Information for Chorus Members

About rehearsals

Scores: Though chorus members may prefer to buy their own complete piano/vocal scores, it is not required. Chorus scores are available to all chorus members for the rehearsal/performance period, sometimes at a nominal fee to cover costs. They normally include all pages where the chorus sings or is on onstage.

Staging rehearsals: We request that you be "off book" (not needing your score) by the start of staging rehearsals. The stage director will be able to accomplish more if he or she can work with you without a score in the way.

Schedule: Current information can normally be found at http://www.wbopera.org/chorus/schedule.html, however occasionally it will be superseded by email or other communication from the Chorus Manager or Stage Manager. Check the "last updated" date when consulting the web page to be sure.

Attendance: We realize scheduling conflicts can occur. Please inform the Chorus Manager by phone or email as soon as you know of a conflict. Absences will of course adversely affect the production; choristers with too many conflicts will have to drop out.

Scents: Please do not wear scented products on rehearsal days. That includes not only perfume but also brands of hairspray, after-shave, etc. with a strong scent. Some singers have allergies and cannot tolerate them at all; everyone benefits from fewer particles in the air.

At the theatre

Sitzproben: (literally "seated rehearsals"). These are usually held at the theatre. They are an opportunity for orchestra and singers to come together (to hear each other, adjust balances, etc.) without the complications of staging.

Orchestra time is precious; if you are in earshot of the orchestra, please be quiet unless you are supposed to be singing. A similar policy is in effect during orchestra dress rehearsals. The orchestra is contracted for somewhat longer than a run of the show takes in case some things needs to be done more than once. If we are so fortunate as to not use up all the extra time the conductor will probably want to rehearse passages with the orchestra only. Therefore please hold your comments, congratulations, etc., after the end of a scene until you are in the Green Room.

Closed rehearsals: Rehearsals in the Holt Building are open. Once we have moved to the theatre, however, rehearsals are closed; that is, only those associated with the production are permitted in the auditorium.

Where to be: Performers are free to watch early rehearsals in the theatre, including the first two (Monday / Tuesday) piano dress rehearsals from the auditorium provided they return to the backstage area in time to hear their "places" calls. Places calls given by Stage Management over the Green Room intercom (also audible from the dressing rooms) tell you to go to your backstage entrance area right away.

It is customary and professional for performers to remain backstage starting with the first orchestra dress (usually Wednesday before opening) so as to get used to performance mode. Those West Bay Opera personnel not seated at the production table may not bring food or beverages into the theatre at any time.

Production elements

People: Your Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager (ASM), Production Manager, and crew work alongside you to realize the best production possible. Please attend to their requests.

The Stage Manager or ASM (or both) is present at every staging rehearsal. Others you may meet at the theatre, if not before, include Production Manager, Costume Designer and assistant, Make-up Designer and assistant, Wardrobe Supervisor and crew, Properties Manager, Crew Chief and members of the stage crew.

Costumes: For staged productions, West Bay Opera provides your costume items with very few exceptions. We ask that singers provide their own hosiery and shoes. Men's shoes are usually black, either slip-on (loafer) or tie shoes, depending on the production. Women's shoes are typically character shoes (plain heels with a strap) with a one-and-one-half or two inch heel, also usually mndash; but not alwasy — in black. Sometimes a basic black flat or ballet slipper is allowed or even preferred for women. You will be advised which type is needed for your show. Singers are usually measured either during musical rehearsals or the first part of staging rehearsals. Eating and drinking (anything but water) is not done in costume unless the costume is protected with a smock or other garment.

Make-up: West Bay Opera usually provides a make-up artist or artists to do the men's make-up and to help with the women's make-up. For most productions chorus members are not required to be in make-up for the first dress rehearsal but are required to wear make-up for the rest of the dress rehearsals and performances. See also make-up advice from make-up artist Melissa Tom.

Safety: West Bay Opera is in compliance with the state requirement that we have a formal written illness and injury safety program. To this end, you will be asked to take part in a safety meeting.

At the theatre, please report unsafe conditions to the Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager (immediately if the situation warrants but in any case before you leave the theatre).

Load-in & strike: It takes a lot of people to get the scenery, lights, sound, costumes, and props loaded into the theatre and set up for the rehearsals and performances. It also takes many hands to strike the show. Your help is requested and needed as a company member. We only ask a few hours each time.

What and where

Theatre terms: Since singing in an opera chorus is different from singing in a choir, there are many stage terms which may not be familiar to you. We strongly encourage you to ask an appropriate person (stage manager or assistant stage manager, chorus manager or other knowledgeable fellow chorister) in case there are any terms you do not understand, or consult the list at http://www.wbopera.org/chorus/glossary.html.

Directions: You can find directions to the Holt Building and to Lucie Stern Theate at http://www.wbopera.org/directions.html. Please note on the schedule when we move to the theatre to make sure you are always at the right place at the right time.

Finding shoes and hose: Tights, ballet shoes and women's character shoes may be found at stores catering to dancers, such as

Sometimes less expensive tights can be found at department stores or drug stores.

Finding make-up: You can often find everything you need amongst the "street make-up" at a place like Long's or Walgreen's. For higher-quality products and a larger selection of colors, usually at a somewhat higher price, check out the one of the following: