Spark soloist auditions

Important note: If you are already auditioning to be part of the GYO chorus in Spark you will automatically be taken into consideration for these solo roles. You do not need to sign up for a separate soloist audition.

We are delighted to announce that audition applications are now open for soloists to perform named roles in this opera. Audition applications will close on Monday 16 February at 5.00pm.

Auditions are for any young person living in Sussex over school-leaving age on Monday 24 August. Performers must be extremely confident actors and singers. There are three roles available:

Clara (female character)
Playing age of 12-13 years old
Vocal range B3 – D5*
Clara is quiet and shy, hiding a terrible grief. She feels alienated and alone at school and from her parents. Clara is invited on an adventure in a new and magical world above the rooftops where she discovers her own strength and courage. On this journey throughout the opera, Clara is asked to face her greatest sadness.

Frankie (female or gender non specific character)
Playing age of 12-13 years old
Vocal range B3 – D5*
Frankie is Clara’s best friend. They are outgoing and funny, with a tendency to be impetuous and rash. There is some comedy writing for this character.

Ash (male or gender non specific character)
Playing age of up to 14 years old
Vocal range range B3 – D5* (unchanged voice)
Ash is a Spark monster who lives in Clara’s chimney. Ash is kind with a sense of fun, but takes his role of looking after Clara seriously. Ash has a secret which holds the key to Clara’s story. They still have a sense of childlike wonder and innocence.

*The numbers are used to reference which octave the notes are sung in. The number 4 is used for the octave beginning with middle C, the number 5 is used for the octave above and the number 3 is used for the octave below.

These roles require

• Singing and acting performing experience (e.g. school plays, drama club, or previous professional work)
• A passion to take on a major role in a large scale production singing alongside professional singers and a large Glyndebourne Youth Opera chorus.

Audition workshops will take place onsite at Glyndebourne led by Ashley Beauchamp (Music Director) and Fee Dunn (Director) and a repetiteur.

Monday 16 February at 5.00pm – audition application deadline
Wednesday 18 February – notification of your audition place from Glyndebourne
Friday 20 February – deadline to accept your audition place and submit RSVP form

There will be six workshops held across two days at Glyndebourne, you will only need to attend one workshop. There will be buses available from Lewes train station, if required.

Saturday 21 February & Sunday 22 February
Workshops run at the following times each day:

Workshop 1 – 10.00am-11.30am (Clara & Frankie)
Workshop 2 – 12.30pm-2.00pm (Clara & Frankie)
Workshop 3 – 3.00pm-4.30pm (Ash)

These will be group auditions, with a requirement to sing as part of a group and on your own. Please prepare the following:

• A piece to sing – something you feel comfortable and confident singing solo from memory ideally with piano accompaniment.
• A short poem or extract from a poem. You don’t need to memorise this but be ready to perform it for the panel.

Spark is generously supported by The Chalk Cliff Trust

Glyndebourne’s Learning & Engagement programme is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Main image: Richard Hubert Smith