Opera Productions

The University of Iowa has a well-established opera tradition with repertoire ranging from the traditional (Die Zauberflöte, Roméo et Juliette, La Traviata) to more modern works (The Turn of the Screw, Trouble in Tahiti, Three Decembers) and including occasional forays into operetta and musical theater. 

Two fully staged productions each year, fall semester and spring semester, are cast by auditions that are open to both graduate and undergraduate students, and performed with orchestra. View calendar for more information on events.

Auditions

Other opportunities in the program include the Opera Workshop and Musical Theater Workshop classes, which concentrate on acting and stage techniques for the lyric stage. Individual vocal coaching with our opera/vocal coach is also available to a limited number of students at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Opera at the University of Iowa is dedicated to working hand-in-hand with the Voice area to help the individual singer in developing and refining vocal, expressive, and dramatic skills to produce a well-rounded performer.

Opera Audition Procedures: Seasonal repertoire will be announced at the end of each Spring semester, and auditions for both productions will be held during the subsequent Fall semester. Students interested in participating in the UI Opera season must schedule an audition time and upload their resume materials via the Opera Call Board.  Students are encouraged to consult with their voice teachers before scheduling an audition.

Every effort will be made to post cast lists 48 hours after auditions are completed. Cast lists will be posted on the Opera Call Board and outside the Opera Director's office (Vox 4469). Each production's artistic team (conductor, stage director, coach) will consult on the casting process; final casting decisions will be made at the sole discretion of the Opera Director (Dr. Coté). 

Each opera production will have opportunities for covers and study covers. Covers will be guaranteed a room run performance and will be required to attend tech week rehearsals. Study covers will have the opportunity to attend rehearsals and receive a private coaching from the Opera Director.  Covers must audition and register for credit to participate in the production. For more information about covering a role, please email Dr. Coté at abbigail-cote@uiowa.edu

Questions?

Abbigail Cote

Abbigail Coté

Title/Position
Director of Opera
Assistant Professor