Audition Announcement: "Amahl and the Night Visitors" by Gian Carlo MenottiPresented by Music to My EarsWe are excited to announce open auditions for our upcoming production of "Amahl and the Night Visitors" by Gian Carlo Menotti. We are looking to fill all roles and are open to double casting for backup in case of illness. Performance Dates:Weekends of December 9th and 15th Rehearsal Schedule:Flexible, generally on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings and some weekends Tech Rehearsals on December 2nd and 3rd (during the day) Rehearsal & Performance Locations:Rehearsals: MTME Cotati, 8500 Gravenstein Hwy, Suite A and MTME Sebastopol, 104 N. Main Street Performances: Theater at MTME Sebastopol, 104 N. Main Street
Roles Available:Mother Voice Type: Mezzo-Soprano/Soprano Amahl Age: 8-14 years old Voice Type: Boy or Girl Soprano (One Amahl already cast, looking for a second) Must have a voice teacher that they are working with tho learn the role King Kaspar Voice Type: Tenor King Melchior Voice Type: Bass-Baritone King Balthazar Voice Type: Bass The Page Mostly acting, with two sung lines in the baritone/tenor range Special Notes:Roles for the Kings and The Page are open to all genders
A chorus of shepherds is also needed, open to all ages and genders (even children). Chorus commitment involves 3 music rehearsals plus tech rehearsals and shows.
All singers are expected to learn most of their role on their own and come to rehearsals on book, but with their roles learned. Practice recordings and score are provided.
All roles are volunteer with a modest travel stipend
How to Audition:
Send your Resume: Include your performing experience, training, and any other relevant information.
Please indicate what role(s) you are interested in, or if you would like to be in the Shepard Chorus
Video Submission: Sing an opera aria or an art song in English. YouTube links are preferred, but zipped videos or Dropbox links are also acceptable.
Note: You may send arias or partial arias from this opera, or video footage of you performing in an opera or this specific opera. Please indicate the date the video was made.
Email your submission to: [email protected]Submission Deadline: Monday, October 9th, 2023We look forward to receiving your audition and potentially having you be a part of this production!
Opera Synopsis: "Amahl and the Night Visitors"In a humble dwelling, young Amahl and his mother face the harsh reality of poverty, with their food supply dwindling rapidly. One fateful evening, their simple lives are interrupted by the arrival of three opulent travelers—Kings from the Orient—and their accompanying Page. These dignitaries are on a divinely guided quest, following a celestial star to find the prophesized Christ child. Despite their limited means, Amahl and his mother extend their hospitality, providing the travelers with a place to rest for the night. Intrigued by the distinguished guests, villagers come to welcome them, offering food, gifts, and entertainment. Once the villagers have departed, the royal travelers confide in Amahl's mother about their mission: to honor a newborn who is destined to be the savior of humanity. As night deepens and the household sleeps, Amahl's mother wrestles with a moral dilemma. She questions why this mysterious child should be showered with wealth while her own son faces hardship. Tempted, she contemplates taking just one piece of gold from the lavish gifts meant for the Christ child. However, her attempted theft is foiled by the vigilant Page, leading to a tense confrontation. Yet again, the purpose of the Kings' quest is explained. Moved by the story and the promise of hope, Amahl offers his only possession—a simple crutch—as a gift for the divine infant. Miraculously, through the purity of his intentions and love, Amahl is cured of his disability. As the dawn breaks, joy and wonder envelop everyone, affirming the transformative power of faith and generosity.