Are you a professionally trained singer who is working towards the goal of performing major roles?  Are you a singing actor who is interested in the thought of taking part in an opera?  Have you done musical theatre and think opera might be a fun new venture?  Are you a voice student who would enjoy getting on the stage and using what you are learning in the studio?  Please read on...

12 Good Reasons to be in an Opera Chorus

1. You gain valuable stage experience.
2. You can list an opera on your resume.
3. You can learn a lot by watching, listening to, and interacting with great singing actors.
4. You can get to know an opera not just by hearing a recording or watching a DVD, but by performing in it.
5. You can let directors get to know you.
6. You can give the audience a chance to see you in action. (Every character in a chorus is being watched by someone.)
7. You can support local opera by being a part of it.
8. You can support the art of opera by exposing your family and friends (who might not ever go to an opera if you weren’t in it) to this beautiful art form.
9. You can enrich your own artistic life by having new musical experiences.
10. You can be onstage without the pressure of being in the spotlight and having lots of solo lines to memorize.
11. You never know who’s in the audience watching, and who may be calling you because of your riveting performance as a village maiden/lad.
12. The best reason to be in an opera chorus is… it’s fun to sing and perform!!!!!!!!!!

True stories:
1. WOW's executive director (soprano that she is) spent 10 years in opera choruses before being offered her first role. The reasons given above were proved through personal experience.
2. Said director invited a singer to audition for WOW after seeing this singer give a wonderful performance in an opera chorus.  The audition led to a role.
3. The director got to know someone who did chorus/cover work and later, after being impressed not only with his stage work but also his character as a colleague, offered him a role.
4. Singers who are willing to sing in opera choruses are known to be team players, and this is an important step in the process of building a career.