call out for volunteers
Ever dreamed of performing in an opera? Scottish Opera and Edinburgh International Festival need you this summer!
We are looking for six willing, enthusiastic volunteers over the age of 18 to play the role of Greek/Roman 'Gods' in Scottish Opera and Edinburgh International Festival’s Oedipus Rex this summer.
Oedipus Rex is a large-scale, immersive, site-specific community opera, which will be performed in the Atrium space of The National Museum of Scotland in August. The volunteer Gods will remain for the duration of the performance (1 hour) on the first-floor balcony in the Museum, and are not required to sing or speak. There will be audience members surrounding the Gods at all times. Gods may move around the balcony space but the main task is to be a constant symbolic reminder of the power of the Gods in the world of Ancient Greece.
Our director Roxana Haines works in a collaborative and joy-filled rehearsal room and you will be supported by the whole production team and a vital part of the concept of Oedipus Rex. We hope it will be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
Whilst no performance background is necessary, you should be open and curious to the idea of playing to a large audience and in close proximity to them. We can provide skill-building for this work. The costumes for this role are symbolic and extravagant.
Please note this is an unpaid opportunity. Assistance with travel costs are available to those who require it. We are keen to engage with people of all ages, gender, backgrounds, and ethnicities, as well as those with additional needs to help tell our story. Rehearsal venues are fully accessible.
Content Guidance: contains themes of incest, murder, suicide and self-harm. This is symbolic and not depicted.
Applicants should apply for a place at one of the audition workshop sessions below. The workshop will include an introduction to the concept, some games and stagecraft:
Edinburgh: Tuesday 28 May 2024 (5.30 – 6.30pm)
or
Glasgow: Wednesday 29 May 2024 (5.30 – 6.30pm)
Deadline for Applications: Friday May 17 2024
Please be aware Scottish Opera is unable to consider late submissions, spaces are limited and slots will be booked on a first come first served basis. Please note that roles in the production are not guaranteed for all workshop attendees.
Applicants will be advised of their slot by the end of Monday 20 May 2024
application form
Before you provide us with your personal details, please note that in order to be considered applicants will be asked to commit to attending the costume fittings in Glasgow, rehearsals and the performance dates below:
Costume Fittings
Week commencing Monday 8 July 2024, exact dates to be confirmed, Glasgow
Rehearsals
Sunday 28 July 2024, Edinburgh (2:30 - 6.30pm)
Saturday 3 August, Glasgow (10:30am - 1:30pm and 3pm - 6pm)
Tuesday 6 August 2024, Edinburgh (7 - 10pm)
Wednesday 7 August 2024, Edinburgh (7 - 10pm)
Dress Rehearsal
Sunday 11 August 2024, Edinburgh (6 - 10pm, sign-in from 5pm)
Performances
Monday 12 August 2024, Edinburgh (5.30 - 10pm, sign-in from 5pm)
Sunday 18 August 2024, Edinburgh (5.30 - 10pm, sign-in from 5pm)
Monday 19 August 2024, Edinburgh (5.30 - 10pm, sign-in from 5pm)