If you are looking to expand your opera career to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland... If you want to work as a full-time singer (Fest) in one or more opera houses... If you are curious about what life is like as a singer in a German-speaking Fest ensemble... If you are looking for an opportunity to perform multiple roles in repertoire... If you want to become fluent in German...

What the FACH?! will give you a detailed look into life as an English-speaking opera singer in the German theater system. We will take the fears and uncertainties out of the German audition tour system and provide you with the tools that you need to take full advantage of this wonderful world.

What the FACH?! is your ultimate tour guide to plan a successful German, Austrian, and Swiss audition trip. Our comprehensive guide contains detailed information covering virtually everything you can think of, including everything you never thought to think of but still need to know. When you are ready to get started working in the German-speaking world as a singer, coach, conductor, or stage director, What the FACH?! is your key to planning a successful audition tour.

What you get with What the FACH?!...
You receive...

• A 213-page survival guide detailing the most specific information to date for opera singers wanting to work in the German-speaking world...
• A 16-page comprehensive Phrasebook and Dictionary specifically designed for opera singers, coaches, conductors, and stage directors...
• In-depth interviews with professionals currently working in German-speaking Europe, including singers, conductors, coaches, directors, opera administration, as well as a lengthy discussion with NYIOP founder and CEO David Blackburn...
• Detailed guidelines for audition tour preparation, auditions, Fach classification and repertoire selection, as well as specific instructions on what to do once you've been hired...
• Personal accounts and experiences to help you prepare for--and understand — what you will encounter...
• Insider information about contracts, residence and work permits, taxes, and the social system you are about to be part of...
• Numerous additional documents such as visa and work permit applications, and information about taxes...
• Over 150 critical Internet hyperlinks to pertinent information that will be essential to your survival in the German theater system...

There are over 100 full-time opera houses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland combined, and each opera house presents hundreds of performances per season. In turn, there are thousands of positions for soloists and choristers available, but the competition is high and relentless. There are countless English-speaking singers working here already, but with What the FACH?!, you can have the knowledge they already possess in hand.

"Any singer planning an audition trip to Germany should READ THIS BOOK FIRST! It will answer multiple questions, help in travel planning, save them money AND prevent many headaches!" Kirsten Gunlogson, American mezzo-soprano

"This book is bursting with everything the North American singer needs to break into the bewildering world of the German theatre system!" Damon Nestor Ploumis, American/British/Greek basso-buffo

"...a comprehensive resource for decoding the mysteries of professional singing in Europe..." Hugh Russell, Canadian Baritone

"Philip Shepard's reporting is as comfortable and honest a description of the current operatic geography as you will find, with enough candor and humility to allow us to laugh and learn from the lessons described....What a valuable service for novice and well-traveled artist alike!" Garnett Bruce, American Stage Director