 Julius Caesar supers, Act I, Egyptian soldiers and Roman Centurions - 2008
So, what is a Super(numerary), anyway? It's opera-ese for extra. Who can be a super? Just about anybody, but if you're male you'll have a lot more opportunities. Opera requires lots of soldiers, warriors, waiters, and servants, and they're most often men. This doesn't mean you shouldn't volunteer if you're female. You may just be the one volunteer with the exact combination of age, physical characteristics, and skills that the director has requested for a particular part. What do supers do? Marching, fighting, waiting, and serving are major super stage activities. Supers might stand in the background carrying spears (see above), or they might be front and center in the spotlight. The parts vary and you typically won't know much in advance; and everything you've been told about the part might change in rehearsal. Where are supers used? Supers are volunteers in productions of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. | When does this super stuff happen?
There are four productions a year. The rehearsals typically begin three to four weeks prior the the opening of the opera, and there are four or five performances, so the overall time commitment is about four to six weeks. Not gonna lie, you're looking at a commitment of 60+ hours. Rehearsals are almost always held on evenings and weekends, although occasionally a final dress rehearsal is scheduled during a work day so school groups can attend. The rehearsals are initially held at the Lyric production facility at 18th and Charlotte. The week before the show opens they move to the Lyric theater downtown. Why should I volunteer? How about parking passes for the performances, TWO or possibly FOUR free tickets to the show, and an invitation to the really cool opening night party? - PLUS - It's an opportunity to be onstage with world class talent, and you get to tell people you're a civic-minded philanthropist working to support the arts in Kansas City.   Visit the OFFICIAL Lyric Opera of Kansas City site: http://www.kcopera.org/ |