Western Opera Audition Format

Time of Auditions

Auditions for all productions/events during the 2021-22 academic year will be virtual. Please prepare one aria or song and record it. You will be required to fill out an online ensemble audition form and to submit a link to your recorded audition by August 12, 2021 at noon. This recording can be without accompanist if one is not available. The recording will be reviewed by the Audition Panel as outlined below. We will be casting all major roles in the operas listed below. In addition, we will be casting all of the roles in the Gala. The Early Music Ensemble will once again be the orchestra for the Gala.

If you are a music major and it is not possible for you to submit an audition by August 12, contact mpsdept@uwo.ca by August 1, 2021. If you are a non-music major, your online form and audition is due by September 8, 2021 at noon.

Audition Panel

Voting Members:

  • Western Opera Coordinator (Chair of Audition Panel)
  • Conductor/Music Director of each production
  • Director of the Production being cast (if available)
  • Head Coach of Western Opera
  • All full time Voice Faculty Members who hear ALL the auditions will serve as voting members on the audition panel.

Casting Guidelines

  • The casting meeting will take place as soon as possible after all audition videos have been received.
  • All Principal roles will be cast by simple majority vote of the panel.
  • Once casting is made, cast combinations will be at the discretion of the director and music director with input from the head coach.
  • Any member of the audition panel that has a student involved in the audition process cannot vote for her/his student but may abstain from that vote.
  • Each member of the audition panel must view all the auditions or their vote will not be recorded.

Repertoire for 2021-22

Alcina
G. F. Handel
Performances in late November
Chamber Orchestra
Paul Davenport Theatre, Talbot College

L'Elisir d'Amore
G. Donizetti
Performances in Jan/Feb
Chamber Orchestra
Paul Davenport Theatre, Talbot College

Opera/Musical Theatre Gala
Performances in early March
Paul Davenport Theatre, Talbot College