WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA
SOLOIST AUDITION
(AUDITION BY APPT ONLY)
PORGY & BESS
Music by George Gershwin / Libretto by Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward
Francesca Zambello, Director
Kwamé Ryan, Conductor
Audition date and times are:
Thursday, September 26, 2024: 10:30am – 5:00pm
Production tentative schedule
- 1st Staging Rehearsal: April 24, 2025
- 1st Tech Rehearsal: Approx. May 14
- Performances: May 23, 24(m), 24(e), 25(m), 27, 28, 29, 30, 31(m) and 31(e), 2025
Washington National Opera announces auditions for the following roles in PORGY & BESS:
Principal Supporting roles
- Mingo (t)
- Robbins (t)
Principal Solo Bit roles
- Peter (t)
- Jim (bar)
- Nelson (t)
- Crab Man (t)
- Annie (m)
- Strawberry Woman (m)
- Lily (m)
Chorus Backfill
For possible vacancies that arise in the chorus.
The audition is open to local AGMA artists only.
Please note that due to the specific requirements of the opera as written, this audition is open to Black singers only.
| Principal Artists engaged on weekly basis | Minimum Compensation Rate |
| Performance Weeks | |
| Supporting | $ 1,648.85 / week |
| Solo Bit | $ 1,196.40 / week |
| Rehearsal Weeks | $ 1,502.45 / week |
| Choristers | |
| Rehearsals (hourly) | |
| G1 | $ 39.30 |
| G2 | $ 46.80 |
| Performances (per performance) | |
| G1 | $ 323.50 |
| G2 | $ 387.15 |
- Singers are asked to bring two (2) operatic arias: one in Italian and another in any language of their choice (including Italian or English).
- Please bring music for the accompanist, who will be provided. Singers may use their own accompanist if they prefer.
- If selected for a principal role, you will also be assigned applicable chorus sections to sing in accordance with the terms agreed upon by WNO and AGMA.
- If you auditioned for the WNO 24/25 chorus in February 2024, you will be automatically considered for any vacancies without needing to reapply.
- Artists auditioning for principal roles must have daytime availability.
- If you require an accommodation in order to participate in this audition process, please write to the email below.
- Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your audition appointment to complete paperwork and have your photograph and measurements taken.
TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT VISIT THE REGISTRATION PAGE
Questions? Email WNOseasonauditions@kennedy-center.org
Auditions are at the Washington National Opera Studio
6925 Willow Street NW, Washington, DC 20012.
*The taking of measurements and reference photographs for our files does not imply that the artist has been accepted for a position in a production.