Verismo Opera Casting Supernumeraries. Volunteer Opportunities Announced.

The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera, the house opera company of the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) in Englewood, New Jersey, has several opportunities for supernumeraries, volunteers, and opera fans to get involved during its 26th season.

Artistic Director Lucine Amara announces casting of supernumeraries to appear in Verismo Opera’s new production of Georges Bizet’s Carmen on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at bergenPAC. The opera will be fully staged, with the cast performing in costume. An orchestra under internationally renowned Principal Conductor/Music Director Anthony Morss and a chorus led by Chorus Director/Associate Conductor Mara Waldman will accompany singers.

Supernumerary Openings

Adult men and women, teenagers, and children are invited to perform as supers in non-singing, non-speaking acting roles in the company’s grand, traditional production of Carmen. Fifteen men are especially needed to appear as toreadors, guards, and town authorities, among others. Verismo Opera has openings for supernumeraries of any age to appear in costume and carry banners. Young women, ages 16 to 30, are needed to appear in scenes.

No prior stage experience is required. Supers will work closely with the company’s General Manager/Stage Director, Canadian soprano Evelyn La Quaif, a prominent voice teacher and performer.

People interested in performing as supers are invited to attend rehearsals on Saturdays, March 14, 21, 28, and April 4, 11, and 18 at 1:30 p.m. at 44 Armory Street in Englewood, New Jersey. For further information about super roles, contact 201-224-2809.

Volunteer Opportunities

Verismo Opera invites members of the community to get involved and see the development of an opera production behind the scenes. Many unique opportunities are available for people looking to acquire new skills, brush up on existing ones or complete community service requirements.

People are invited to volunteer behind the scenes assisting with props, costumes, and sets. Other opportunities include promoting the elaborate productions, fundraising projects, planning events and receptions, graphic design, photography, proofreading, mailings, and helping with various administrative functions. Outgoing individuals are needed to greet visitors at performances, distribute flyers/posters, seek in-kind donations, and promote tickets for productions and special events.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Verismo Opera, call (201) 816-950 or send an e-mail to riagrace@hotmail.com.

Funding

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, follow the company on Facebook, get updates on Twitter @NJVerismoOpera or call (201) 886-0561.