DELAWARE VALLEY OPERA 2020 NEW YORK CITY AUDITIONS
UPDATE - NYC AUDITIONS
Due to the overwhelming response, even after adding an additional two hours to our audition day on Saturday, 14 March 2020, unfortunately we will not be able to schedule any more audition applications going forward. However, please feel free to submit your headshots and resumes for our files or, if you are able, there is still space available at our local auditions in Narrowsburg, NY on Sunday, 15 March from 2 pm--4 pm. Thanks for the wonderful response!
The Delaware Valley Opera will be holding auditions for its 34th season productions of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance” and Verdi’s “Rigoletto” to be performed at the Tusten Theater in Narrowsburg, NY during July and August.
Principal auditions for both operas will take place in NYC on Saturday, 14 March at Shetler Studios (244 W. 54th Street, Penthouse 1) from 12 noon—5 pm. Auditions are by appointment only. Please contact DVO at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and include “Auditions” in the subject line. An accompanist will be provided, but artists may feel free to bring their own if desired. Please see role breakdown for each opera below.
DELAWARE VALLEY OPERA LOCAL AUDITIONS FOR 2020 SEASON
The Delaware Valley Opera will be holding auditions for its 34th season productions of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance” and Verdi’s “Rigoletto” to be performed at the Tusten Theater in Narrowsburg, NY during July and August.
Local auditions for both operas will take place on Sunday, 15 March from 2 pm – 4 pm in Krause Hall, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, 37 Main Street, Narrowsburg, NY. Please enter building from rear entrance, which will be marked. Auditions are by appointment only. Please contact DVO at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and include “Auditions” in the subject line. An accompanist will be provided, but artists may feel free to bring their own if desired. Please see role breakdown for each opera below.
Ensemble rehearsals for The Pirates of Penzance will begin 15 June with evening rehearsals twice a week or so, leading up to production week July 5—10 involving evening rehearsals every evening. A more detailed rehearsal schedule will be available at auditions.
Those not able to attend the local audition on 15 March should contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be considered or arrange an alternate date to audition.
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Performance dates: July 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 and July 25, 26 at the Rivoli Theatre, So. Fallsburg, NY
Director: Nicholas Wuehrmann
Musical Director/Conductor: Matthew Rupcich
Character Descriptions
Major-General Stanley - Comic Baritone - Middle-aged and beyond. Comic abilities, British accent, moves well. CAST
The Pirate King - Baritone - Age open. Dynamic presence, excellent comic timing, British accent, moves well.
Samuel - Baritone - Age open. Lieutenant to the Pirate King, great energy, proper British accent (or Cockney).
Frederic - Lyric Tenor - Appears 21. The Pirate Apprentice - Innocent, earnest, great energy, sincere, moves well, proper British accent.
Sergeant of Police - Bass - Age open. Excellent comic abilities, moves very well, Cockney accent.
Mabel - Coloratura Soprano - Appears young. Major-General Stanley’s daughter - leader of the pack, innocent but strong-willed, proper British accent.
Edith - Soprano - Mabel’s sister. Good sense of comedy, energetic, proper British accent.
Kate - Mezzo-Soprano - Mabel’s sister. Good sense of comedy, energetic, proper British accent.
Isabel - Voice type negotiable - Mabel’s sister. Spoken lines and sings with chorus, proper British accent, good sense of comedy.
Ruth - Contralto - Piratical Maid-of-all-Work. Frederic’s nursemaid in Act 1, transitioning to full-on pirate in Act 2. Great comic ability, moves well, accent could be Cockney or proper British.
Pirates, Police and Daughters - A variety of voices and types needed for the ensemble, ability to move a plus.
One aria/song in English appropriate to the style of the operetta. May be asked to read from the libretto.
RIGOLETTO
Performance dates: August 8, 9, 15, 16
Director: Carol Castel
Musical Director/Conductor: Matthew Rupcich
Performed in Italian with English supertitles
Some principal rehearsals may be held in NYC prior to arrival in Narrowsburg, NY for rehearsals beginning in middle of July. Local housing will be provided. More detailed rehearsal schedule will be available at auditions.
Rigoletto: Baritone
Gilda: Coloratura Soprano
Duke of Mantua: Tenor
Sparafucile: Bass
Maddalena: Mezzo Soprano
Giovanna - Gilda’s nurse: Mezzo Soprano
Count Ceprano: Bass
Countess Ceprano: Mezzo Soprano
Matteo Borsa,- a courtier: Tenor
Count Monterone: Baritone
Marullo – a courtier: Baritone