Hatstand Opera: Audition Information

Please note: we currntly have no vacancies or jobs available at Hatstand Opera.

What do Hatstand do?

We are specialists in opera highlights, presented in an informal, accessible way to the highest musical and artistic standards. All Hatstand Opera shows are just that, staged performances, not a string of concert pieces. Hatstand performers love working close to an audience, engaging them in the drama of opera, whether they are opera buffs or the opera shy!

Who sings for you?

Hatstand have a pool of talented performers, who make up the casts for our wide variety of shows, according to each individual singer’s availability and suitability. Our performers have AT LEAST seven years of professional experience under their belts; we do not take performers straight out of music college.

What kind of highlights do you perform?

Selections are made from right across the operatic repertoire, but you can usually count on some Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Bizet, and Rossini in the opera shows. All our extracts are staged, with ‘add on’ costume, and fully rehearsed. In the course of a typical evening each performer would sing at least nine items, of which only one would be an aria, the rest being ensembles. It’s a busy night for all!

Where do you perform?

Hatstand Opera perform in a wide variety of venues across the UK throughout the year. One night we might be performing at an exclusive function at The Savoy, the next night in a Norman church, the next in an arts centre. Our policy of ‘go-anywhere’ opera may take us to venues with acoustic challenges, limited space and lighting, or state of the art set-ups. Theatre-based performances are the exception rather than the rule. We do also perform outside.

Do you have an orchestra?

95% of our performances are with piano, and our pianists are experts in bringing the full orchestral quality of each extract to the keyboard. It makes the format flexible and very accessible. Hatstand performers enjoy the freedom of working with piano, and the very much more intimate quality it gives to their performances.

Will I be offered a role in a full opera?

Simple answer, no. Hatstand Opera have no plans for any full operas.

What are the terms?

Hatstand Opera pay fees in line with MU and Equity Concert Singers rates. Travel expenses are available for some performances, and you will usually get well fed and watered before the show. Add on costumes are provided, but as usual, men will be expected to provide their own dinner suit and ladies their own ball gown or fancy frock.

To sum up...

Hatstand Opera performances are fast-moving fun, spanning a big musical range. Your audience are well within spitting distance, and they want to be entertained. 90% of the time they’ll love what you do, want to chat to you afterwards and see you again next year. It’s very rewarding, involves a fair bit of travel, will not win you fame except via the Smalltown Gazette, perhaps, and won’t keep you in Ferraris. But then, the arts usually don’t anyway.

What next?

Please note we are fully cast at the present time and have no jobs available. However,  if you wish to be kept on file for possible future casting, please send:

• A list of ten ensembles you can sing NOW plus the languages and translations you sing them in (NOT arias, and NOT from roles on your c.v. We assume if you have sung the role, you KNOW the role – all of it.)

  For example, you might list: Pearl Fishers Duet - Pearl Fishers - French and English (Schirmer).

• A current c.v. with picture which includes full roles you have sung and in what languages if not original.

Email auds@hatstandopera.co.uk .