Children’s Chorus Auditions
The Chautauqua Opera Company will hold auditions for singers ages 8-18, with some flexibility depending on experience, to perform in a children’s choir for our production of Hansel and Gretel on July 24 in Chautauqua’s Amphitheater at 7:30 p.m. The production will be directed by Keturah Stickann, and conducted by Steven Osgood. Hansel and Gretel will be performed in English.
This will be a mixed chorus of unchanged/treble voices. The children’s chorus sings in the final 6 minutes of the opera. They will be involved in the staging before their vocal entrance but have relatively limited music to learn. Four singers from the chorus will also be chosen to appear as Angels in the forest sequence. No additional singing is required of the Angels.
Auditions for Singers Ages 8–18
All voices must be unchanged
Multiple audition opportunities: May 7 & 8, June 9 & 10
What to expect when you audition
Auditions on May 7 and 8 will be led by Steven Osgood, General and Artistic Director of Chautauqua Opera Company. Auditions on June 9 and 10 will be led by Carol Rausch, the company’s Head of Music and Chorus Master. All auditions will be videotaped so they can be shared with the production’s stage director, Keturah Stickann.
Auditions will have two parts.
First, small groups of singers will be taught a line of music from Hansel and Gretel and then be given an opportunity to sing that phrase on their own.
Second, each singer will present a solo of their choice. This should be something that you enjoy singing, and which shows your personality. If you bring music, we will be happy to accompany you on the piano. You may also sing this on your own, with no accompaniment if you prefer.
Audition Dates and Times
Tuesday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Fredonia Elementary School
425 E Main St. Fredonia, NY 14063
Wednesday, May 8 at 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Infinity Visual & Performing Arts
301 E 2nd St Ste 10 Jamestown, NY 14701
Please use the link below to register for an audition date.
More information regarding the June 9th and 10th auditions at Chautauqua will be shared with all those who register via email.
Students will be notified within 7 days of their audition if they will be invited to participate, declined, or placed on the call-back list where they will be asked to audition again. Students who participate in the call-back auditions will be notified within 7 days of their status.
Rehearsal Schedule
We will provide study recordings so the children can begin learning the music before rehearsals begin. All music and staging rehearsals will be held at Chautauqua Institution.
Music Rehearsals: June 21–July 2; 6 two-hour rehearsals, generally in the evenings
Staging Rehearsals: July 5–23; 10 rehearsals, generally 3 hours each in afternoons and evening