Call for Scores
Light Opera Lab (LOL) is seeking submissions for our second season, Summer 2027.
We are looking for composers and librettists, either individuals who do both or established writing pairs, to submit materials for consideration to have approximately 20 minutes of a newly written comedic scene workshopped by LOL and presented in a fully staged performance, with piano accompaniment, in New York City in August of 2027. This season, we will be accepting one (1) composer or writing duo for the workshop.
Light Opera Lab (LOL) is an arts organization dedicated to research and development for new, comedic operas and productions. Many theatrical experiences incorporate depictions of societal realities that offer moments of detachment from those realities through film, theatre works, dance, and performance art, which spans from the comedic to the dramatic. However, within the national and international opera industry, the majority of new opera works commissioned focus on the thematic narratives of trauma and pain. LOL is committed to conscientiously developing joyful, comedic, and even satirical works for this new generation of opera productions by encouraging creators and performers to hone their skills in the genre of comedic opera that will reflect our world through laughter, delight, and imaginative visions.
For consideration, please submit the following by Oct. 31st, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET:
A resume or CV.
A one-page Letter of Interest expressing why you would like to work with Light Opera Lab and your views on what makes a comedic opera successful.
A score, representative of your work, from a large-scale theatrical work, at least 30 minutes in length. This does not have to be an opera, but must include vocal and instrumental parts.
A video (preferred) or audio recording of the score you submitted.
If no recording was made of that piece, alternative recordings of your work that demonstrate your ability to write for the voice and instruments will be considered.
A short sample libretto or example of text written by you.
A short, one-page description of an original idea or public domain story that you would like to adapt for this summer. Please include an outline of the story, key characters and voice types, and what excites you about this story.
To apply, please email the requested materials as attachments to apply@lightoperalab.com by Friday, Oct. 31st, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. For video recordings, sending a link is acceptable. Please make sure all videos are public or unlisted, not password-protected. If you have any questions about the application process, please email admin@lightoperalab.com.
Completed applications will be reviewed promptly, and we will contact the selected composer or writing duo in mid-November. The public announcement of the selected composer will be made on December 1st, 2026.
There is no fee to apply.
The selected composer or writing duo will work alongside the Light Opera Lab team to create a newly written scene over the course of December of 2026 and the beginning of 2027 for presentation in August of 2027. At this time, there is no financial compensation for participating in this project, but composers will receive a professional audio and video recording of the presented work at the end of the workshop.
Hear from our first-season writers about working with LOL:
“It's hard enough to write an opera, and harder still to secure a production. But it's another level entirely to have an opera produced well. That's why I'm so honored to be a participant composer in LOL's very first season. The experience in Summer 2026 was a true life and professional highlight. The LOL team was helpful and supportive from the very beginning, lending their advice and expertise as our creative team laid the groundwork for our opera. Our first summer involved mounting a 20-minute excerpt of the in-progress work, which greatly helped us further visualize the direction the rest of the opera would need to go. I was thoroughly impressed by the high standards held by the LOL production team, from costumes and lighting to diction and musicality. I'm happy to be continuing work on the opera and greatly look forward to its production next August!What sets us apart isn’t just our process—it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore, and create with purpose at every turn.”
— Mark Buller, composer
“Alyssa and John are wonderful stewards of the creative process. Throughout the development of Birdland, they were available for feedback or questions without steering the work. In rehearsal, your work could not be in better hands. Their collaborative process creates an atmosphere where artists share in the development of new work without being prescriptive. Developing exciting work takes care and bravery, both of which are evident at every step of the way with Light Opera Lab.”
—Geoffrey Douglas, librettist