Singers accepted into the program will be cast in roles for the 2009 Season. Rehearsals begin May 21, 2009 with the final performance on July 17. In addition to participants in the main stage operas, selected singers will be invited to participate in the Young Artists Program. The Young Artists Program is designed for those participants attending a summer opera training program for the first time and will be appropriately cast in the scenes program and in some secondary roles in the main stage productions.
1. The 2010 season begins in May 2010 Performances of the four main stage productions will begin in June 2010. All singers accepted into the 2010 season must commit to attendance in the program for its full term which ends in July . Leaving the program before the final performance, is non-negotiable unless a family emergency or health issue arises (verified by a doctor) making it necessary for that particular performer to leave early. Any other short-term absences will be determined on a case by case criteria by the artistic and general director.
2. Food and Accommodations:
Breakfast is continental-style with cereals, milk, juices, coffee,tea, breads, and fruit. Lunch and dinner are full meals with salad bar. Singers are housed in either the mens or womens dormitory. Unfortunately, our facilities cannot accommodate married couples. In most cases, rooms will be shared by two people.
3. Ensemble:
Members of the company will be pre-assigned roles or chorus in the alternating three nights of opera during the festival season. Also, some members will be involved in the opera scenes program presented during the festival performance season. Participation in the OIO season includes the obligation of members of the company to help facilitate each others performances. This means that one night a singer may perform a leading or secondary role and the next night that singer may or may not be required to sing in the chorus for your colleagues performance.
4.Live Auditions:
They are being held between November 2008 and February 2009. Check the Audition Schedule page for information about these live auditions in your area and requirements for auditions by CD, or Video-Tape.
5.Financial Assistance:
There is a limited amount of financial aid in the form of work study: awards of $500-$1000 are the average grants. In addition to work study, partial to full scholarships may be awarded to qualified singers chosen from the audition process. All financial aid recipients are required to do some additional activity during the season: technical theatre work (scenery, costumes,lighting, stage management, kitchen help, janitorial, office, etc )
6. Notification of Acceptance:
Once all auditions have been concluded, participants chosen for the 2009 season will be notified via email no later than March 31, 2009.
7.Requirements After Acceptance:
Singers who have been accepted into the program will be sent a list of things to bring such as scores, stage shoes, and possible personal props. In addition each participant must submit a black and white (8 x 10) headshot and biography for the festival program by May 1, 2009.
8.A Rewarding Experience:
Despite the rustic, yet beautiful surroundings of the Ozark Mountains, the experience will be very intensive, rewarding and possibly life-changing. Musical and theatrical excellence has always been the rule at Opera in the Ozarks. Therefore, singers are given personalized attention to role preparation. In addition, each singer will have the opportunity to observe or participate in masterclasses by renowned professionals, attend classes in stagecraft, auditioning techniques and resumé building. Opera in the Ozarks offers a very unique program where for two months we will eat, sleep, and breathe opera!
Thank you for your interest in Opera in the Ozarks at Inspiration Point and we hope to see you next summer. Roger Cantrell Artistic Director
