Lyric Opera of Chicago will hold auditions for DANCERS for the 2022-23 season production of the world premiere of THE FACTOTUM, a new opera by Will Liverman and DJ King Rico. Originally inspired by The Barber of Seville, the piece is set in a Black barbershop on the Chicago’s South Side and features a colorful cast of characters and a score that combines classical singing with gospel, funk, rap, hip-hop, R&B and classic barbershop quartet to create a one-of-a-kind “soul opera”. The piece was commissioned by Lyric and is to be directed by Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, with choreography by Maleek Washington. The dancers are part of the fabric of the busy colorful neighborhood and their dancing has a language all its own: exuberant, energetic, and athletic.
Weekly rates for solo dancers with Lyric Unlimited are subject to the collective bargaining agreement with the American Guild of Musical Artists and were set at $868.50/week in the 2021-22 season.
The rehearsal and performance period for The Factotum is Monday January 9 – Sunday February 12, 2023.
Artists must have full-time availability and reside within 50 miles of the Chicagoland area.
Union and non-union dancers are welcome to apply. Artists at Lyric Opera of Chicago are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). Should an artist be hired they will be required to join this union, if they are not already a member.
SEEKING:
[DANCERS] 20s – 40s, male- and female-presenting, all body types welcome. Seeking exceptional ability rooted in contemporary and modern technique. Other styles like hip-hop, African, ballet, and stepping are also useful, knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) is a bonus. Applicants should also be strong actors. All ethnicities and racial backgrounds welcome, artists of color are strongly encouraged to apply. MUST RESIDE WITHIN 50 MILES OF CHICAGO.
[CECE understudy] Any age to play late-teens. (D4 – A5) African American dancer who sings with high R&B belt or classic musical theater style vocal. Must be an excellent dancer with strong contemporary and modern technique, comfortable with other styles as well. Cece is a beloved member of the community. Trauma and stress after her mom’s death cause her to communicate solely through dance until the end of the opera, when she finally sings out. MUST RESIDE WITHIN 50 MILES OF CHICAGO.
AUDITIONS ARE BY INVITATION ONLY
Please submit resume, headshot, and (if available) dance reel/links of videos via streamable link (Youtube, Vimeo etc.) to soloaud@lyricopera.org for consideration. If you are also interested in singing for the understudy of Cece, please include a self-tape of an R&B or soul song of your choice that shows your range. (This can be a cappella.)
Please use the subject line: [Your Name]- The Factotum
Artists should also indicate whether they are local to the Chicagoland area, are members of AGMA or
Actor’s Equity, and possess valid U.S. work authorization at the time of employment.
Auditions will be awarded based on review of submitted materials, accepted through COB Friday September 9.
Artists will be notified if they have been granted an audition by Friday September 16.
Not all applicants are guaranteed an audition and all auditions must be done live in Chicago.
Auditions will take place at Lyric Opera of Chicago, 40 North Wacker Drive (stage door) on September 27, 2022 between 10:00am – 3:00pm. Walk-ins will not be seen.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
All successful applicants should bring copy of their headshot/resume and arrive prepared to dance.
Attire can be loose workout clothing and sneakers or dance shoes of choice.
Ensemble performers must be 18 years or older. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the ability to provide documentation of the right to work in the United States.
For more information please email soloaud@lyricopera.org. ABSOLUTELY NO PHONE CALLS.
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, Lyric has currently implemented a mandatory vaccination policy.
Applicants must show a government issued I.D. and proof of vaccination, including a booster shot if eligible, in order to audition. We will keep applicants/hires updated if the policy changes.
The Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Lyric Opera of Chicago does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.
About Lyric Opera of Chicago and Lyric Unlimited
Lyric Opera of Chicago’s mission is to express and promote the life-changing, transformational, revelatory power of great opera. Lyric exists to provide a broad, deep, and relevant cultural service to Chicago and the nation, and to advance the development of the art form. Lyric Unlimited is Lyric’s department devoted to education, community engagement, and new artistic initiatives. To learn more about Lyric’s current and future season, visit lyricopera.org.