Opera @ Augustana
Director: Dr. John Pfautz
Opera @ Augustana is a unique opportunity for singers and actors to prepare and perform musical drama and operatic repertoire with students representing a variety of academic disciplines. The program is designed to give students a positive learning experience in a supportive environment with knowledgeable faculty and staff.
Past productions have included The Elixir of Love, The Mikado, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Die Fledermaus, H.M.S. Pinafore, Pirates of Penzance, The Marriage of Figaro, Barnum's Bird, Gianni Schicchi, Dido and Aeneas, The Little Sweep, What Men Live By, Godspell and Augustana College Theatre collaborations such as: The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Assassins, Sunday in the Park with George, Working, Pippin, The Secret Garden and most recently, Bat Boy: The Musical.
Auditions
Opera @ Augustana auditions are held at various times throughout the year for specific productions. Students are asked to perform an aria or song of their choice, usually from memory. An accompanist is provided for all auditions. Sometimes simple choreography and/or reading of lines are included in the auditions, if the opera calls for it. For more information about auditioning for the opera program, please contact Dr. Pfautz.
Performance Venues
Opera @ Augustana performs 2-3 productions per year. Chamber operas, one-act operas, and opera scenes programs are performed in the intimate setting of Wallenberg Hall, seating 320. Large scale productions with orchestral accompaniment are performed in Centennial Hall, seating more than 1000.
Student Assistants
Students have the opportunity to take an active role behind the scenes as well as performing, by helping with set, costumes, lights, publicity and marketing and serving as assistants to the director.
For more information please contact:
John Pfautz, Director of Opera Voice, (309) 794.7344 johnpfautz@augustana.edu
