Honors Students for Spring Opera Production

EARN INDEPENDENT STUDY CREDIT IN MUSIC FOR BEHIND THE SCENES HANDS-ON PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE
The acclaimed Maryland Opera Studio (MOS) is looking for Honors students to assist in the Spring Opera Production.  Students will not only earn credit, they will also learn a great deal, and gain invaluable experience. 

This April, MOS will produce Johann Strauss' Die Fledermaus (The Revenge of the Bat).  In this operetta sung in German with English dialogue, the plot revolves around revenge for a cruel trick that leads to a woman sending her lover to jail under her husband's name, a man attempting to seduce his own wife (disguised as a Hungarian countess) and a chambermaid masquerading as a lady of quality.  The complications get straightened out in a prison run by a drunken jailer, all to the sparkling music of the great Viennese master. 

Performances are April 11, 13, 16, 19, 2014

In addition to helping the magic happen, we offer you an opportunity to  learn about the pieces, the composer, the designs and how production elements all come together to be performed from the Director and Stage Manager. 

If you are interested in any of the exciting opportunities below, please contact Ashley Pollard (see below) right away: (Please note: the dates provided below are the span of the production period.  Specific dates and schedule will be provided dependent on the position when I email you back)
Ashley Pollard, Maryland Opera Studio
301-405-5546
pollarda@umd.edu

1.       Follow-spot operators (2 needed)
Credit hours (2)
Commitment:  All technical rehearsals and performances March 31 - April 19th. 
In addition to this time, there will be 3 “lecture” times when the student would come sit in on a rehearsal and learn about the productions, choice of operas, and the role lighting design plays in the final production.
Skills needed:  Ability to take direction over headset until they learn the show and operate a spotlight instrument, following the singers on the stage.  May include thinking on their feet during live performance if the stage manager needs to make changes.  Promptness and focus are a must.


2.        Dressers/Hair & Make-up Assts. (3 needed, ideally)
Credit hours (2)
Commitment:  All dress rehearsals and performances April 4-19
In addition to this time, there will also be a time when students would meet with our professional designer to learn about how wigs are applied, basic stage make-up skills and dressing of artists.
Skills needed:  Ability to help people properly align their costumes as per the designers ideas.  Basic sewing and repairs skills are useful.  Assist the cast with dressing, hair, make-up any quick changes.  There would be at least one professional dresser to help train them on what to do.


3.        Videographer (1)
Credit hours (1)
Commitment:  Last 2 dress rehearsals and all performances April 8-19

 In addition to this time, there will be 3 “lecture” times when students would come sit in on a rehearsal and learn about the productions, have an opportunity to watch the blocking to have an idea of where to run the camera.
Skills needed:  Ability to run a video camera.  Expectation is to follow the acting onstage and capture as many opportunities to shoot close-ups and tight scenes.  These are required for the students who are performing to have for thesis purposes, so I try to have as much detail as possible.  They would watch the 1st rehearsal, test shoot the final dress and film all 4 performances.


4. Deck/Rail Crew (3 people) 
Credit hours (2)
Commitment:  All technical rehearsals and performances March 26-April 19

In addition to this time, there will be 3 “lecture” times when students would come sit in on a rehearsal and learn about the productions.
Skills needed:  Ability to follow direction given by technical director or stage manager.  This person must feel comfortable pulling ropes and moving large and bulky set pieces.   Promptness and focus are a must.