A note to SRP auditionees:

If you have submitted an application and have NOT received an appointment, please check your "spam" folder or email us immediately.

We look forward to meeting you (or in many cases seeing you again) and hearing what you have to offer.  Every year, hearing more than 200 auditions, we're always happy to hear someone new and exciting, or to hear how much progress someone has made in the last year.  We want you to be great, because that makes our jobs that much easier!  Remember that "it's not rocket science" but a chance to get out there and sing, so consider this a chance to practice the craft of your auditioning. 

Please take a moment to read what to expect at your dell'Arte Opera Ensemble Audition.

general

- Please plan to arrive early to your audition.  Sign in with the proctor, get yourself settled, and if we can see you early, we are happy to do so.  We try to run as close to 'on-time' as possible, but when we do fall a little behind, we ask for your patience.  We do not guarantee to hear auditionees who arrive late to their appointment.

- We do provide a competent pianist for all regularly scheduled auditions at no additional cost, and encourage you to use them instead of bringing your own accompanist. Pianists this year include Eric Malson, Milos Repicky and Susan Morton.

- As a part of the audition process, you may be asked to speak the text of your aria as a monologue either in the original language or in translation.

- Dress for these auditions is not formal competition wear (ladies, please no gowns).  However, all applicants should dress as if this were an audition for a professional company.

- Behind the table will be Christopher Fecteau, Artistic Director of dell'Arte Opera Ensemble, who is responsible for all casting choices.  Guests, including Benjamin Spierman, Lawrence Rush and Heidi Lauren Duke may sometimes join him, and you are welcome to ask the proctor who was there if that is the case and you're not introduced.

Repertoire

- You do not need to bring the same repertoire you listed on your application, nor are you required to provide us with a repertoire sheet. 

- Your repertoire should represent you at your best, and does not need to be drawn from the announced season repertoire.  If you have an aria from the standard repertoire that is extremely polished and you feel the role should be next in your development, bring it!  Our announced repertoire is not carved in stone, and your choice of aria could inform our final choice.

- Please bring at least one selection in Italian and at least one other selection in another language.

- In general, we allow you to pick your first selection.  Very rarely, Maestro Fecteau might ask for a different choice.  Unless the piece is very long, you will be allowed to complete your first selection and you may be invited to another aria or part of an aria.

- Out-of-town applicants who are being seriously considered for a principal role may be given the opportunity to sing additional material.

callbacks

- Depending on the quality of the initial auditions, we may or may not hold callbacks.  If we need to hear you a second time, you will be notified no later than March 1.  Some artists being considered for a principal role may be invited for a mini-coaching at Maestro Fecteau's studio.

- dell'Arte Opera Ensemble is not obligated to hold a second round of auditions, and casting may be completed solely on the basis of the first round.

what we're looking for

- Solid, stable vocal technique
- Accurate and expressive diction
- Ability to convey the structure and syntax of a piece both musically and textually
- Informed, intelligent, clear dramatic choices (specificity of gesture, focus, character physicality)
- What is unique about you informs the work; remember we want it to be you who walks in and makes us want to cast you!  Be prepared, and focus on the craft of your singing and acting.