Auditions

Stage Direction by Jackie and Kathie Rogers
Music Direction by Joseph Sorge

Performance Dates
Friday, February 25, 2022 at 8pm
Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 8pm
Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 2pm
Friday, March 4, 2022 at 8pm
Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 8pm
Sunday, March 6, 2022 at 2pm

Synopsis

A world of magic, wonder, and fairies is not so far from our own, as young Strephon knows all too well. Aided by his band of immortal fairies, including his mother Iolanthe, Strephon attempts to woo the beautiful Phyllis, but the influential Lord Chancellor has other plans.

A series of mishaps and miscommunication leads the young shepherd boy into the British Parliament. Can he win back his love’s affection from his new lofty position? Can fairies and peers co-exist peacefully? And, what’s the deal with all those funny looking outfits? Featuring some of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most memorable tunes, including “When Britain Ruled the Waves” and “Loudly Let the Trumpets Bray.”

Audition Information & Roles

Dates
Monday, October 25 - 7:30-10pm
Wednesday, October 27 - 7:30-10pm

Callbacks (for principal roles by invitation only)
Thursday, October 28 - 7:30-10pm
*Must be available for in-person callbacks to be considered for a role

Location
Bethesda Presbyterian Church
7611 Clarendon Road, Bethesda, MD 20814

Virtual submissions are also being accepted through October 27th!

How-To (Virtual Auditions)

Fill out an audition for at the sign up link above. When asked to choose an audition time please select "Please add me to the waiting list. I cannot make an appointment at this time."
Email a video of you performing one verse of a song in English (with accompaniment, no a cappella selections) to vloc.auditions@gmail.com.
You will be contacted via email within 48 hours regarding the status of your audition.

Iolanthe, a Fairy, Strephon's mother - Mezzo-soprano
Queen of the Fairies - Contralto
Phyllis, an Arcadian Shepherdess and Ward in Chancery - Soprano
Celia, a Fairy - Soprano
Leila, a Fairy - Mezzo-soprano
Fleta, a Fairy - Speaking role/chorus
The Lord Chancellor - Comic baritone
Strephon, an Arcadian Shepherd - Baritone
George, Earl of Mountararat - Baritone
Thomas, Earl Tolloller - Tenor
Private Willis, of the Grenadier Guards - Bass
Chorus of Dukes, Marquises, Earls, Viscounts, Barons, and Fairies

How-To (Live Auditions)

Auditions are required for all roles - both principal and chorus. Callbacks for principal roles are by invitation only.
Please prepare one verse of a song in English and bring sheet music in the appropriate key for the provided accompanist. Please do not audition a cappella.
Principal roles may be asked to perform a cold reading of dialogue at the audition.
You will also be asked to provide ALL of your scheduling conflicts for the rehearsal period.

Rehearsal Information

Rehearsals begin Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays - 7:30-10 pm | Bethesda Presbyterian Church (7611 Clarendon Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814)
Sundays - 2-5 pm | Location TBD

All cast members will not be called to every rehearsal.

*Masks will be worn during rehearsal*

Standard Information and Disclosures

All participants must be vaccinated against COVID-19 virus (see below) and provide proof of vaccination at the first in-person VLOC interaction (your audition!).
All roles are open and unpaid.
Participation is ages 12+

Requirement for 2021-2022 participation: Vaccination against COVID-19 virus

In order to take part in VLOC in-person activities - namely our rehearsals and performances - you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This goes for singers, members of the orchestra, backstage and build crew, and production teams - basically anyone who will be in person at any given time for any VLOC purpose.

COVID-19 is an aerosolized virus - it is spread through droplets in the air - and the CDC has determined that group singing indoors is a high-risk activity for those who are NOT vaccinated. We want everyone to stay healthy, but masking and social distancing are not feasible at rehearsals and performances. As a company, we have decided that the way we want to re-engage and move forward, is with the confidence and assurance that ALL participants ARE fully vaccinated and our collective risk is significantly lowered when doing the thing we love. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html)

This policy does temporarily put an age requirement for participation. Currently vaccines are not available for children 12 and younger - as soon as they are, we will reevaluate - but anyone over 12 years of age is eligible and encouraged to join us this season, if you are fully vaccinated.

So to reiterate: in order to take part in Victorian Lyric Opera Company in person activities this season, you must be vaccinated against COVID-19. The collective safety of our community is paramount, and by vaccinating yourself, you are taking care of others.

If you have any questions, please write to victorianlyricopera@gmail.com.

Follow us on Facebook or sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future auditions!