2025 CALL FOR COMPOSERS/ LIBRETTISTS
Come As You Are breaks down barriers of access in the concert space. Concert music has contributed greatly to performing arts though it has also, at times, stifled vulnerability, maintained privilege and created exclusive expectations of formality. Such steep barriers create separation between creators, performers and audiences. This can lead to the music and its spaces feeling inaccessible to those who may feel they lack the privilege, training and/or formality to be welcomed into an experience. Come As You Are aims to open up these barriers through reimagined musical experiences and storytelling in the concert space.
Application Open: Monday, January 6
Application Closes: Friday, February 7 11:59PM CST
Notifications: Monday, March 3
The Come As You Are (CAYA) Fellowship Program invites 3 composers and 3 librettists to premiere a newly-composed micro opera. This paid fellowship provides collaborative and intensive training at Lyric Opera of Kansas City with professional mentors, producers and musicians.
2025 CAYA Fellowship Dates and Details:
January 6 - Submissions open
January 15 at 1:30PM CST - Optional information session (virtual)
February 7 at 11:59PM CST - Submissions close
March 3 - Fellows and pairings announced
March 6 at 1:30PM CST - Introductory meeting (virtual)
March 6 - Fellows and pairs begin creating 3 opera treatments
March 31 - Opera treatments due
April 20–April 26 - Week-long intensive (in-person)
May 1 - Final scores due
May 12 - May 17 - Rehearsals
May 18 - Come As You Are concert
2025 Come as You Are Theme:
Come as You Are will feature micro operas written for the purpose of engaging children and their families. Selected works will prioritize social-emotional learning and address the program's longstanding themes of vulnerability, privilege, and accessibility in the concert space.
Performing Forces:
4 singers
-1 Soprano
-1 Mezzo-soprano
-1 Tenor
-1 Baritone
Piano (non-prepared)
Hand percussion
Fixed electronics
It is not necessary to use all instruments
To be performed without a conductor
Modest production (no lighting, no formal set/scenery, and minimal costuming/props)
10-15 minutes in length
Fellowship Stipend:
$1,000 stipend
Fellows must attend the week-long intensive (April 20–26) and the Come as You Are concert (May 18) in-person. Fellows are encouraged to attend rehearsals (May 12–17). Transportation and lodging are the responsibility of the fellows.
Come As You Are is an event designed for intergenerational audiences with activities and performances for all ages. Additionally, it is accessible to people with physical, hearing, vision, cognitive and psychological disabilities.
Complete this form to submit as either a composer or librettist. Direct any questions to info@nodividekc.org
Application Requirements:
Contact information
Biography
Optional CV, Resume, Social Media
As you consider vulnerability, privilege and accessibility in the concert space, what specific themes or experiences might you be interested in exploring further as realized through a micro opera. 500 word max.
Selected Fellows will be paired and expected to work independently outside of the formal structure of the program. To ensure successful partnering- tell us about your philosophy about collaboration- (for example, what does it look like to you, consider someone who has worked with you in the past, how would they describe your collaborative nature?) 500 word max.
2 previous work samples: You may provide any materials that showcase how the piece was created and how the piece has been performed (i.e. written scores, graphic notation, photographs, audio recordings, video recordings, etc.)
