Rotherham Opera: Casting Call for Groundbreaking Community Production

Rotherham Opera: Casting Call for Groundbreaking Community Production

Rotherham, UK – June 2025 — Sheffield Music Hub is pleased to share an exciting opportunity from the Royal Ballet and Opera, in partnership with Rotherham Music and Grimm & Co.

The Royal Ballet and Opera, alongside its Rotherham-based partners, is casting for a brand-new community opera titled Rotherham Opera. This original production will be the centrepiece of Rotherham’s celebrations as the Children’s Capital of Culture 2025.

Auditions are now open for multiple roles, with performances scheduled at the Magna Science Adventure Centre on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th November.

A Celebration of Youth, Creativity, and Community

This co-created opera will involve students from primary, secondary, and further education across Rotherham. Through storytelling, composition, and design workshops, young people will shape every aspect of the production. The final performances will feature around 1,500 young participants and take place in Magna—a former steelworks that powerfully reflects the opera’s themes of transformation and resilience.

A Story Rooted in Rotherham

Inspired by Mozart’s The Magic Flute, the opera reimagines the trials of fire and water within a Rotherham context. The story follows Pidge, a fast-talking, streetwise pigeon, who investigates a mysterious dripping sound echoing through the town. Their journey leads to a magical tap—once flowing with imagination and creativity, now nearly dry.

Guided by Meena, Luna, and Tom, Pidge sets out to collect the hidden stories of Rotherham, reigniting the town’s creative spirit along the way.

Roles Available

Luna (Mezzo)
They are looking for a classically trained Mezzo (woman or non-binary), with acting experience to play the part of one of the guides, Luna. Luna is a scholarly character who provides the group with facts and findings as they embark on their mission—a shy but reliable member of the team. The character has a playing age of 16/17, though older applicants who feel they can portray the role are welcome. Preference will be given to singers with a connection to Rotherham or the South Yorkshire area, though candidates from outside the region will also be considered. They are seeking someone comfortable working within tight timelines and limited rehearsal periods, ideally with experience performing for younger audiences.

Narrator (Pidge)
They are looking for a trained actor (man, woman, or non-binary) with experience in spoken word to play the role of Pidge, the narrator. A strong preference is given to performers who can deliver lines in a local Rotherham accent with energy and charisma. Pidge is a cheeky, charming town gossip—curious and always in the know. The role may involve physical theatre, as the performer might be asked to embody pigeon-like movements. Playing age is 16/17, though older applicants are welcome. Preference is again given to those with ties to Rotherham or South Yorkshire. Experience working with young audiences and within tight rehearsal schedules is desirable.

Tom (Tenor)
They are looking for a classically trained Tenor (man or non-binary), with acting experience to play Tom, one of the guides. Tom is a warm, caring character with an excellent memory—a loyal friend and voice of reason. Playing age is 16/17, though older applicants are welcome. Preference is given to those with a connection to Rotherham or South Yorkshire. Applicants should be comfortable with limited rehearsal time and ideally have experience performing for younger audiences.

Meena (Soprano)
They are looking for a classically trained Soprano (woman or non-binary), with acting experience to play Meena, the confident and courageous leader of the group. Meena’s enthusiasm encourages the more hesitant members to be brave and take risks. Playing age is 16/17, though older applicants are welcome. Preference is given to those with a connection to Rotherham or South Yorkshire. As with the other roles, experience with young audiences and working to tight schedules is preferred.

Rehearsal and Performance Schedule

• Studio Rehearsals: Week commencing 10th November
• Studio Rehearsals: Week commencing 17th November
• Sitzprobe: Thursday 20th November
• Technical Rehearsal: Monday 24th November
• Performances: Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th November

Fees and Support

The fee for each role is approximately £2,200, inclusive of rehearsals, learning time, and performances. Final fees will be confirmed based on the rehearsal schedule and artist availability. Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered separately by the Royal Ballet and Opera.

Audition Process

To apply, please submit:

• A copy of your CV (including your email address)
• A short video performance of a piece that reflects the character of Tom or a similar role

Submissions should be sent via WeTransfer to the following link:
https://we.tl/r-0EN1BxXquJ

Please use the subject line:
[Rotherham Opera Audition]: [Character of ….]

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 18th June. Applications will be reviewed by Friday 20th June, and successful applicants will be invited to attend an audition on Friday 27th June. Final casting decisions will be communicated by Friday 4th July.

Please note that Sheffield Music Hub is not involved in the delivery or organisation of this project.