(Bergen County, New Jersey; September 14, 2016) -- The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera has several opportunities for supernumeraries (supers) to appear in Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto and volunteers to get involved in the grand opera company.  Actors and aspiring actors are invited to apply.

Supernumeraries, the equivalent of extras seen in movies, will appear with principal singers on the stage. Adult men and tall male teenagers are invited to perform as supernumeraries in non-singing, non-speaking acting roles as courtiers, guards, dukes, conspirators, and other parts. No previous stage experience is required. All supernumerary positions are undertaken as volunteer roles.

Supernumerary Audition

Applicants interested in appearing as supernumeraries should attend the first rehearsal on October 1st at 2:15 p.m. at 44 Armory Street in Englewood, New Jersey. They will work closely with the company’s General Manager/Stage Director, Canadian soprano Evelyn La Quaif, a prominent voice teacher and performer. The new production of Verdi's classic opera, Rigoletto, will be fully staged, with the entire cast performing in costume. An orchestra, under Principal Conductor/Music Director Lucy Arner, and the Verismo Opera Chorus will accompany the principal singers.

Volunteer Opportunities

Artistic Director Lucine Amara, a Metropolitan Opera luminary, invites opera enthusiasts and newcomers and people passionate about art and culture to experience the magic of opera and the theatre. Several volunteer opportunities are available in the nonprofit opera company's productions, concerts, international vocal competition, special events and other activities. Many unique openings are available for people of all ages, backgrounds, professions and interests looking to acquire new skills useful in the workplace or expand existing ones, complete community service requirements, meet new people from all walks of life, and create lasting friendships.

Members of the community may sign up for volunteer positions helping back stage with costume changes, sewing, using and gathering stage props, and creating and maintaining sets. Volunteers are welcome to assist with fundraising projects and assume various administrative functions, such as proofreading, completing mailings, taking minutes, running meetings, filing, proofreading, making phone calls, and inputting data.

Marketing opportunities are available, including greeting people at performances, posting flyers about upcoming productions and events, taking photographs, designing posters and materials, and promoting tickets for productions and special events. People interested in planning events and receptions, assisting with concerts, seeking in-kind donations, and working on fundraising projects are also needed.

For further information about supernumerary roles and volunteer opportunities, contact 201-816-9520, 917-821-8476, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Funding

The 2016 season is made possible, in part, with funds provided by the New Jersey Council on the Arts/Department of State, through grant funds administered by the Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs. Other supporters include Children’s Aid Foundation, Robert J. Campbell, MD, Cesare L. Santeramo, KSJ, Paul Weiss Matching Fund, The Gerda Lissner Foundation, Inc., and Vanguard Charitable Endowment Fund.

About New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera

For 28 years, the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera has been an integral part of the region’s classical music culture. Led by Metropolitan Opera luminary Lucine Amara, Verismo Opera delivers a rich, grand opera experience for performers and viewers.

As the Bergen Performing Arts Center's house opera company, Verismo Opera provides performing opportunities for young musicians and artists through its semi-annual productions at the theatre and concerts held in community settings. Community members are invited to get involved as supernumeraries and volunteers.

An annual international vocal competition is conducted in November with finals generally drawing artists throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Verismo Opera also organizes opera workshops, master classes and concerts and offers affordable, highly professional productions.

For more information, visit Verismo Opera's web site, www.verismopera.org; follow the company on Facebook, http://bit.ly/9JXTP8, or Twitter @NJVerismoOpera; or call (201) 886-0561.