Lyric Opera of Chicago to hold dance auditions for Jenůfa

CHICAGO (5/25/2023) – Lyric Opera of Chicago will hold auditions on Monday, June 26, 2023, for solo dancers with significant stage experience for its upcoming production of Jenůfa by Leoš Janáček. The production is staged by acclaimed director Claus Guth. Teresa Rotemberg is the choreographer and Noelle Kayser is the ballet mistress.

Jenůfa requires 4 male-presenting dancers and 1 male-presenting cover plus 4 female-presenting dancers and 1 female-presenting cover. Choreographer Teresa Rotemberg is seeking dancers with classical training and strong acting. Pointe is not required. Male-presenting dancers with acrobatic experience are strongly encouraged to audition.

Dancers of all ethnicities are encouraged to apply.

Rehearsals will begin October 16, 2023, with five (5) performances running from Saturday, November 12 through Sunday, November 26, 2023.

The deadline to register for this audition is Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 5:00 pm CT


The schedule for the audition on Monday, June 26 is as follows:

9:00 am Check in: must arrive by 9:30 am
10:00 am Warm-up class (mandatory)
11:00 am Auditions begin; should conclude no later than 5:00 pm, likely earlier.

For further information on audition requirements and registration, please email your résumé and headshot via attachment to [email protected]. Auditions will be by invitation only.

Please be prepared to show a government-issued photo identification card to gain access to the audition. All applicants must have valid eligibility to work in the United States. Lyric Opera will not apply for working permits for foreign dancers.

Artists at Lyric Opera of Chicago are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists. Should you be hired for Jenůfa you will be required to join this union, if you are not already a member.

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Lyric Opera of Chicago does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

Lyric's presentation of Janáček’s Jenůfa is generously made possible by Presenting Sponsors Julie & Roger Baskes with additional support from Production Sponsors David W. Carpenter and Orit K. Carpenter, in loving memory of David W. Carpenter, Richard O. Ryan, and Patricia A. Kenney & Gregory J. O’Leary. 

Lyric Opera's Season is presented by

Lyric Opera of Chicago thanks its Official Airline, American Airlines, and acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency

About Lyric

About Lyric

Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings — and where Chicago comes alive.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric stands at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic purpose, harnessing the full power of opera — voice, orchestra, stagecraft, and story — to illuminate the questions, emotions, and experiences that define us as human beings. Nearly 75 seasons of world-class performances have made Lyric one of the greatest opera companies in the world. What drives us now is what has always driven us: the belief that this art form, at its best, can move people in ways nothing else can.

Lyric is also Chicago’s partner — in its neighborhoods, its schools, and its communities — through education, engagement, and a relentless commitment to making opera accessible, relevant, and irresistible to everyone. At the heart of that commitment is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, which trains the artists who will carry this art form into its future. Every night when the curtain rises, Lyric reminds this city — and the world — why live performance still matters.

Lyric Opera of Chicago doesn’t just present opera, it redefines what opera can be. It’s where Chicago comes to be moved, inspired, and connected.

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