Accompanied by members of the Saint Louis Symphony, Opera Theatre's internationally acclaimed productions are known as a showcase for the best American talent both front- and backstage. Many arts professionals entered the field as OTSL interns and apprentices; each year the roster at the Metropolitan Opera includes well over fifty artists who appeared with the company early in their careers.

The company's dedication to the careers of young Americans is reflected in the quality of its programs at all levels, from the long rehearsal periods that nurture young singers to the seminars and mentor programs offered to technical apprentices.

The Ford Foundation chose OTSL as one of only two "exemplary" U.S. companies to win major grants in 2000, not only for its artistic quality but also for its emergence as a center for training young professionals in all aspects of opera.