Importance of digital skills to South African opera artists to improve their employability

Abstract Before the COVID-19 pandemic, digital skills were becoming important for opera artists as technology continues transforming the performing arts industry worldwide. Digital performance in the opera industry emerged as a global phenomenon negatively affecting opera artists’ employability. Like opera artists from other emerging countries, South African opera artists are experiencing high unemployment due to changing industry skills. In the South African opera industry, the pandemic has fast-tracked the demand for digital skills for opera artists to produce work and reach global audiences. The absence of digital skills for opera artists in the performing arts industry has become a great concern. Framed within digital performance, this article discusses the importance of digital skills to South African opera artists to improve their employability. This article used a qualitative research approach to review scholarly writings and to undertake interviews with selected opera companies and opera artists. The findings confirm that South African opera artists’ lack of digital skills contributes to their increasing unemployment. This article finds that the swift advancement of technology creates a growing demand for digital performances, and thus digital skills are crucial for opera artists. This article concludes by affirming that acquiring digital skills can enable opera artists to adapt to the changing industry and expand their career opportunities.


Introduction
In the modern era, opera companies and performers are expected to have a strong online presence, with the ability to create and share digital content, engage with audiences on social media, and participate in virtual performances and events (Walmsley, 2016;Webb & Layton, 2022;Yende & Buthelezi, 2022).However, many opera artists, especially those from older generations or with limited access to digital resources, may lack the necessary skills to adapt to this new digital landscape.This was substantiated by Yende and Buthelezi (2022), who highlight that the performing arts industry particularly has faced numerous difficulties concerning performance and reaching audiences throughout the outbreak of the epidemic.In South Africa and other parts of the world, opera theatres and live performance venues had to close their doors because of several lockdowns that were put into place in 2020 and 2021 (Webb, 2021;Yende, 2022b).Hence, live performances of all kinds-aside from those presented in digital spaces-were postponed or cancelled, depriving spectators of the chance to engage in necessary aesthetic experiences.Yende (2022a) states that the performing arts industry needed to develop new methods of operation swiftly.However, many performing arts companies in South Africa could only use digital administration and planning tools rather than digital performance production and sharing tools.This could be attributed to the high cost of digitisation and production, as well as sharing online performances (Faber et al., 2020;Yende, 2022a).
Previous works such as Yende and Buthelezi (2022) and Webb and Layton (2022) point out a longstanding argument concerning the importance of digital skills in the opera industry in strengthening the employability of opera artists.For instance, Yende (2022b) states that "the COVID-19 pandemic has moved the performance industry online and opera artists require new digital skills to excel online".In order to enhance their online presence, reach wider audiences, and thrive in the digital landscape, opera artists require digital skills in their toolkit, such as video production, live streaming, social media management, digital marketing, virtual collaboration, website design and maintenance, and audience engagement skills.These skills are fundamental for the employability of opera artists and the opera industry as emphasised in Yende's (2022b) study.
Nevertheless, other studies have highlighted some issues that remain, such as that many opera artists who cannot acquire or develop digital skills may face challenges in finding employment opportunities (Faber et al., 2020;Webb & Layton, 2022).They may struggle to connect with audiences, promote their performances, or participate in virtual productions, which can limit their visibility and opportunities for paid work.This can lead to unemployment or reduced income for opera artists who do not possess the digital skills needed to thrive in today's digital-driven arts industry (Webb & Layton, 2022;Yende, 2022b).
Today's challenging conditions have been intensified by the pandemic, which has forced all sectors to adapt to changing digital technologies, especially the performing arts industry.Yende and Mugovhani (2021) reveal that most employers are now looking for opera artists who possess the basic skills (singing, acting, and sightreading) and soft skills, such as problem-solving, decisionmaking, self-learning skills, and teamwork.Webb (2021) further points out that since the suspension of live theatre performances, there has been a high demand for opera artists to upgrade their current skills to meet the digital skills demand.
There have been numerous attempts to investigate opera artists' competencies against the relevant skills required by the employer and digital world, including studies by Yende and Mugovhani (2021), Faber et al. (2020), andRentscler andLee (2021).Nevertheless, little empirical research has been done to review the importance of opera artists developing digital skills as competencies.This gap in the research area has also been highlighted in past studies, which found that further research is still needed to review the importance of digital skills in developing highly sought-after employability skills among opera artists in South Africa (Faber et al., 2020;Webb & Layton, 2022).
It goes without saying that digital transformation has certainly impacted the way live theatrical performances are delivered and consumed.Therefore, keeping up-to-date with the digital demand for digital performance is transforming the arts.In line with this transformation objective, this study aims to highlight the importance of digital skills among South African opera artists to improve their employability (Yende & Buthelezi, 2022).South African opera companies and artists were chosen as a case study because opera companies and artists have been experiencing challenges regarding the accelerated growth of digital technologies.
The current study was motivated by Yende's (2022b) study, which highlights a growing need for opera companies and opera artists to invest in digital literacy programmes and training opportunities to help artists acquire the necessary digital skills to succeed in the modern arts landscape.This can include workshops, online courses, mentorship programmes, and other initiatives aimed at equipping opera artists with the digital skills needed to adapt to the changing demands of the industry (Faber et al., 2020;Yende & Buthelezi, 2022).Additionally, arts organisations and policymakers can work together to raise awareness about the importance of digital skills in the arts.These and other stakeholders can provide support and resources to help opera artists overcome the challenges posed by the lack of digital skills and reduce the risk of unemployment in the opera industry (Yende, 2022b).

