Please be sure that you have fully read the audition announcement and visit our website,
www.operareadingproject.com to learn about how we work, our team and what we do. If you have done this and are ready to apply, please complete the form below and then follow the directions to
sign up for an audition time slot. Audition sign-ups are accepted through September 2, 2022. Everyone will need to complete an audition UNLESS you have coached with music director Lara Bolton in the last 6 months. Then you are not required to perform a live audition, but please still fill out this form and email the office directly at operareadingproject@gmail.com to let us know.
Scheduling: Each opera reading takes place during a 2-3 week intensive with coachings, rehearsals and a final read-through. The time windows for each reading are listed below:
Window #1: Nov 4-Nov. 21 or Nov. 28-Dec. 12
Window #2: Jan 13-Jan 30 or Feb. 21- Mar.10
Window #3: May 8-21 or May 30-June 11.
Our third opera reading this season, a full-work by a living composer or a one-act by a living composer paired with a second one-act, will be performed in public, and will be tuition-free thanks to a generous donor gift.
We have also added an additional rehearsal for more polishing time to each reading, again thanks to our donor community.
For the audition, be prepared to sing two contrasting opera arias or classical songs, one in English. We would like to hear what represents you at your best. Singers auditioning for Opera Reading Project are MN-based singers who are typically at a professional or emerging professional/graduate level. Please provide your own accompanist for the audition. If you would like a list of excellent pianists who are available to play that day, send an email with PIANIST in the subject line to operareadingproject@gmail.com and the list will be sent to you.
COVID-19 Protocols: In order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 to all in ORP as well as for those with whom we share space where we meet, we are requiring that everyone attending our in-person auditions be fully vaccinated against the virus. At this time masks do not need to be worn while singing in the audition room but should be worn before and after in the audition waiting area.
**Important to Note: Opera Reading Project is casting for our role reading series and is not casting to stage operas. Opera Reading Project is a professional career development tool for singers that does not offer payment or housing at this time. Singers receive coachings, rehearsals and a final reading and pay a tuition rate per role based on role size according to AGMA classifications. For further details, please see the 2022-2023 Opera Reading Project Rate and Participation Guidelines.
Diversity Statement: Opera Reading Project is dedicated to creating equitable and inclusive opportunities in our company that reflect the diversity of Minnesota. We affirm applicants from all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Opera Reading Project stands strong in its commitment to equity for all applicants, regardless of race, gender, religion, age, marital or veteran’s status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by local, state or federal law.
