The Metropolitan Opera is seeking DANCERS exceptionally versed in a variety of styles, including but not limited to ballet, character, contemporary, jazz, etc. for the 2026-27 season.  The Metropolitan Opera’s repertoire includes a wide range of productions from iconic classics to contemporary and modern works by renowned and emerging composers, directors, choreographers and celebrated international artists. 

Auditions will be open to dancers who are members of AGMA (American Guild of Musical Artists, Inc.), AEA (Actor’s Equity Association), and non-union dancers. Dancers who attend any of these March auditions will be considered for revivals and invitations to new production auditions held at later dates. Detailed information regarding the 26/27 repertory that will be shared with audition attendees following the Met’s season announcement, expected mid to late February. Dancers cast in any production and hired by the Met will be required to join AGMA.

 

AGMA & AEA DANCERS

Monday, March 9, 2026

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM*

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

12:30 PM – 5:30 PM*

Requires pre-registration beginning

Wednesday, February 18 at 11:00 AM.

Sign up HERE.

 

NON-UNION DANCERS

Friday, March 13, 2026

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM*

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM*

Requires pre-registration beginning

Wednesday, February 18 at 11:00 AM.

Sign up HERE.

 

*All stop times are approximate

 

SALARY INFORMATION

Rehearsals will pay approximately $63.30/hour. Overtime rates are paid under some circumstances, as provided in The Met’s agreement with AGMA. Performances will pay approximately $227.07/performance performed, or $227.07/performance covered. These rates are subject to the outcome of collective bargaining with AGMA to occur before the expiration of the current agreement on July 31, 2026. Performance extras are paid when appropriate based on casting, choreography, and staging. These roles will be hired as W2 employees.

ADDITIONAL AUDITION INFORMATION

These are in-person auditions only.
If you are an AGMA or AEA member, please bring your VALID membership card with you.
Please note, portions of this audition may be filmed for internal reference.
The audition will consist of ballet and contemporary styles.  Suggested footwear includes, but does not require, heels, pointe shoes, jazz shoes, ballet slippers and sneakers.
Auditions will be held in the dance studio, Studio C19.

The Metropolitan Opera is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal law. To work as a dancer with the Met, you must be legally authorized to work in the United States.                             

 

2026-2027 PRODUCTION INFORMATION

The repertoire being performed during the 2026-27 season will be announced later.  Check www.metopera.org for updates and information about the season. All the information listed is subject to change.

NEW PRODUCTIONS: Please note that additional, invite-only auditions may take place for these productions outside of the general audition dates listed.

New Production 1: Lincoln in the Bardo

Contract Period: September 8 through November 9, 2026

Nine (9) Performances

Seeking 7 performing and 3 cover dancers

New Production 2: Jenufa

Contract Period: October 12 through December 4, 2026

Six (6) Performances

Seeking 6 performing and 2 cover dancers; 1 dancer may appear in a mask

 

REVIVAL PRODUCTIONS: Please note that additional, invite-only auditions may take place for these productions outside of the general audition dates listed.

 

Revival Production 1:

Contract Period: October 26 through December 23, 2026

Eight (8) Performances

Seeking performer and cover ensemble dancers to portray men and women; athletic, contemporary dancers with strong technique; select dancers may be asked to climb vertical set pieces; dancers should be comfortable with sensual movement and subject matter.

 

Revival Production 2:

Contract Period: November 12 through January 2, 2027

Twelve (12) Performances

This production may have minimal openings for versatile, performing and cover ensemble dancers to portray men and women; strong technique and puppeteering skills a plus.

 

Revival Production 3:

Contract Period: February 15 through April 8, 2027

Eight (8) Performances

Seeking performer and cover ensemble dancers to portray women; ballet dancers with strong pointe work ability required.

 

Revival Production 4:

Contract Period: February 8 through April 23, 2027; May 3 through June 12, 2027

Twenty-one (21) Performances

This production may have minimal openings for strong performing and cover ensemble contemporary dancers to portray men and women. Dancers portraying men will perform bare chested.

 

Revival Production 5:

Contract Period: February 18 through April 10, 2027

Six (6) Performances

This production may have minimal openings for performing and cover ensemble dancers to portray men and women; strong acting abilities required; select dancers portraying women appear partially nude.

 

Revival Production 6:

Contract Period: April 15 through June 5, 2027

Seven (7) Performances

Seeking performer and cover ensemble dancers to portray men and women; contemporary dancers with strong acting abilities required.