Research questions
For this article, the researcher established and formulated the following specific primary questions that sought answers that would clarify the ongoing crisis:

Conceptual framework
In this article, the researcher employs digital performance as a theory to analyse the importance of adopting digital technologies in the performing arts industry in South Africa.The researcher used digital performance as a crucial theory because themes such as digital skills, digital capacity and digitising performing arts are discussed in this article (Faber et al., 2020;Webb & Layton, 2022;Yende, 2022b).Webb and Layton (2022, p. 38) point out that in the "twenty-first-century technological advances have enabled the development of live digital performance that incorporates gaming and immersive technologies into the theatrical performance".In the performing arts industry, digital performances gained popularity during the height of the pandemic and gradually grew as a crucial form of performance worldwide.Digital performance as a conceptual framework carefully studies techniques used by performance makers that utilise hypermedia and user-oriented technologies to create and narrate stories (Webb & Layton, 2022).Digital performance is necessary in the opera industry.Webb and Layton (2022, p. 43) highlight that it is crucial that "digital performance should not be understood as a means to replace or substitute traditional theatre-based production but rather as an alternative format to complement and support the current practices".Digital performance is essential as it provides speedy ways to recover from the shock of the pandemic and prepare opera artists for potential future disruptions.According to Yende (2022b), the tenet of digital performance is that it advocates that the digital realm offers another way of reaching audiences and clients, thus creating more job opportunities in this competitive and precarious work sector.This article argues that digital performance theory should be adopted and embraced to ensure that opera companies and artists are able to meet digital technology's demands.According to Yende (2022b), effective performance artists must have a distinctive digital creative approach that is simple for audiences to identify if they want to become innovation leaders in digital performance, given the projections for increased involvement with digital arts in post-pandemic times.The researcher argues that strong digital skills might be a gateway to a successful career in the opera industry.

