State Opera South Australia has today announced that it will run an open casting to fill a pre-teen boy cameo role in Giuseppe Verdi’s Macbeth, performing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in September this year.
This co-production with West Australian Opera, defined by director Stuart Maunder as “Braveheart meeting Game of Thrones”, is an operatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy, featuring a cast of 40 alongside the powerful Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in the pit.
The role
Fleance, for those not familiar with the story, is the son of Banquo and is one of the unfortunate victims of Macbeth’s fierce ambition to become the king of Scotland. He is portrayed as a pre-adolescent (11-14 years old), and appears in two different scenes throughout the opera.
Fleance is not a singing character so no singing skills are required. Any acting experience (even at amateur/school level) is appreciated but not compulsory for this role.
Children of any cultural background are invited to enter.
What you need to know
All applications will have to be submitted by a parent or guardian of the minor.
Please note, by submitting the application, the parent or guardian agrees to ensure the performer is available and attends all 12 x 3h calls:
- 3x 3h rehearsals at State Opera’s studio in Netley between 21st and 30th August*
- 7x 3h rehearsals at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide CBD between 31st August and 5th September
- 4x 3h performance calls at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide CBD: Thu 7, Sat 9, Thu 14, approx 6-9pm; Sat 16 September, approx 1-4pm
A finalised rehearsal schedule will be provided to the successful applicant.
This is a paid role: the selected performer will be formally contracted by State Opera South Australia and will participate to rehearsals with the other cast members. Although the selected performer may not have any professional experience, they will be treated as a professional artist at all times.will always be accompanied by a chaperon provided by State Opera during rehearsals and performances. This is to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations whilst on stage and behind the scenes, and to provide support when liaising with other professional figures: director, conductor, stage manager, other cast and chorus members, etc.
The process
Registrations close at 11.59pm on 30 July. After this date, the creative team will assess all applications and shortlist a number of candidates who will be invited for an in-person meeting.
Images: James Rogers, courtesy of West Australian Opera
