EARN 1-HOUR 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 upcoming productions.  Students will not only earn credit, they will also learn a great deal, and gain invaluable experience.

This November, MOS will produce Mozart’s Don Giovanni, widely considered Mozart’s best opera. Mozart masterfully shadows the conniving but captivating Don, aided by his loyal servant, Leporello, in his quest to conquer all of the beautiful women he encounters. Part comedy, part tragedy, this opera is Mozart at his finest, sparkling with music full of sheer genius, dynamic characters and some bold supernatural payback.
  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:  Ashley Pollard, Maryland Opera Studio 301-405-5546 pollarda@umd.edu
1.       Follow-spot operators (3 needed) Credit hours (1) Commitment:  All technical rehearsals and performances in November Monday, November 16-Tuesday November 24  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. (2 needed, ideally) Credit hours (1) Commitment:  All technical rehearsals and performances in November Sunday, November 15 – Tuesday November 24 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 and the costume time period choices.  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  Wednesday, November 18 – Tuesday November 24
 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 final dress and film all 4 performances.

4. Deck/Rail Crew (2 people ideally)  Credit hours (2) Commitment:  All technical rehearsals and performances in November Saturday November 21 – Tuesday November 24
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 furniture and set pieces.   Promptness and focus are a must.