Research methodology
This article used a descriptive phenomenology design in accordance with a qualitative research methodology.This approach was chosen since the article's primary purpose was to describe and discuss the importance of digital skills to South African opera artists to improve their employability (Morrow et al., 2023).The choice of a descriptive phenomenology design was also justified as it helped the researcher gain a thorough understanding of the participants' experiences to accurately explain how they related to their perceptions of the significance of digital skills (Beck et al,, 1994;Morrow et al., 2023).The descriptive phenomenology design in this study was deemed acceptable for providing a good understanding of how the opera industry is embracing digital performance.
Non-probability sampling was adopted, using the purposive and snowball sampling procedure using five opera companies and 15 opera artists in Gauteng Province.These opera companies and artists were selected based on the feasibility of their contributions to the research questions of the article.The researcher identified participants who have significant and relevant evidence and information concerning the importance of digital skills in the opera industry in South Africa.Using purposive and snowball sampling techniques were considered appropriate due to the pandemic.Participants were in various places, and thus the only possible way of contacting them was through other participants' (Reich, 1995).All the participants were reached using Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet.All participants were succinctly briefed about the nature and purpose of the study.I also sought their consent before I interviewed them.This article adopted a modified version of Colaizzi's (1978) phenomenological data seven-step analysis method.The transcription of the interviews followed after data collection using Colaizzi's phenomenological seven-step data analysis method: The justification for choosing Colaizzi's phenomenological seven-step data analysis method as shown in Figure 1 is best described by (Beck, Keddy, and Cohen, 1994;Colaizzi, 1978).These scholars point out that Colaizzi's phenomenological seven-step data analysis method provides a thorough and vigorous approach that ensures the validity, credibility, and dependability of the study's conclusions (Beck, Keddy, and Cohen, 1994;Colaizzi, 1978).To maintain anonymity, privacy, and secrecy in this study, the researcher replaced the participants' initials with alphabet glyphs.The researcher used themes to present the findings of this article and backed up by quotes from the participants.Scholarly literature was used to answer the three sub-questions of this article.
In this study, the use of a triangulation approach was adopted as a valuable method for ensuring data quality and addressing potential limitations or biases.Triangulation in this study refers to the use of numerous sources, methodologies, or perspectives to review and validate data, hence increasing the credibility and dependability of the conclusions.Triangulation helped the researcher to validate the data by corroborating findings from different sources or methods (Franklin & Ballan, 2010).Accordingly, in triangulation, if multiple sources or methods yield similar results, it increases confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the data as highlighted in Franklin & Ballan' (Franklin & Ballan, 2010) study.This approach guards against potential errors or biases that may arise from relying on a single source or method.Adopting a triangulation approach enhances the credibility of the case study.It demonstrates rigor in the research process and provides a more robust foundation for drawing conclusions and making interpretations.The inclusion of multiple data sources and methods strengthens the overall validity of the findings, making them more reliable and trustworthy.The researcher mitigated potential sources of bias and increase the overall validity of the study by reviewing data from multiple perspectives.

Ethical clearance
Permission to conduct this research was obtained, and letters of consent were received by the study participants.The reference number for the clearance is REC 2017/03/002.All participants were informed about the nature and purpose of the article.Signed informed consent was attained from the study participants.The researcher assured the participants that their information will remain anonymous, kept private, and confidential.Finally, the participants all participated voluntarily.

Limitations of the study
Due to financial constraints, the study was conducted in the Gauteng Province in South Africa.In order to have a feasible data-gathering approach, the researcher restricted the study to five opera companies and 15 opera artists.In this article, the data gathered from the chosen participants was essential for providing a clear insight into the importance of digital performance and digital skills in the opera industry.However, this article's findings cannot be generalised to other countries.Hence, there is a need to conduct a study of this nature using a wider range of opera companies to provide greater insight into related topics.

Findings
The opera industry has undergone a digital transition in recent years as technology has permitted new ways of presenting and watching opera performances.Many opera companies have begun offering digital performances of their works since the emergence of streaming platforms, allowing people to experience opera from their homes (Yende, 2022b).Digital performances can reach a larger audience than traditional live performances.Without having to travel to the opera house, people worldwide can access and enjoy the same performance simultaneously (Faber et al., 2020;Webb & Layton, 2022).This has created new avenues for opera groups to connect with audiences and broaden their reach.
The findings of this article show communal themes that developed from the two basic groups interviewed, namely, opera companies and opera artists.Scholarly literary writings supplemented these findings, yielding trustworthy findings.The findings were divided into two major sections: (1) opera companies; (2) opera artists.Also, existing scholarly literature was used to address the study's sub-questions.(Colaizzi, 1978)

South African opera company managers
The following questions were directed to South African opera companies:

What are the challenges you are facing as opera companies regarding digital performances?
The participants reported that even though digital performances have provided a means for their companies to continue engaging with audiences during the pandemic, the digital means also present their own challenges.The opera company managers point out that they faced a lack of proper equipment for broadcasting high-quality digital performances to their audience.

