Lyric Opera of Chicago to hold virtual dance auditions for Fire Shut Up In My Bones

Virtual dance audition submissions for Fire Shut Up In My Bones due November 22, 2021

CHICAGO (October 29, 2021)—Lyric Opera of Chicago will hold virtual auditions for solo dancers with significant stage experience for its upcoming production of Fire Shut Up In My Bones by Terence Blanchard, based on the book by Charles M. Blow. The production was originally staged by critically acclaimed co-directors James Robinson and Camille A. Brown, with original choreography by Camille A. Brown. August Tye is the ballet mistress. The opera tells a poignant and profound story of a young man's journey to overcome a life of trauma and hardship.

Seeking 12 male performers and 2 male covers. The choreographer Camille A. Brown is seeking male dancers with exceptional ability in character, modern, jazz, African, and ballet genres. Applicants must also be exceptionally good with rhythmic phrasing. Traditional casting for African-American roles.

Rehearsals will begin Monday, February 28, with five (5) performances running from Thursday, March 24 through Friday, April 8, 2022. Base wages for solo dancers will be $1,447.50/week.

Note: This production addresses sexual abuse of a child, but does not involve nudity or imitation of sexual acts.

The deadline to register for this audition is Monday, November 22, 2021, at 5:00pm CST

Due to COVID-19, Lyric has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy. Applicants must show proof of vaccination in order to accept an offer.

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. These auditions will be virtual—further instructions will be provided upon invitation of 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 Fire Shut Up In My Bones 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.


About Lyric Opera of Chicago
Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to redefining what it means to experience great opera. The company is driven to deliver consistently excellent artistry through innovative, relevant, celebratory programming that engages and energizes new and traditional audiences.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO Anthony Freud, Music Director Enrique Mazzola, and Special Projects Advisor Renée Fleming, Lyric is dedicated to reflecting, and drawing strength from, the diversity of Chicago. Lyric offers, through innovation, collaboration, and evolving learning opportunities, ever-more exciting, accessible, and thought-provoking audience and community experiences. We also stand committed to training the artists of the future, through The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center; and to becoming increasingly diverse across our audiences, staff, programming, and artists—magnifying the welcoming pull of our art form, our company, and our city.

Through the timeless power of voice, the splendor of a great orchestra and chorus, theater, dance, design, and truly magnificent stagecraft, Lyric is devoted to immersing audiences in worlds both familiar and unexpected, creating shared experiences that resonate long after the curtain comes down.

Join us @LyricOpera on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. #Lyric2122 #LongLivePassion

For more information, visit lyricopera.org.

Lyric’s new co-production of Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones is generously made possible by

Anonymous Donor

Zell Family Foundation

The Harris Family Foundation

Lauter McDougal Charitable Fund

H. Gael Neeson

Ethel & William Gofen

Susan & Robert Morrison

Additional support is provided by The Joyce Foundation, Allstate and Conagra Brands Foundation.

 

Based on the book by Charles M. Blow.

A co-production of Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, and LA Opera.

Commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera.

Originally commissioned by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, co-commissioned by Jazz Saint Louis.

About Lyric

About Lyric

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to redefining what it means to experience great opera. The company is driven to deliver consistently excellent artistry through innovative, relevant, celebratory programming that engages and energizes new and traditional audiences.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric is dedicated to reflecting, and drawing strength from, the diversity of Chicago. Lyric offers, through innovation, collaboration, and evolving learning opportunities, ever-more exciting, accessible, and thought-provoking audience and community experiences. We also stand committed to training the artists of the future, through The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center; and to becoming increasingly diverse across our audiences, staff, programming, and artists—magnifying the welcoming pull of our art form, our company, and our city.

Through the timeless power of voice, the splendor of a great orchestra and chorus, theater, dance, design, and truly magnificent stagecraft, Lyric is devoted to immersing audiences in worlds both familiar and unexpected, creating shared experiences that resonate long after the curtain comes down.

Join us @LyricOpera on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Threads and Facebook. #LongLivePassion

For more information on Lyric's upcoming 2024/25 Season, visit lyricopera.org/newseason.