MASTER CLASS
Directed by TBD
AUDITIONS
- Sunday, August 9, 2026 – 1pm – 4pm
- Monday, August 10, 2026 – 6:30pm – 8:30pm
- Tuesday, August 11, 2026 – 6:30pm – 8:30pm
First Meeting: Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 1pm
Rehearsals will be 3-4 times a week beginning at the end of August
You must be CONFLICT FREE: September 19 – October 4, 2026
All auditions are held at:
The SORG Opera House – 63 South Main Street, Middletown, Ohio 45044
Enter through the front doors on South Main Street.
SYNOPSIS:
MASTER CLASS by Terrence McNally is a bold, theatrical homage to opera legend Maria Callas. Set in a music conservatory, the play captures Callas at the end of her career as she conducts a master class with three aspiring singers. With biting wit, unfiltered passion, and razor-sharp insight, she pushes them beyond technique to uncover the soul of performance. As she critiques, cajoles, and reminisces, her own triumphs and heartbreaks come alive, blurring the line between teacher and diva, artist and woman. Featuring soaring live performances of iconic arias from operas by Verdi, Puccini, and Bellini, this electrifying drama is a powerful exploration of sacrifice, artistry, and the high price of greatness. Recommended for ages 13+
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
- You must complete an audition form & sign up for an audition time slot
- Those auditioning for one of the opera students should prepare an excerpt from the song listed in the character description as well as another brief excerpt of a song of choice that shows the personality of the auditioner.
CHARACTERS
MARIA CALLAS: This role has been cast
Female, 35-65. A hugely successful world-class opera diva who, following her operatic career, has come to Julliard to teach opera students; she is glamorous, intelligent, and has a commanding stage presence; she is fiercely dedicated to teaching her students about commitment to the demanding discipline of the art; she stresses the need for them to not just sing the notes but to embody the character; she does not mince words; she has a dry and sometimes piercing sense of humor; she is frequently misjudged by an outward personae that belies the sensitive and vulnerable woman who lives within her; strong acting and light singing; Speaks stage English with a tinge of a Greek (Mediterranean accent). Must have excellent foreign language skills especially Italian and some French.
SOPHIE DePALMA (First Soprano):
Female, 22-30. Must be a strong operatic soprano and actress; thinks of herself as fiery but is soon overwhelmed and intimidated by Maria’s criticism; must be able to sing Bellini’s Sonnambila aria, Ah non credea mirati.
SHARON GRAHAM (Second Soprano):
Female, 22-30. Must be a strong operatic soprano and actress; sensitive, but courageous; not afraid to ask questions; works very hard; she is feisty enough to stand up and talk back to Callas, and must be able to cry on cue; must be able to sing Verdi’s Macbetto, Lady Macbeth’s letter aria, Vieni! T”affretta.
ANTHONY ‘TONY” CANDOLINO (Tenor):
Male, 25-35. Attractive and flirtatious; confident verging on cocky. Possesses openness and courage, naive about the preparation necessary to be an opera singer. Serious about becoming an artist. A good listener. Must be able to sing Recondita Armonia from Tosca.
THE STAGEHAND (Supporting) 18+ any gender. A dedicated theatre stagehand; has speaking lines.
MANNY WEINSTOCK: The pianist
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 