One of the opera company managers said:
The challenges opera companies faced during the pandemic were that all live performances were cancelled, and we were expected to adopt the new digital performance method.
Opera company manager B pointed out: The COVID-19 caught us unaware, and we were not ready to fully move to digital performance.This came with many barriers, as most opera companies did not have the equipment and expertise to produce and broadcast high-quality digital performances, which can be expensive and time-consuming to set up.
Another opera company manager highlighted: Some of the challenges that we come across as opera companies was the limited audience engagement.Even though digital performance is essential, it lacks the immediacy and intimacy of in-person performance, and it made it difficult to create a sense of connection with the audience.
Based on the above responses, South African opera companies experienced challenges during the pandemic.Some of these were the lack of proper digital infrastructure, unable to reach their audience and costly equipment to produce high-quality digital performances.This is also highlighted by Yende (2022a), who states that the opera industry in South Africa battles to move to online streaming performances due to the lack of proper facilities.Despite these challenges, the participants agreed that digital performances provided a means for opera companies to continue to connect with audiences during the pandemic.In addition, the digital performances may continue to be a valuable tool even after the pandemic.

Why is it important for opera companies to turn to digital performances?
The following are the summarised findings from the opera company managers concerning the importance of companies turning to digital performances.Overall, opera company managers agree that it is essential for South African opera companies to embrace digital performances.Opera company managers state that digital performances are essential as they allow opera companies to reach a global audience that they may not have been able to reach with in-person performances.This can help increase the fan base of the art form and attract new audiences.One of the opera company managers' postulated: With the rise of digital technology, many people are consuming content online, and opera companies need to adapt to these changing times to remain relevant.Digital performances help the opera industry keep up with the evolving preferences of audiences.
Opera company Manager B stated: I believe that digital performance is important in the opera industry as it permits opera companies to experiment with new formats and incorporate multimedia elements, such as projections, lighting, and special effects, to enhance the performance experience.

Opera company Manager C pointed out:
Digital performances provide an additional revenue stream for opera companies.They can charge for tickets or subscriptions to access online performances, which can help offset the costs of producing traditional in-person performances.
Drawing from the above responses, digital performances appear as a crucial form of performance for the survival of the opera industry.Scholars reveal that in the opera industry, digital performances are game-changers.Digital performances can make opera performances more accessible to audiences in developing countries, which may not have had the opportunity to experience live performances due to geographical distance, financial constraints, or limited availability of venues, among other factors (Faber et al., 2020;Webb & Layton, 2022).

South African opera artists
The following question was directed to South African opera artists:

What is your biggest fear regarding digital performances?
Many opera artists reveal that their biggest fear of digital performances is losing the live performance experience.Opera is a highly collaborative art form that relies on the energy and interaction between the performers and the audience.Digital performances can feel less immediate and less connected, which can be challenging for artists who are used to feeding off the energy of a live audience.The findings also revealed a dire crisis scenario where opera artists pointed out that their biggest fear is to be replaced by robot performers.Some opera artists are concerned that digital performances could replace live performances altogether, reducing opportunities for live performances and potential job losses.

One of the participants said:
As digital performance is advancing in the arts, my biggest fear is to be replaced by the robotic performers that are significantly changing the world of arts.

Participant B stated:
While digital performances are advancing at an impressive rate, my biggest fear is to loss the live audience.

Participant C highlighted:
My fear is the potential for technical issues or glitches during a digital performance as this demand high-quality of equipment.Unlike a live performance, digital performances can be subject to a range of technical challenges, including poor sound quality, internet connectivity issues, and other technical difficulties.These challenges can disrupt the flow of a performance and make it difficult for artists to connect with their audience.

