FALL/SPRING 2011-12

OUR MISSION

Spotlight on Opera continues to evolve in the hopes of providing the best possible experience to our artists. Our mission is to provide both career track singers and dedicated hobbyists with the best performance experience and instruction in all aspects of opera production and the business of opera, through master classes, special topics, and performances in a supportive, fun, positive environment.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Spotlight on Opera is pleased to invite singers aged 15 and up to participate. All singers must read music and be capable of learning and memorizing opera scores on their own. Spotlight is an intense experience, and while we are here to help you in a positive and fun environment, we take preparation very seriously. Singers must arrive at the the first rehearsal with their music memorized. Unprepared singers do not perform with Spotlight on Opera.

All Spotlight members are expected to take part in crew activities. You will be asked to volunteer for any one of several crews, including Production, Publicity, Admin, Wardrobe, or Props. All Spotlight singers participate in set/strike for productions.

REHEARSALS AND MEETINGS

During the Fall/Spring season, Spotlight meets regularly on Mondays from 6-9 p.m. at the Bachus Conservatory Recital Hall, 8000 Anderson Square. During Production Week (the week immediately preceding performances) we meet every night from 6-9 and may also meet on weekends. The performance and rehearsal schedule is published well in advance and singers are expected to be present and on time for all Production Week rehearsals. Rehearsal and performance locations during Production Week may vary.

TUITION AND WORK STUDY

Spotlight on Opera is currently funded 100% by tuition and ticket sales. We do not currently receive any grants or other financial sponsorship. We are grateful for sponsorship in the form of rehearsal and performance space donated by the Bachus Conservatory.

Tuition for the Fall/Spring Season is $225 per semester.
A very limited number of work study positions are available. Please contact Program Director Cindy Sadler if interested. (Please link my name to email address).

AUDITIONS

Participation in Spotlight on Opera is by audition. We are currently casting the Fall/Spring Season. Productions include:
Aria by Request: Design It Yourself Concert
Opera Scenes Showcase
Sing to Love Valentine's Day Concert
Acts of Love and Desperation (three fully staged acts from different operas; repertoire TBD)
Opera Brunches
Small Group Recitals

Informal auditions will be held during the first two meetings of each semester. To be considered, please email director Cindy Sadler (please link my name to email) and bring resume, bio, headshot, and 3-5 arias (you may include 1-2 art songs) to the meeting.

SUMMER SPOTLIGHT 2012

Plans for the 6th Summer Season of Spotlight on Opera are currently underway. Traditionally, the program takes place in late July/early August and runs 3 to 4 weeks. It is comprised of three divisions: After Five (for participants who can only participate after 5 p.m. on week days); Daytime (for fulltime participants); and the Choral Division.

Repertoire under consideration includes Don Giovanni, Tosca, The Ballad of Baby Doe, The Rape of Lucretia, The Pirates of Penzance; Song Cafe, Aria Extravaganza, and Opera Scenes Showcase. All repertoire is subject to change.

Further information about the 6th Summer Season will be posted as it becomes available.

MEDIA

2010 - The Austin Chronicle article