UMass Amherst Opera Workshop

Please share this with friends and repost!

Opera Workshop will hold auditions Thursday October 18 from 4:30-6:30 PM in BRH. Please sign up for an audition time outside of Amy Johnson's office FAC East 283. If you are not available during this time period, please email her at [email protected]

The following ensembles and roles are available with the repertoire programmed:

La Traviata act one.

Chorus:
Any singers not currently in opera workshop but who would like to participate in the chorus next semester are welcome to audition. Please bring one classical selection, preferably in a foreign language. An accompanist will be provided for all auditions but you may bring your own.

Alfredo, cover. Leading romantic tenor. Needs to be comfortable singing multiple Ab's.

Featured roles and ranges
Barone: baritone C2- D3. Stern, aristocratic character
Marchese:bass-baritone A1 - C3. Jovial aristocrat
Dottore: bass-baritone C2-C3.

Gianni Schicchi: These roles are open to singers not currently enrolled in Opera Workshop if they have instructor approval. Singers currently in opera workshop may audition to add a role to their original casting assignments, with your applied teacher's approval.

Please bring an aria that shows your vocal range.

Nella, soprano
Needs to be able to float high notes and interact well as a comedienne. High Bb. Shrewish character.

Betto, baritone Gb1 - E3
Needs great comedic timing and physicality. Scruffy, disreputable character.

Simone, bass-baritone Gb1 - E3. Must play old man (70 y.o.).

Marcia, mezzo-soprano - primarily D2 - D3. Simple-minded, naive, neurotic, though not unintelligent.

Gherardo, tenor, mostly mid-range with multiple high A's in the ensembles. Several emphatic, isolated solo lines

Roles requiring minimal vocal range and can be cast as a man or women:

Spinelloccio (Physician)/Notary - Spinelloccio requires comedic timing and the ability to mimic a Bolognese accent (think Daffy Duck). Notary requires pomposity and contains a spoken segment in Latin.

Pinellino (Shoemaker) - small isolated solo

Guccio (Dyer)

Requirements:
You must be available for all class periods in the spring semester even though you may not be called for rehearsal.
Tuesday, Thursday 3:30-6:00.
You must reserve Patriot's Day weekend for additional rehearsal.
You must be available for dress rehearsals and performances April 28-May 1. Excuses will be sent to your professors.
Men in Traviata must have a tuxedo. Women in Traviata must have a formal gown.

Please bring any questions to Amy Johnson at [email protected]
or
Michael Merullo at
[email protected]