Participant D pointed out:
My biggest fear with digital performances is that I do not possess the required skills to be able to bring a unique performance and creativity that cannot be replicated by machines.This include bringing my personal experiences, emotions, and ideas on stage.
Most participants (11 of 15) agreed that their biggest fear with digital performances is that they may not have much experience with digital technology.Based on the above responses, it is significant to note that opera artists fear being replaced by robot performers.Understandably, opera artists are concerned about the potential for robot performers to replace them in the future.However, scholars point out that it is important to consider that robots are not capable of replicating the depth and range of human emotions and artistic expression (Gomez Cubero et al., 2021;Yende, 2022b).Yende (2022b) admits that although technology has advanced significantly in recent years, robots and artificial intelligence still lack the creativity, improvisation, and interpretation essential to the performing arts.Furthermore, technology can also enhance the work of artists and provide new opportunities for creativity and innovation.

Do you possess the necessary digital skills to cope with the changing world of arts?
Most of the participants admitted that they do not possess the necessary digital skills to cope with the changing world of arts.Participants also reported that as technology advances, it has become increasingly important for opera artists to have digital skills in addition to their traditional training.All the participants (15 of 15) reported that they do not possess the necessary digital skills to cope with the changing world of arts, despite believing in the importance of developing digital skills.With the rise of digital technologies and the increasing use of online platforms, opera artists need to understand how to use digital tools to connect with audiences and promote their work.
In addition, Webb and Layton (2022) highlight that in the performing arts industry, digitalisation can assist opera artists in developing useful skills for creating, collaborating, and communicating when producing and sharing performance work.Webb and Layton (2022, p. 34) point out: Digital skills seem a focal contributor to the recovery of the performing arts sector, thus helping in the repositioning of independent performance makers as key actors of creative economy actively developing and delivering artistic and other creative content.(e.g., for use in educational, community and business contexts) Based on the above quote, it is essential that opera artists develop digital skills necessary for making digital performances (Yende & Buthelezi, 2022).

What are the digital skills required for opera artists to improve their employability?
According to Yende and Buthelezi (2022), opera performers are increasingly required to have digital abilities to increase their employability in the modern world.According to many academics, opera performers can promote their performances and develop their brands using social media, email marketing, and other digital platforms.According to Yende (2022b), opera performers must master digital abilities like online collaboration, digital music notation, online auditions, and digital fundraising to increase their career prospects.Recording and transmitting high-quality audition videos is crucial because many opera companies now accept digital audition entries.Overall, possessing digital skills is crucial, and can help opera artists stay competitive and relevant in the digital age and open new opportunities for employment and collaboration (Faber et al., 2020;Gomez Cubero et al., 2021;Webb & Layton, 2022).

What hinders the success of digital technologies in the South African opera industry?
These hindrances are highlighted by pointing out the various obstacles to adopting digital technologies in the South African opera industry.First, digital technology adoption in the opera sector can be costly, particularly for smaller opera firms or individuals (Faber et al., 2020).Digital technology acquisition and maintenance costs can be exorbitant, particularly in South Africa, where inequality and poverty are rampant.The lack of sufficient digital infrastructure in South Africa makes it difficult for digital technologies to succeed in the opera sector (Yende, 2022b).All parts of South Africa do not yet have the telecommunications and electrical facilities required to support digital technology.The accessibility and efficiency of digital technologies have been constrained as a result.For the South African opera industry to fully realise the promise of digital technologies, it will be crucial to address these issues.This can entail investing in digital infrastructure, offering instruction and assistance for digital literacy, and looking for approaches to increase the usability and affordability of digital technology.

Do digital skills positively affect the employability and competency of opera artists?
Several scholars concur that having digital abilities helps opera performers be more employable in the current digital age (Faber et al., 2020;Yende, 2022b).Many opera companies use online channels to advertise their performances and draw in more viewers (Faber et al., 2020;Fram et al., 2021;Webb & Layton, 2022;Yende & Buthelezi, 2022).Opera performers proficient in digital skills like social media marketing, video editing, and graphic design build promotional materials and sell themselves to potential employers more effectively.This was supported by Yende (2022b), who points out that using digital tools allows opera artists to cooperate remotely with other creators and producers to create new works and performances.Evidently, with the advent of virtual performances, having digital abilities can also assist opera performers in adjusting to new performance modes and connecting with audiences in novel and creative ways.While traditional skills and training in opera remain crucial, developing digital skills can be an asset for opera artists looking to enhance their employability and competency, as well as stay competitive in today's digital landscape (Yende & Mugovhani, 2021).

