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Virginia Opera prides itself not only for presenting opera of the highest quality, but also for seeking out, training and presenting performing artists of the highest quality.
To this end, Virginia Opera offers a wealth of opportunities for the wide variety of performing artists employed in its productions and programs every season.
Qualifications for each vary and are described below along with the audition process and application procedure:
SPECTRUM RESIDENT ARTISTS PROGRAM
Virginia Opera's Spectrum Resident Artist Program provides exceptionally talented young artists with a seasonal residency program that offers an extensive schedule of performing opportunities in the context of a professional training program. Artists receive a weekly compensation of $400, plus housing and transportation to Virginia. Approximate annual compensation for the full season contracts during 2008-2009 will be $14,000.
Virginia Opera is committed to finding and training the outstanding artists of tomorrow. The Spectrum Resident Artist program was created to train gifted young artists while providing school students with exposure to the magical world of opera. Those selected to participate in the program will be challenged and supported by an outstanding staff.
Performing Opportunities
Participants in the program perform small roles and/or cover leading roles in the company's mainstage productions for the 2008-2009 season. Additionally, young artists perform leading roles in several fully-staged Education and Community Outreach productions that tour schools throughout the state of Virginia. Community concerts and company promotional concerts offer artists the opportunity to perform standard arias and ensembles in concerts with piano. Spectrum artists are regularly re-engaged for main stage productions in future seasons.
Study Opportunities
Each participant receives regular coachings with members of Virginia Opera's Artistic Staff, which include Artistic Director Peter Mark, Assistant Artistic Director and Associate Conductor Joseph Walsh, and Principal Coach Laura Friesen. Masterclasses are held throughout the season covering topics such as stagecraft and foreign languages. The in-house Artistic Staff offers classes in resume preparation and auditioning techniques to our young artists during the course of the season.
Application Information
Auditions for the 2008-2009 season were held in New York in December 2007.
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APPRENTICE COACHES
Education and Community Outreach Performance Opportunities
Apprentice coaches serve as musical directors and pianists for Education and Community Outreach productions. They also serve as principal coaches for the resident young artists, preparing them for their mainstage roles, cover roles, and concerts. Coaches learn the basics of artistic administration and company management by serving as on-site tour managers, as well as, providing coaching for the young artists’ personal repertoire.
Mainstage Performance Opportunities
Apprentice coaches are adjunct members of the mainstage musical staff. They are scheduled to serve as rehearsal pianists in several mainstage productions and serve as pianists for cover rehearsals. Community concerts and company promotional concerts offer apprentice coaches the opportunity to perform for a variety of audiences.
Study Opportunities
Each participant receives coachings with Assistant Artistic Director Joseph Walsh. Coaches will receive training and support from administrative staff to aid in tour management. The in-house artistic staff offers classes in resume preparation and auditioning techniques during the course of the season. Masterclasses are held with visiting stage directors and other distinguished guests throughout the season.
Candidate Qualifications
Apprentice coaches should have attained at least a Bachelor of Music degree in piano and have exceptional experience in vocal accompanying. Individuals should be capable of managing artists and overseeing non-artistic aspects of the Spectrum Resident Artists Program.
The Audition
For the audition, please prepare a Mozart finale and a 10-minute excerpt from a standard opera by Puccini, Verdi, Strauss or other romantic composer. You will also be asked to sing the vocal lines, in order to demonstrate your understanding of the integration between the vocal lines and the orchestra.
Apply to the Program
Please send your resume and a cover letter via e-mail to Andrew Chugg at Andrew.Chugg@vaopera.org. We would also welcome an MP3 of your playing.
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ADULT CHORUS
Virginia Opera is extremely proud of the quality, talent and dedication of our chorus. Virginia Opera choristers maintain successful “day careers” while pursuing their passion for opera on nights and weekends. Chorus Master and Assistant Artistic Director Joseph Walsh provides excellent leadership, musical preparation, and language coaching for the chorus.
Auditions
Auditions for the 2008-2009 Adult Chorus will be held at the Harrison Opera House in downtown Norfolk on May 19, May 20 and May 21 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. each day. You must schedule your audition in advance. Please prepare one aria or art song (foreign language preferred). We will provide an accompanist for your audition. Complete details will be provided once you’ve been scheduled.
You must schedule your audition in advance by contacting Andrew Chugg via e-mail at Andrew.Chugg@vaopera.org or phone at 757.627.9545 ext. 3325.
Rehearsals and Performances
All chorus rehearsals take place in Norfolk Virgina at the Harrison Opera House. The number of rehearsal hours required varies by production, but choristers can expect to spend approximately two months on a production from first rehearsal to final performance. Performances are presented in Norfolk, Richmond and Fairfax.
Compensation
Virginia Opera is a professional chorus offering competitive compensation. Transportation and lodging are provided as appropriate for the Richmond and Fairfax venues.
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CHILDREN’S CHORUS
Auditions for the 2008-2009 children’s chorus will be held at the Harrison Opera House in downtown Norfolk on May 12 at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. You MUST schedule your audition in advance. All children scheduled will audition at the same time. Auditions will last one hour.
You must schedule your audition in advance by contacting Andrew Chugg via e-mail at Andrew.Chugg@vaopera.org or phone at 757.627.9545 ext. 3325.
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DANCERS
Select productions involve the hiring of local professional dancers. Currently, Virginia Opera hires its dancers through To The Nines Productions in Norfolk, Virginia.
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ACTORS
Select productions involve the hiring of local actors. Currently, no productions being presented by Virginia Opera require actors.
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SUPERNUMERARIES
Supernumeraries are people of all ages who share the stage with operatic artists. Supers act as 'extras' on the stage. Supers can play soldiers, townspeople, nuns, gypsies as well as many other important roles. A super's enthusiasm and cooperation is an important part of any operatic production.
Auditions for the 2008-2009 season will take place on May 27 and May 28 at the Harrison Opera House in downtown Norfolk from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. each day. You will be provided with a scene or scenes to improvise for your audition.
You must schedule your audition in advance by submitting an application online, or by contacting Andrew Chugg via e-mail at Andrew.Chugg@vaopera.org or phone at 757.627.9545 ext. 3325.
To learn more or submit your application, click here.
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MAINSTAGE ARTISTS
Virginia Opera produces four main stage productions each season. Most Virgina Opera mainstage artists are hired through artist management agencies. However, non-managed artists are occasionally hired in principal roles. All main stage principal artists should have considerable professional experience with other opera companies. To be considered for an audition send a cover letter, resume, headshot, and supportive materials to:
Joseph Walsh, Asst. Artistic Director
Virginia Opera
P.O. Box 2580
Norfolk, VA 23501-2580
Should you be scheduled for an audition you will be contacted.
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ORCHESTRAL MUSICIANS
Virgina Opera subcontracts with both the Virgina Symphony Orchestra and the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. Please contact these organizations for further information.
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