(FORT LEE, NJ) -- New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's Artistic Director Lucine Amara invites soloists in all vocal categories to audition for solo roles in the professional opera company’s 2017 production of Tosca.  New Jersey residents are encouraged to apply.  Open auditions will be held on Tuesday, June 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 pm and Thursday, June 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Megremis Studio in the Epic Building located at 2067 Broadway in New York City. 

The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera, the house opera company of the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey, presents Tosca on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at the theatre.

The company will perform this grand opera fully staged with the cast in costume, featuring a live orchestra under Maestra Lucy Arner and the Verismo Opera Chorus led by Chorus Director Michael Wittenburg.  "Verismo Opera welcomes amateur, professional and retired vocalists of all ages to audition.  It's all about great singing!  Many roles require a more mature artist.  This is also a great opportunity for any promising, young artist to prepare for a role in a professional setting before being engaged by a major opera company,” said Ms. Amara.

Auditions - Auditions will be held for these roles in Tosca: Floria Tosca, Mario Cavaradossi, Baron Scarpia, Cesare Angelotti, a Sacristan, Spoletta, Sciarrone, a Jailer, and a Shepherd boy. All applicants must have previous experience in a fully staged production and the necessary vocal training to perform leading or supporting roles.  The application deadline to audition is June 6.  Although an accompanist will be provided, applicants may bring his or her own.  For an audition appointment, call 201-886-0561or send an e-mail to info@verismopera.org.

Applicants must submit a bio listing current or past performances and roles sung, a resume, photo and an audio file, preferably in an MP3 format or on a CD, by the application deadline to Verismo Opera Inc., P.O. Box 3024, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024-9024 or to info@verismopera.org.  Vocalists should prepare to perform three arias of which one must be from Tosca or an opera with a similar song.

A refundable $25 deposit must be submitted with all applications to secure an audition time.  The deposit will be refunded at the audition time.  Checks should be made out to Verismo Opera.

The selected vocalists will receive free coaching from professionals in the field, including Artistic Director Lucine Amara, a Met Opera legend, and General Manager/Stage Director Evelyn La Quaif.  Professional photos and a DVD of the production will be available to use for future engagements and performances.

About New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera - For 28 years, the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera has been an integral part of the region’s classical music culture.  Led by Metropolitan Opera luminary Lucine Amara, Verismo Opera delivers a rich, grand opera experience for performers and viewers.

As the Bergen Performing Arts Center's house opera company, Verismo Opera provides performing opportunities for young musicians and artists through its semi-annual productions at the theatre and concerts held in community settings.  Community members are invited to get involved as supernumeraries and volunteers. 

An annual international vocal competition is conducted in November with finals generally drawing artists throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.  Verismo Opera also organizes opera workshops, master classes and concerts and offers affordable, highly professional productions.

For more information, visit Verismo Opera's web site, www.verismopera.org.

PHOTO: New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera presents Tosca on October 15, 2017.  Photo Credit: Marilyn Monsanto