Opera Australia seeks male dancers

Opera Australia is seeking nine male dancers for its forthcoming 2017 Sydney Summer Season, which will present a new production choreographed by a leading U.K. artist. The full details will be released in August at Opera Australia’s 2017 season launch.

The new production will commence rehearsals in early December and will be performed at the Sydney Opera House throughout January 2017.

Casual contracts will be offered to Sydney-based male dancers, with all roles being non-singing/non-speaking.

According to Opera Australia, casting officials are looking for male dancers who are “technically advanced” professionals with “exceptional skills in contemporary dance, improvisation and contact improvisation.” 

Dancers should possess “strong teamwork skills” and be willing to “collaborate in the creative process.” They must also be comfortable performing bare-chested and/or with minimal costuming. Musicality and experience working with complex musical accompaniment will also be an advantage.

Dancers’ pay rates, which are in accordance with the Opera Australia Enterprise Agreement, are currently $40.88 per hour of rehearsals and between $214.71 and $266.13 per performance (based on professional experience.)

Those who wish to audition are invited to register their interest by forwarding materials to Opera Australia’s Casting Administrator at casting@opera.org.au. The materials requested are a CV/resume, a headshot and full-length image, and a link to 1-2 minutes of video footage featuring contemporary dance improvisation in a studio wearing tight clothing.

Materials will be reviewed and individuals who are shortlisted will be notified. Final casting decisions will be made as a result of the video links provided.

Photo: Male dancers perform with Caroline O’Connor (centre) in the Opera Australia/John Frost production of the musical Anything Goes. Photo by Jim Lee.