Lyric Opera of Chicago will hold auditions for singers and singing dancers for the upcoming May 2013 new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!. This production is part of the company’s American Musical Theater Initiative and will be directed by Gary Griffin, winner of Olivier and Joseph Jefferson awards. The original Agnes de Mille choreography will be recreated by legendary Broadway dancer and choreographer Gemze de Lappe.
Oklahoma! requires 12 Singing Ensemble members with 2 covers and 12 Dancing Ensemble members with 2 covers and 3 solo dancers. Singing Ensemble auditionees should be highly trained singers who are able to move well. Dancing Ensemble auditionees should be technically strong dancers who are highly trained in classical ballet and are skilled singers.
Weekly rates for ensemble performers and solo dancers are subject to the not-yet-ratified collective bargaining agreement with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). Rates are expected to be approximately $1,000 per week for ensemble performers and approximately $875 per week for solo dancers.
The rehearsal and performance period for Oklahoma! is Monday, April 8 – Sunday, May 19, 2013. There is the possibility of an extension of the performance period through May 26, 2013.
All auditionees should bring a résumé, headshot, and 16 bars of a Rodgers and Hammerstein piece for their audition. Dancers, please wear simple dance clothes that show the dance line. Female dancers should have character heels.
Auditions will be held in the Civic Opera House, 20 North Wacker Drive (stage door entrance, corner of Washington St.).
The schedule is as follows:
Monday, October 8, 2012 AGMA/Equity Singing Ensemble Auditions
10am Check-in
11am Auditions
**If you are advanced from this round, you must be available the morning of October 15th**
Monday, October 15, 2012 AGMA/Equity Dancing Ensemble Auditions
2pm Check-in
3pm Audition
**If you are advanced from this round, you must be available the afternoon of October 16th**
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 Open Call Singing/Dancing Ensemble Auditions
10am Check-in
11am Audition
**If you are advanced from this round, you must be available the full day**
If you are interested in auditioning, please RSVP to
312.827.3576. Walk-ins will not be seen.
Singers and dancers at Lyric Opera of Chicago are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists. Should you be hired for Oklahoma! you will be required to join this union if you are not already a member.