Principal findings of this study
It is prudent foreground this section by point out that below are detailed discussions of the findings according to the research results.This section contains important and essential agreements and disagreements on the importance of digital skills to South African opera artists to improve their employability.
Participants agree that digital skills are crucial for South African opera artists to enhance their employability.This was substantiated by Yende (2022b) who points out that digital skills can open new opportunities for artists to showcase their talent through online platforms, virtual performances, and streaming services.This expanded reach can lead to greater visibility and potential collaborations, increasing employment prospects.From the preceding postulations, digital skills enable South African opera artists to reach a global audience, breaking down geographical barriers.Scholars point out that through online platforms and social media, artists can showcase their work to international audiences, potentially attracting opportunities for international performances, collaborations, and engagements (Webb & Layton, 2022;Yende & Buthelezi, 2022).This assertion was corroborated by the participants who further agree that digital skills provide opera artists with the ability to network and collaborate with other artists, composers, directors, and industry professionals globally.Platforms such as video conferencing, online forums, and social media allow for virtual connections, idea sharing, and potential collaborations, enhancing employability and expanding artistic networks (Webb & Layton, 2022;Yende & Buthelezi, 2022).
Numerous studies disagree that digital technology is essential in the classical opera industry has traditionally relied on in-person auditions, performances, and networking events ( (Faber et al., 2020;Yende, 2022b).This is corroborated by many of the participants interviewed in this study, who contended and question that the extent to which digital skills are crucial for employability, emphasising the importance of traditional training, stage presence, and live performances.Furthermore, disagreements among the participants arose due to the digital divide in South Africa, where access to reliable internet connections and the necessary technology may be limited in certain regions or among certain socioeconomic groups.This raises concerns about equitable access to digital opportunities and the potential exclusion of artists who lack the resources or infrastructure to develop digital skills ((Faber et al., 2020;Webb & Layton, 2022).

Discussion
The challenges experienced by South African opera companies and opera artists are associated with the lack of digital skills in demand in the digital age.Digital skills are marked as vital in the South African opera industry and for the employability of opera artists.This article argued that digital performances in the opera industry had become a key contributor to the financial sustainability of the opera industry.The findings of this article highlighted that this trajectory of digital skills inclusion in the opera industry is an essential consideration in the digital age.The article further pointed out that digital performances have provided a means for opera companies to continue to connect with audiences during the pandemic.Digital performances may continue to be a valuable tool even after the pandemic is over.Digitalisation in the opera industry can offer useful tools and platforms for creating, collaborating, and communicating when producing and sharing performance work.Additionally, digital performances can support the opera industry in integrating inclusive practices across all its manufacturing and consumption sites (Webb & Layton, 2022).
The research participants in this study described digital skills essential for opera artists to improve their employability.Consistent with previous research (Yende, 2022b), the findings of the current study revealed that opera artists must develop digital skills essential for digital performances.In the digital age, digital skills are considered fundamental aspects that can improve the opera industry.The study findings showed that there is a necessity for both the opera industry and artists to acquire digital skills to be able to connect with their audience.This finding aligns with the digital performance conceptual framework that points out that digital performance is necessary in the opera industry (Webb & Layton, 2022).
Again, the findings of the current article showed that opera artists fear being replaced by digital performers.This finding corroborates with the results of Faber et al. (2020) and Yende (2022b), who points out that it is important to state that the essence of opera is not just about technical excellence but about human connection and communication.The live performance experience is a unique opportunity for artists to connect with their audience powerfully, and this is something that machines are unlikely to be able to replicate.
The current article has established that while there are few concerns about the role of technology in the arts, it is important to view digital performance as a tool that can enhance and complement the work of opera artists rather than a replacement for their talents and skills.This finding is in congruence with the findings of previous studies (Faber et al., 2020;Fram et al., 2021;Gomez Cubero et al., 2021) that opera artists can embrace digital performance as a complementary tool that can help them to expand their reach, connect with new audiences, and enhance their performances.
While there may be some disagreements about how important digital skills are for South African opera artists, there is general agreement that these skills can significantly improve employability by increasing opportunities, expanding reach, facilitating networking, and adapting to the opera industry's evolving digital landscape.Balancing traditional features of opera with digital abilities can provide a well-rounded strategy to improving South African opera artists' employability in the digital age.
Drawing from the findings of this study, the importance of digital skills for opera artists in a global perspective offers several benefits that can significantly improve their employability.These benefits include enabling opera artists to reach a global audience.Through digital platforms, social media, and online streaming services, artists can showcase their talent to audiences worldwide.This expanded reach increases visibility and the potential for international recognition, leading to increased employment opportunities.Also, on a global perspective, digital skills facilitate networking and collaboration with artists, directors, conductors, and industry professionals from around the world.Platforms such as video conferencing, online forums, and social media allow opera artists to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on projects regardless of geographical boundaries.This global network can lead to international collaborations, performances, and engagements.With digital skills, opera artists can engage in self-promotion and digital marketing strategies to showcase their talent, achievements, and upcoming performances.Through websites, social media platforms, and personalized digital portfolios, artists can present their work professionally, attracting the attention of industry professionals, agents, and potential employers.

