LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO
WEST SIDE STORY ENSEMBLE
Type of Employment: W-2
Salary/Fee Information: $1,242.50 per week
Lyric Opera of Chicago will hold auditions in New York and Chicago in January 2023 for ENSEMBLE DANCERS WHO SING to play Jets and Sharks in the 2022-23 season revival of West Side Story. This acclaimed production of is directed by Francesca Zambello and set against a gritty contemporary vision of New York City. It is conducted by James Lowe and features the original Jerome Robbins’ choreography as recreated by Joshua Bergasse. This masterpiece about communities in conflict is just as timely as when it first premiered.
• The rehearsal and performance period for West Side Story is May 8 – June 25, 2023.
• Weekly rates for ensemble performers are subject to the collective bargaining agreement with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and were set at $1242.50 in the 2022-23 season. Round-trip transportation and housing stipend is provided for out-of-town cast members.
• Ensemble members may also be cast as small named roles and understudies.
• Artists must have full time availability & possess valid U.S. work authorization at the time of employment.
• 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, to audition.
All dancers/ singers seen at the union call must belong to AGMA or Actor’s Equity.
Equity Membership Candidates (EMC) will be seen at the non-union call.
ALL ARTISTS AUDITIONING AND WORKING AT LYRIC MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED AND HAVE RECEIVED ONE BOOSTER SHOT.
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SEEKING:
INCREDIBLE DANCERS WITH STRONG CLASSICAL TECHNIQUE WHO SING, TO PLAY HIGH SCHOOL AGE. Vocal style is classic Broadway. All ethnicities and racial backgrounds welcome, artists of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
[JETS] MALE-PRESENTING & FEMALE-PRESENTING PEOPLE OF ALL ETHNICITIES. Jet understudy assignments will include Riff, Action, and Anybodys.
[SHARKS] MALE-PRESENTING & FEMALE-PRESENTING LATINX PERFORMERS. The male-presenting role of Chino and the female-presenting role of Rosalia will come from the Ensemble. Shark understudy assignments will include Chino, Bernardo, and Anita.
AUDITIONS ARE BY INVITATION ONLY
• Please submit headshot/resume and dance reel (if avail) to musicals@lyricopera.org for consideration.
• Not all applicants are guaranteed an audition. Auditions will be awarded based on review of submitted materials, accepted through Fri Dec 2.
• Please use the subject line: [Your Name] – WSS/AGMA/AEA or Non-Union (as applicable).
• All auditions must be done live in New York or Chicago - please indicate city of preference.
• Artists will be notified if they have been granted an audition by Fri Dec 9.
• Artists should also indicate whether they are members of AGMA or AEA and possess valid US work authorization at the time of employment.
• Walk-ins will not be seen.
AUDITION SCHEDULE
Auditions in New York will take place at Pearl Studios (500 8th Avenue); auditions in Chicago will take place at the opera house (40 North Wacker Drive). Artists will be asked to arrive 30 minutes before audition time to check-in.
January 16 - 17: New York: Prelim Dance/Singing auditions
January 18 – 23: New York: Callback auditions
January 26: Chicago: Prelim Dance/Singing auditions
January 27: Chicago: Callback auditions
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
All successful applicants should bring a copy of their headshot/resume and vaccination card and arrive prepared to dance. For the dance call men and women should wear jazz or regular sneakers and women should bring heels. Candidates should also prepare a song of their choosing from classic musical theater (pre-1980) or a standard from the Great American Songbook. Lyric Opera of Chicago will provide an accompanist; artist must furnish a legible copy of the song in the correct key.
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.
Artists at Lyric Opera of Chicago are represented by the American Guild of Musicians. Should an artist be hired they will be required to join this union, if they are not already a member.
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.
For more information, please email musicals@lyricopera.org. ABSOLUTELY NO PHONE CALLS.
About Lyric Opera of Chicago
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.