Join the cast of Leonard Bernstein’s MASS at the 2018 May Festival!
The Cincinnati May Festival invites singers of all voice types to audition for solo and chorus roles in the May 2018 performance of Leonard Bernstein’s MASS: A Theatre Piece For Singers, Players, and Dancers.
Those selected to participate will join the May Festival Chorus, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and conductor Robert Porco for a performance of this monumental work on May 19, 2018 at the recently re-opened Cincinnati Music Hall. The performance celebrates the centenary of Bernstein’s birth and recalls a previous performance of the work at the 1972 May Festival.
Auditions will take place in the May Festival Rehearsal Room at Music Hall on Saturday, January 20, 10am–4pm and Sunday, January 21, 6pm–9pm.
Casting
Street Chorus: The May Festival seeks approximately 40 singers (ages 16+) to populate the “Street Chorus,” an ensemble that sings in Latin and English in a wide variety of musical styles. Singers will be chosen from this chorus to sing solos ranging from extended songs to brief interjections. Street Chorus singers and soloists should be comfortable in rock, blues, jazz, pop, and Broadway vocal stylings and should possess the ability to learn complex ensemble music. Previous experience in musical theater productions is desirable, but not required.
Boy Soloist: The May Festival seeks a boy soloist with an unchanged voice to play an important dramatic role in the performance. The boy should possess a pleasant voice and strong musical skills. Previous stage experience is desirable, but not required.
Audition Requirements
All singers interested in the Street Chorus should prepare two musical selections:
- A Street Chorus excerpt from MASS, distributed by the May Festival in advance of the auditions to all auditioning singers. Singers should prepare one voice part of the excerpt (soprano, alto, tenor or bass) as appropriate to their vocal range. The excerpt does not need to be memorized. An accompanist will be provided.
- Any song from the Broadway or show tune repertoire. The audition panel will hear up to three minutes of the song; therefore, excerpts of songs are acceptable and encouraged. Auditioning singers should choose excerpts that best showcase their range and unique vocal abilities. Selections should be memorized. An accompanist will be provided, and singers should bring two copies of their selection for the accompanist and the audition panel. Copies should be in the key in which singers intend to sing the excerpt.
All boys interested in the role of the Boy Soloist should prepare two musical selections:
- An excerpt of the solo music for the boy from MASS, distributed by the May Festival in advance of the auditions to all auditioning singers. The excerpt does not need to be memorized. An accompanist will be provided.
- Any short song that demonstrates vocal skill and dramatic comfort. Simple folk songs are acceptable, as are Broadway tunes. The song should be memorized. Selections need not be accompanied, but if an accompanist is desired, singers should bring two copies of their selection for the accompanist and the audition panel. Copies should be in the key in which singers intend to sing the excerpt.
Audition Signups
Interested singers should fill out the audition form linked below. Before signing up for an audition, singers should consult the rehearsal and performance schedule carefully. All rehearsals are mandatory. However, if you are aware of schedule conflicts, please note them in your audition signup form. Participation in this performance with regard to rehearsal conflicts is at the discretion of the conductor and May Festival management.
The Boy Soloist will not attend Street Chorus rehearsals. Rather, individual rehearsals will be arranged with the conductor, and the Boy Soloist will join the cast in May for any necessary staging rehearsals and for all full cast rehearsals.
SIGN UP FOR AN AUDITION TIME
Questions? Contact mswanson@mayfestival.com for more information or to inquire about upcoming auditions.
We look forward to hearing you!
Bernstein Mass: May Festival 2017
Sat Jan 20
Street Chorus & Soloist Auditions
May Festival Rehearsal Room @ Music Hall
10 am-4 pm
Sun Jan 21
Street Chorus & Soloist Auditions
May Festival Rehearsal Room @ Music Hall
6 pm-9 pm
Sun Feb 18 Rehearsal 1: Street Chorus
Venue TBA
6 pm-9 pm
Sun March 11 Rehearsal 2: Street Chorus
Venue TBA
6 pm-9 pm
Sun March 25 Rehearsal 3: Street Chorus
Venue TBA
6 pm-9 pm
Sun April 15 Rehearsal 4: Street Chorus
Venue TBA
6 pm-9 pm
May 6-11 Possible Staging Rehearsals: Street Chorus, Boy Soloist
Evenings
Venue TBA
Sat May 12 Rehearsal: Street Chorus, May Festival Chorus
May Festival Rehearsal Room @ Music Hall
2 pm-5 pm
Wed May 16 Orchestra Rehearsal: Full Cast
6:30 pm Chorus Call
Rehearsal 7:30-10:00 pm
Sat May 19 Dress Rehearsal: Full Cast
9 am Chorus Call
Rehearsal 10 am-1 pm
Sat May 19 May Festival 2: Bernstein, Mass
6:45 pm Chorus Call
8 pm Performance
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