While graduate students certainly dominate the main stage operas, undergrads do get cast. It took a little digging but I found the playbill for their last production ((IU does 6 productions)…and yep a few undergrads were cast…one of the Gretels and one of the Hansels were seniors with a junior in another role…then I stopped reading. My D was cast in principle roles for 3 years. And I would say at least a third of my D’s class had decent principle roles on the main stage. Another third had, maybe, a give-me role senior year…meaning a small role to give them experience on the main stage. Some of these small roles went to Sopranos (always competitive) but a few of these girls stayed and did quite well in grad school. And yes, maybe a third (probably less) got nothing on the main stage but many of these kids were moving in different directions by senior year. Anyone working hard was usually given a role in sr year if not before. The school does make an effort to give UG experience on the main stage (where you have a hard time hearing yourself…so you need to know your notes).
Of course there are opera scenes, workshops, chorus (on the main stage) and student run performances at a theater in town…getting you ready for main stage. UG boys can be paid to perform in opera chorus bc the need is great (if you do more than one ensemble a semester the rule is you get paid…grad students don’t want to do it so UG boys particularly take these opportunities). As a mezzo my D got paid to perform yearly (soph yr on) in the Nutcracker (backstage making AHHHH sounds with a small chorus).
But it may not be the best environment if you work best as a big fish or like a smaller environment where most are moving from strength to strength on a clear path. IU may feel a bit more “chaotic” to a Freshman (or not) with people going in different directions at different speeds. And…some of the grad students are absolutely stunning (and a bit intimidating)…having worked professionally in Europe or Asia already. Still my D found that teachers really worked hard to shepard their young UG students in the environment…and most were very busy and happy. My D is still in touch with this amazing German student who works professionally throughout Europe. She was so sweet and helpful to my D. Grad students aren’t all bad. My D learned a lot about singing and the business from them.