocal health, and opportunities to work with a life coach.
In order to provide the best program for our singers, we begin planning as soon as singers are accepted to the program. This program is an intensive with performance responsibilities, and you will not be able to schedule other activities during your time with us.
Application Information
This program is highly competitive and is right for you if:
- you have at least one performance credit (may be professional or educational)
- you are ready for entry-level performance opportunities
- you are ready to prepare and perform a full role balanced with concert responsibilities and a coaching schedule
- you feel confident in your ability to learn music quickly
Need more information? Contact Director of Education and Outreach, Chad Sonka at Chad@SavannahVOICEfestival.org
PLEASE BE PREPARED TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING (PLEASE NOTE REQUESTED FILE FORMATS):
- Please include your name in each file name
- Resume as a .pdf
- *Short Professional Biography (200 words or less)
- *High-resolution Professional Headshot as .jpg
- At least two recordings as either YouTube or Vimeo links
- one recording should be in English (musical theatre is accepted)
- A letter of recommendation (can be under separate cover)
- Repertoire list as .pdf
- Optional Financial Aid Statement (If you require financial aid for tuition, please include a brief explanation, as partial scholarships may be available based merit and need. Students who do not request financial assistance will not be considered for any. Work-study positions may be available.)
- Application Fee of $50 (paid via PayPal link)
*If accepted to the VOICE Programs, your bio and head shot will be used for programs and web, so please provide a professional bio and a headshot appropriate for public use.
Applicants ages 18+ will be considered.
