Bath Opera invites singers to open auditions for a piano-accompanied touring production of Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, sung in English and newly set in the 1950s.
This OperaCorto production will be a small-cast, character-driven staging, with a strong emphasis on storytelling, clarity of text, and ensemble interaction. The production is designed for intimate venues and close audience engagement.
Director: Ryan Graham Hinds
Audition details
Date: Sunday 1 February 2026
Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm
Location: Bath (venue details to be confirmed)
Format: Open auditions with piano accompaniment
Auditions will be allocated in short slots across the day.
Roles to be cast
Principal roles (4)
- Nemorino – tenor
- Adina – soprano
- Belcore – baritone
- Dulcamara – bass / bass-baritone
These are fully sung roles requiring strong vocal technique, musical security, stamina, and confident characterisation.
Supporting / character roles (4)
Bath Opera plans to cast four supporting performers, one of whom will act as Narrator.
These roles are character-led and may include:
- spoken narration
- light solo or semi-solo singing with piano
- ensemble interaction and storytelling
Supporting singers may also act as cover for principal roles and may be offered one or two performance nights, depending on production needs.
Please note:
This production does not use a chorus.
Who should apply
We welcome applications from professional, early-career, and experienced amateur singers.
Casting decisions will be based on the artistic and practical needs of the production. This project is particularly suited to singers who enjoy intimate performance, clear communication with audiences, and small-ensemble touring work.
Bath Opera is especially keen to hear from early-career singers and recent graduates seeking professional touring experience.
Audition requirements
Applicants should prepare two contrasting operatic arias, at least one of which must be in English.
Applicants for principal roles should ensure that one of their arias is from The Elixir of Love.
Shortlisted applicants will be sent specific audition excerpts and any spoken text during the first week of January 2026.
Applicants may be asked to sing from the score at audition.
Auditions will be accompanied by piano.
Fees / Honorariums
Bath Opera is pleased to offer modest honorariums for singers aged under 30, in line with our commitment to supporting emerging artists.
- £500 for each of the four principal roles
- £350 for each of the four supporting roles
These honorariums reflect the small-scale, touring nature of the OperaCorto project.
Singers of all ages are welcome to audition and will be considered for all roles.
Honorariums are available to singers aged under 30 only, in line with Bath Opera’s commitment to supporting emerging artists.
Indicative schedule
- Performances: anticipated between mid-June and mid-July 2026
- Rehearsals: mid-April to mid-June 2026, primarily on Sundays in Bath
Further scheduling details will be shared with successful applicants.
Practical information
- Applicants must be UK-based and have the legal right to work in the UK
- Bath Opera is unable to sponsor visas or accept applications from singers without a valid UK work permit
- For the purposes of honorariums, singers must be aged 30 or under on 1 July 2026
- Rehearsals will take place in Bath, primarily on Sundays
- The tour will focus on venues in Bath and the surrounding area
- Singers should be able to travel independently to rehearsal and performance venues; own transport is preferred
- A contribution towards travel expenses of up to £150 may be available
- Free accommodation with members of Bath Opera may be provided during show weeks, subject to availability
How to apply
Please email your application to:
chair.bathopera@hotmail.co.uk
Include:
- brief CV
- voice type and role(s) of interest
Application deadline: 25 January 2026