West Side Story | Ensemble Auditions (dancer/singer/actors)

End Date
Jan 29, 2019

 Lyric Opera of Chicago will hold auditions for dancer/singer/actors for the 2018-19 Season production of Leonard Bernstein’s musical theater masterpiece West Side Story. Directed by Francesca Zambello, this new co-production is shared by Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, and the Glimmerglass Festival. James Lowe is the conductor and the original Jerome Robbins’ choreography will be recreated by Julio Monge. Eric Sean Fogel is the associate director. The production design is contemporary, with sets by Peter J. Davison, costumes by Jessica Jahn and lighting by Mark McCullough.

Weekly rates for ensemble performers are subject to the collective bargaining agreement with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and are set at $1,176.50/week in the 2018-19 Season. The rehearsal and performance period forWest Side Story is Monday, April 8 through Sunday, June 2, 2019. There is the possibility of a short one-week extension of the performance period through Sunday, June 9, 2019. Ensemble members may also be cast as understudies for some principal and small, named roles.

All artists seen at these calls must belong to AGMA or Actors’ Equity Association(Equity Membership Candidates (EMCs) will not be considered at the ensemble auditions). You may be asked to submit proof of union membership at your audition.
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DANCER/SINGER/ACTORS
Specifically looking for young, energetic artists who are strong singers and athletic dancers. Classical dance background a plus. All ethnicities welcome, artists of color strongly encouraged. 

For dance calls, men should bring sneakers and knee pads, and women should bring heels and flats and (if possible) a rehearsal skirt. Please arrive warmed up and ready to dance. 

Artists should prepare an entire song of their choosing from classic musical theater or the Great American Songbook, and also prepare a 16-32 bar cut. Bring sheet music in the correct key; an accompanist will be provided. Come prepared to sing; there will not be space for you to warm up.

The schedule for auditions is as follows:

Monday, January 28, 2019

 

AGMA/Equity       Men - Preliminary Dance Auditions
                                 10:00am - 1:00pm Audition
                                 Check-in at 9:15am

AGMA/Equity       Women - Preliminary Dance Auditions
                                 2:00pm - 5:00pm Audition
                                 Check-in at 1:15pm 

AGMA/Equity        Men and Women - Preliminary Singing Auditions
                                 5:00pm - 8:00pm Audition
                                 Check-in times assigned after dance call 

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 

AGMA/Equity        Callbacks - Men and Women
                                  Sing and read for Jets
                                  10:00am - 1:00pm Audition 

AGMA/Equity        Callbacks - Men and Women
                                  Dancing/reading/singing as needed for Jets/Sharks
                                  3:00pm - 5:00pm Audition 

The deadline for submission is Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 5:00pm CST.
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For more information about this production, and to submit for these auditions, please email your résumé and photo to choraud@lyricopera.org; please indicate whether you belong to AGMA and/or Actor’s Equity.

Auditions are by invitation only and will be awarded based on review of your complete submitted materials. They will be held at Lyric Opera of Chicago, 40 North Wacker Drive, Chicago.

Walk-ins will not be seen. 

Artists at Lyric Opera of Chicago are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists. Should you be hired for West Side Story you will be required to join this union, if you are not already a member.