Lyric Opera of Chicago will hold auditions for solo dancers with strong technique and significant stage experience for its upcoming production of La traviata by Giuseppe Verdi on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The production will be staged by critically acclaimed director Arin Arbus with choreography by Austin McCormick, artistic director and founder of COMPANY XIV. Teanna Zarro is the ballet mistress.
La traviata requires two (2) male-presenting and two (2) female-presenting solo dancers, and one (1) male-presenting and one (1) female-presenting cover dancers. All dancers should have substantial professional experience and be highly trained in both ballet and contemporary dance. Dancers should be stylistically versatile with excellent partnering skills and acting ability. Pointe shoes are not required.
Lyric Opera of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive casting and encourages all highly accomplished dancers to audition.
Rehearsals will begin Monday, March 1, 2027, with performances running from Wednesday, March 24, through Saturday, April 25, 2027.
The schedule for the audition on Saturday, July 18, is as follows:
- 9:00am: Check-in: must arrive by 9:30am
- 10:00am: Warm-up class
- 11:00am: Audition begins: should conclude no later than 4:00pm, likely earlier
The deadline to register for this audition is Friday, July 10, at 5:00pm CDT
To RSVP, you must send your résumé and headshot via attachment to balletaud@lyricopera.org, and complete the registration form you will receive in reply. You will not be granted the ability to register for an audition until you have made a complete application. Walk-ins will not be seen.
Please be prepared to show a government-issued photo identification card to gain access to the audition. All applicants must have valid eligibility to work in the United States. Lyric Opera will not apply for working permits for foreign dancers.
Artists at Lyric Opera of Chicago are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists. Should you be hired for La traviata you will be required to join this union, if you are not already a member.