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Sunday, March 15, 2015

SUPERNUMERARIES & VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR VERISMO OPERA PRODUCTIONS

Did you ever think of appearing in an opera? You say you can’t sing? Well, here’s a chance to play an “extra” (called a supernumerary in the opera) or work behind the scenes as a volunteer:

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SUPERNUMERARY POSITIONS

Adult men and women, teenagers, and children are invited to perform as supers in non-singing, non-speaking acting roles in the company's grand, traditional production of Carmen. Fifteen men are especially needed to appear as toreadors, guards and town authorities, among others. Verismo Opera has openings for supernumeraries of any age to appear in costume and carry banners. Young women, ages 16 to 30, are needed to appear in scenes.

No prior stage experience is required. Supers will work closely with the company’s General Manager/Stage Director, Canadian soprano Evelyn La Quaif, a prominent voice teacher and performer.

People interested in performing as supers are invited to attend rehearsals

WHEN: Saturdays, March 14, 21, 28, and April 4, 11, and 18 at 1:30 PM
WHERE: 44 Armory Street in Englewood, New Jersey.
For further information about super roles, contact 201.224.2809.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Verismo Opera invites members of the community to get involved and see the development of an opera production behind the scenes. Many unique opportunities are available for people looking to acquire new skills, brush up on existing ones or complete community service requirements.

People are invited to volunteer behind the scenes assisting with props, costumes, and sets. Other opportunities include promoting the elaborate productions, fundraising projects, planning events and receptions, graphic design, photography, proofreading, mailings, and helping with various administrative functions. Outgoing individuals are needed to greet visitors at performances, distribute flyers/posters, seek in-kind donations, and promote tickets for productions and special events.

To learn more about a range of volunteer opportunities with Verismo Opera, call 201.816.9520 or send an e-mail to riagrace@hotmail.com.

BRING THE FAMILY: CELEBRATE VERISMO’S 26TH SEASON—CARMEN

WHEN: Sunday, April 26, at 3:00 PM
WHERE:
bergenPAC, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood
TICKETS: special 30% off ticket rate in March and discounts for children and senior citizens

The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera, the house opera company of the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) in Englewood, New Jersey, has several opportunities for supernumeraries (supers), volunteers, and opera fans to get involved this year.

The opera will be fully staged, with the cast performing in costume. An orchestra under internationally renowned Principal Conductor/Music Director Anthony Morss and a chorus led by Chorus Director/Associate Conductor Mara Waldman will accompany singers.

Special Discount Tickets

Verismo Opera's Bring the Family to the Opera program announces special ticket offers to see the company’s full production of Carmen on April 26 and Lucia di Lammermoor on October 18 at bergenPAC at 3:00 p.m. A special 30% off rate on $55 and $45 tickets with promotion code (CR2) is available on March 26, 27 and 28, 2015 only to see Carmen.

Special ticket rate offers for senior citizens and children remain available now through October 18 to see Carmen or Lucia di Lammermoor. Senior citizens, purchasing regular-priced tickets, are entitled to a 10% discount. The company is offering a reduced rate of $10 on all tickets for children, ages 12 and under. These special rates may not be combined with other offers.

Purchase special rate tickets only at bergenPAC’s box office, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, New Jersey, and by calling (201) 227-1030 or toll-free at 1-888-PACSHOW. Special ticket rates are not available online. All special ticket offers must be requested before the purchase.

Group Rates

Group discounts are available on $55 and $45 tickets only with a minimum purchase of 10 tickets. For special group rates only, call 201-224-2809. This discount is not available online.

Regularly priced tickets are now on sale and may be purchased online at www.bergenpac.org. Tickets may also be purchased in person at bergenPAC’s box office, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, New Jersey, and by calling (201) 227-1030 or toll-free at 1-888-PACSHOW.

Funding

The 2015 season is made possible, in part, with funds provided by the New Jersey Council on the Arts/Department of State, through grand 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 26 years, the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera (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.

The organization provides performing opportunities for young musicians and artists through its semi-annual productions at the Bergen Performing Arts Center 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 about the nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, visit Verismo Opera's web site, www.verismopera.org or follow the company on Facebook, http://bit.ly/9JXTP8, or Twitter @NJVerismoOpera; or call (201) 886-0561.

(Image: A scene from the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's production Carmen. Photo Credit: Marilyn Monsanto)