AUDITIONS
Auditions for the Summer Season will be held on Saturday, May 22 in Austin, and on Sunday, May 16 in New York City. Registration deadline for the Summer Season is June 1, 2010. To be considered for an audition, please complete and email the following application, along with a resume, bio, and headshot.
DOWNLOAD APPLICATIONS
SUMMER 2010
Spotlight on Opera Summer Training Program is an intensive three-week program providing unique training and performance opportunities for both career-track and avocational singers aged 18 and up. We perform fully staged opera scenes and operas with piano, as well as a popular and unique staged art song program known as The Song Café. We strive to provide a supportive, positive environment in service of singers and the art form we love.
Beginning in Summer 2010 Spotlight will offer three ways to participate:
DAYTIME DIVISON
Daytime Division participants will meet Monday - Saturday for an intensive schedule classes, lessons, coachings, rehearsals, and some weekday and Sunday afternoon performances.
Each Daytime Division participant will receive:
- 1 one-hour voice lesson per week
- 1 one-hour private coaching per week (dramatic or musical)
- Classes and workshops which may include any of the following topics: character development, business of singing, mock auditions, audition attire, movement, vocal master classes, fitness, yoga, stage make-up, and more
- Rehearsals and performance opportunities of opera scenes, full opera roles, and song recitals as determined by casting auditions.
Daytime Division singers will also combine with After Five Division singers for performances and other events.
AFTER FIVE DIVISION
The After Five Division is designed for singers who are unavailable for daytime participation and will meet Monday through Friday from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10 - 1 p.m., with some Sunday afternoon performances. Please note that you will not necessarily be called for every evening rehearsal, or for the full rehearsal, and that you may list conflicts in advance which will be taken into scheduling consideration. However, all singers must be available for every dress rehearsal and all performances. This is an intensive schedule, but it gives singers with 9 to 5 jobs the opportunity to participate fully in the experience.
Each After Five participant will receive:
- 1 half-hour weekly voice lesson
- 1 half-hour weekly private coaching (dramatic or musical)
- Opportunity to participate in Saturday afternoon workshops and classes on topics which may include character development, vocal master classes, mock auditions, stage make-up, and more. Please note that these workshops and classes will take place AFTER the 10 -1 p.m. Saturday rehearsal time, and are therefore optional for After Five singers.
- Rehearsals and performance opportunities of opera scenes, full opera roles, and song recitals as determined by casting auditions.
After Five Singers will be fully integrated with Daytime Division singers for evening rehearsals and weekend performances and there is no distinction made between the two divisions in terms of ability or focus.
SPOTLIGHT CHORISTER
Beginning this season, Spotlight offers a great new way for any singer to sing a little opera. If you would love to sing opera but:
- can’t commit the time
- prefer not to have to memorize your music
- have mobility or other issues that might keep you from being on the stage
- prefer an inexpensive way to participate
then Spotlight Chorister is your starring role!
Choristers meet twice a week, after 5, to rehearse separately with our Chorus Master. During Production Week, they will also be called to rehearse with the full company. During performances, choristers will sit offstage, in view of the audience and conductor, and sing from the score. Choristers who would like to participate onstage (and memorized!) may audition to do so. Spotlight Choristers are entitled to audit any masterclasses or workshops, sit in on rehearsals, and attend performances they are not participating in for free.
HOUSING, DINING, AND TRANSPORTATION
In the future Spotlight on Opera hopes to be able to provide housing, transportation, and dining for our out-of-town singers, but at the present time these are not available through our program. All singers are responsible for their own transportation, housing, and dining.
FEES AND TUITION
Daytime Division Tuition Only (no housing or dining) --- $1200
After Five Division Tuition Only (no housing or dining) --- $350
Spotlight Chorister Tuition Only (no housing or dining) --- $100
AUDITIONS AND FEES
Auditions for the Summer 2010 Spotlight on Opera Program are in-person only (no tapes or videos accepted) and will be held on the following dates and locations:
AUSTIN, TX
Saturday, May 22
Bachus Conservatory, 8000 Anderson Square (off Anderson Lane)
An accompanist will be provided for a $15 fee, or you may bring your own.
NEW YORK CITY
Sunday, May 16; contact Cindy Sadler for details.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
3-5 contrasting opera arias, at least one of which must be in Italian and one in English. In addition, you may choose to offer one to two art songs.
Daytime and After Five Divisions:
3-5 contrasting opera arias, at least one of which must be in Italian and one in English. In addition, you may choose to offer one to two art songs.
Spotlight Choristers: 2 selections, preferably opera arias. Art song and musical theater are also acceptable.
FALL/SPRING 2010-2011
Spotlight on Opera is the official opera ensemble of St. Edward's University and is open to students and community members aged 18 and up by audition only. Rehearsals take place most Saturday afternoons and one week night, plus some additional weeknight rehearsals immediately prior to scheduled performances.
Our mission is to provide both career track singers and dedicated hobbyists with 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.
St. Edward's students and faculty may register for MUSI 4399. Community participants may download an application below and contact Program Director Cindy Sadler to schedule an audition.
Registration for the Fall semester begins August 1 and the deadline is September 1. The registration deadline for the Spring semester is December 1.
Cost for participation for community members is $200 per semester, payable by check or credit card. There is no application fee, but you will be asked to bring your own accompanist to auditions or pay $15 to use ours.