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The James Collier Apprentice Artist ProgramDugg McDonough and David Neely, Co-Directors DES MOINES METRO OPERA is one of the country's premiere summer opera festivals, with an annual operating budget of approximately two million dollars. The Company features nearly 200 talented singers, musicians, coaches, conductors, directors, and staff in three productions each season. Under the leadership of Founding Artistic Director Dr. Robert L. Larsen, Des Moines Metro Opera has presented some 600 performances of 115 productions since 1973. Hailed by the Kansas City Star as "a national treasure," patrons and the critical press (including Opera News) come from across the country to enjoy this summer festival presented in an intimate 488-seat theatre located onthe campus of Simpson College in Indianola. Now in its 35th season, Des Moines Metro Opera's James M. Collier Apprentice Artist Program is a comprehensive career training program that bridges the gap between academic studies and a professional career in opera for some of the brightest and best talents in America. Members of the James M. Collier Apprentice Artist Program are a diverse group of singers representing many ages and educational backgrounds.
Click here for a complete list of the 2008 Apprentice Artists
AUDITION INFORMATION for the Apprentice Artist Program:Apprentice Artist auditions are held in conjunction with Principal Artist auditions each year in various cities, as well as by recording. At least half of the audition period will be devoted to Apprentice Artist and OPERA Iowa auditions. As much as we would like to hear everyone who submits audition materials, it is seldom possible because of time considerations. An accompanist is provided by DMMO for all live auditions. Recorded auditions: Candidates for the Apprentice Artist Program may submit a recorded audition in lieu of a live audition. All recordings will be heard. Compact discs are preferred. Click here to download the 2009 Apprentice Artist Program audition brochure AUDITION INFORMATION for OPERA Iowa Touring Troupe:During fall auditions, Des Moines Metro Opera will also hear singers to complete the casting needs for OPERA Iowa, its highly successful traveling education troupe. The total group consists of eight singers, a music director/pianist and a scenic technician who rehearse for three weeks and then travel for ten weeks throughout Iowa and the surrounding states, performing in schools and on community concert series. All OPERA Iowa artists are offered positions with the Apprentice Artist Program for the summer of 2009. The OPERA Iowa period of employment will run from January 3 - April 11, 2009. Compensation is competitive. Travel, housing and per diem while touring will be covered by Des Moines Metro Opera. Repertory will include fully staged productions of Rossini's The Barber of Seville for community and high school audiences and a world premiere production of Patterson's A Dream Fulfilled: The Saga of George Washington Carver for elementary audiences. Performances are sung in English and accompanied by piano. OPERA Iowa auditions will be heard in Baton Rouge, Chicago and New York. Click here to download the 2009 OPERA Iowa audition brochure Audition dates for the 2009 Season
Audition requirements
Click here to download the 2009 Audition Application Please contact Michael Egel at (515) 961-6221 with any questions about the application process. |
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