Auditions

WHO: The premiere of Lyric Opera of Kansas City’s production of The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess scheduled for Nov. 7-15 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Find biographies of the cast and creative team at Lyric Opera of Kansas City and high-resolution photos here.

Singers of Black or African descent invited to audition for PAID opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join leading African American opera singers onstage.

WHAT: Online auditions for 15 local (greater Kansas City) singers aged 18+ to join the ensemble of The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, scheduled as part of the 2020-2021 season.  Hailed as the first great American opera, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess has courted critical acclaim and inspired passionate reactions since its premiere. Join Lyric Opera of Kansas City in producing this tragic love story, featuring some of the most beautiful and beloved songs ever written, including “Summertime”, “I Got Plenty ‘o Nuttin”, “Bess You is My Woman Now”, “It Ain’t Necessarily So” and “My Man’s Gone Now.”

WHEN: Submissions are now open and will close on May 7.

HOW: Send us a video of no more than 7 minutes of yourself, singing a song, operatic aria, show tune or traditional spiritual, along with your resume and avoid the nerves of audition day entirely! If you make a mistake, you can re-record and send us your best version!

Submissions and questions, please contact Sarah Zsohar at szsohar@kcopera.org.

We prefer submissions on YouTube and would ask that you have an accompaniment of either piano or any kind of music track (www.appcompanist.com may be a useful tool). If you are not able to include an accompaniment or soundtrack, an a capella submission will be acceptable.

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TBD

DANCE REQUIREMENT: 4 Female and 2 Male Dancers.

For the Men, please bring ballet or jazz shoes and wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing that shows the dance line. Looking for dancers with strong classical technique and great acting abilities. You will be playing Matadors.

For the Women, please bring character shoes (heels of any height) and wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing that shows the dance line. Please bring a knee-length rehearsal skirt, if possible. Looking for dancers with a strong classical technique and great acting abilities. You will be playing Gypsies.

Rehearsal Period: September 5 – 24, 2020

Performance Dates: September 26, 30, October 2, 2020 at 7:30 PM; October 4, 2020 at 2:00 PM

A headshot, resume, and bio must be included when registering to be considered. Registrations must be received by TBD.

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For more information, contact Sarah Zsohar at szsohar@kcopera.org.

Choreography by Parker Esse as set by Andrea Beason; Stage Direction by Francesca Zambello.

Auditions for Lyric Opera main stage production Children’s Choruses are held on a per need basis. Audition information will be listed below if a Children’s Chorus is needed for a production.

Help the show go on! Volunteer to be a supernumerary (super) in a Lyric Opera of Kansas City production. For more information about becoming a super or to request that your name be placed on a contact list for open opportunities, contact Sarah Zsohar at szsohar@kcopera.org.

Members of The Kansas City Symphony comprise the orchestra used for performances by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. For audition information, please call the symphony’s administrative offices at (816) 471-1100 or visit kcsymphony.org.