Application Deadlines Extended for Verismo Opera's Auditions at Bergen Performing Arts Center

Calling singers! The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera has extended the deadlines for professional, amateur, or retired soloists in all vocal categories to submit applications to audition for roles in the professional opera company’s 2015 productions. New Jersey residents are encouraged to apply.

Auditions will be held for the roles of Morales, Lillas Pastia, and El Remendado in Georges Bizet’s Carmen and Lord Arturo Bucklaw, Alisa, and Normanno in Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor. Open auditions will be held on January 26 and 27 and February 9 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Drapkin Cabaret and Lounge of the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey.

The application deadline for the January 26 and 27 auditions has been extended to January 24. Applications for the February 9 auditions should be received by January 30. An audition appointment is required and must be made in advance.

Verismo Opera, the house opera company of bergenPAC, presents its 26th season with performances of Carmen on April 26 and Lucia di Lammermoor on October 18 in 2015. All the productions will be presented at 3:00 p.m. at bergenPAC.

Verismo Opera will present these grand operas fully staged with a live orchestra and chorus. The selected vocalists will receive free coaching from professionals in the field, including Artistic Director Lucine Amara, a Met Opera legend; General Manager/Stage Director Evelyn La Quaif, a Canadian soprano; and Maestro Anthony Morss. Professional photos and a DVD of the production will be available to use for future engagements and performances.

Audition Requirements

All applicants must have previous experience in a fully staged production and the necessary vocal training to perform leading or supporting roles. New Jersey residents are encouraged to apply. Although an accompanist will be provided, applicants may bring their own. For an audition appointment, call 201-886-0561 or send an e-mail to info@verismopera.org.

Applicants must submit a bio listing current or past performances and roles sung, a resume, photo and an audio file, preferably in an MP3 format or on a CD, and a list of three arias by the application deadline to Verismo Opera Inc., P.O. Box 3024, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024-9024 or to info@verismopera.org. A refundable $25 deposit must be submitted with all applications. Checks should be made out to Verismo Opera and mailed to P.O. Box 3024, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07026.

The site is handicapped accessible. Designated handicapped parking spaces are available. Vocalists requiring a special accommodation should call (201) 886-0561 at least two weeks before the audition.

The 2015 season is made possible, in part, with funds provided by the New Jersey Council on the Arts/Department of State, through grand funds administered by the Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs. Other supporters include Children’s Aid Foundation, Robert J. Campbell, MD, Cesare L. Santeramo, KSJ, Paul Weiss Matching Fund, The Gerda Lissner Foundation, Inc., and Vanguard Charitable Endowment Fund.

For more information about the nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, visit Verismo Opera’s web site, www.verismopera.org or follow the company on Facebook, http://bit.ly/9JXTP8, or Twitter @NJVerismoOpera; or call (201) 886-0561.