Recommendations and conclusion
Considering these findings and other reflections in this article, the following recommendations are made: Firstly, opera artists must embrace and develop digital skills to meet the demands of digital performance.Secondly, opera artists must place digital skills as their great priority to ensure that they are competent in the industry.Thirdly, opera companies must embrace digital performances that can be accessed from anywhere in the world, making it possible for opera companies to reach a wider audience than ever before.This can help increase their visibility, attract new fans, and increase revenue.Fourthly, opera companies must foster digital performance as it can assist them in producing and distributing performances at a lower cost than traditional live performances, making digital performance a more cost-effective option for opera companies.Lastly, embracing digital performance can help opera companies stay relevant, reach new audiences, and offer more engaging experiences to their existing audience.

Conclusion
This article discussed the importance of digital skills for South African opera artists to improve their employability.A specific focus was placed on South African opera artists.The article looked broadly at the fundamental digital skills that contribute to the employability of opera artists in South Africa.The study recognised that the development of digital performance is essential for the sustainability of opera companies in South Africa.This article also pointed out that opera companies must embrace digital performances.
Using a framework of analysis largely informed by the central tenets of Webb's (2021) digitalising live performance concept, this article examined the importance of developing digital skills for both opera companies and the opera industry.This article argued and revealed that digital skills such as creating, collaborating, communicating, social media marketing, video editing, and graphic design are necessary for opera companies and artists.
In this article, it was highlighted that opera singers can increase their employment on a worldwide basis by embracing digital abilities.The opportunity to reach a larger audience, network with international professionals, participate in online auditions, and use digital marketing tactics brings up a plethora of chances for cross-border performances, collaborations, teaching, and career progress.It enables artists to manage the ever-changing digital landscape while displaying their artistic excellence to a global audience.
Cumulatively, the digital skills highlighted above could transform the South African opera industry.The opera industry is embracing the opportunities that digital technology offers, and it is likely that more digital performances will be presented in the years to come.However, it is important to ensure that the quality of the performances is not compromised in the move towards digital and that accessibility for all audiences is considered.In conclusion, this article affirms that acquiring digital skills can enable opera artists to adapt to the changing industry and expand their career opportunities.
(a) What are the skills required for opera artists to improve their employability?(b) What hinders the success of digital technologies in the South African opera industry?(c) Do digital skills positively affect the employability and competency of opera artists?

Figure 1 .
Figure 1.A modified Colaizzi's seven-step method for data analysis.