Open auditions for Kellogg Community College’s Opera/Musical Theatre Workshop Ensemble world premiere of Michigan composer Karen Phipps’ “Snow White: The Opera” will be held this month in Battle Creek.
Auditions are open to community members and students alike and will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, in the auditorium of the newly renovated Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center, on campus at 450 North Ave., Battle Creek.
“Snow White” is a one-act opera based on the popular fairy tale first published by the Brothers Grimm. The cast will consist of seven to 12 roles of varying voices parts, with auditions held for the following principal roles:
- Snow White: Soprano or mezzo
- Queen Stepmother: Mezzo or tenor pants role
- The Huntsman: Baritone
- Prince: Baritone or tenor with a wide range
- Magic Mirror: Baritone or mezzo pants role
- Dwarfs: Ensemble (all parts)
In addition to casting performers for the “Snow White” portion of the production, KCC will also be auditioning for soloists and ensemble members to perform works by composers including Mozart, Romberg, Gilbert and Sullivan and Menotti.
Music Program Coordinator and Ensemble Director Dr. Gerald Blanchard said those not cast in “Snow White” will have ample opportunity to showcase their performance talents.
“A specific aria or ensemble will be assigned based on your voice type and strengths,” Blanchard said. “There will be something for everyone.”
Audition specifics
Audition slots should be scheduled in advance with Blanchard by sending an email request to blanchardg@kellogg.edu with a preferred audition time. Walk-ins will also be accepted.
Individuals who wish to audition are encouraged to prepare one classical and one musical theatre selection (folk repertoire will also be accepted) sung in English that would best showcase his or her voice. While participants are also encouraged to bring their own accompanists, a staff pianist is available if a request is submitted in advance.
Individuals who wish to use a staff accompanist must be submit a request to the Davidson Arts and Communication Department offices on or before Aug. 22 with the name, email address and contact phone number of the individual auditioning so that the accompanist may contact him or her directly with any questions. Individuals using a staff accompanist should plan to arrive 15 minute prior to their scheduled audition time in order to meet with and run through their music with the accompanist.
For individuals who cannot attend the scheduled audition date due to extenuating circumstances, a secondary audition date is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 2. Individuals auditioning on Sept. 2 must provide their own accompanist and request an audition time in advance.
Those selected for KCC’s Opera/Musical Theatre Workshop cast must commit to participating in rehearsals from 5 to 7 p.m. on select Wednesday evenings beginning in September. Participants must also commit to the final Opera/Musical Workshop performance scheduled for 3 p.m. Dec. 4. There may be additional dates added to the rehearsal schedule the week prior to performance; these dates will be provided at least two month in advance.
For more information about music and performance offerings at KCC, visit www.kellogg.edu/music or contact Blanchard at blanchardg@kellogg.edu.
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