College seeks performers for new opera on Fannie Lou Hamer

Activist Fannie Lou Hamer in 1964

Mount Holyoke College (South Hadley, MA) plans auditions in Boston and New York for a new opera composed by Mary D. Watkins on the life of the renowned civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer. Dark River, The Fannie Lou Hamer Story will premiere in April 2014 at the college to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Bill of Civil Rights. It will be conducted by Tian Hui Ng, directed by Darryl V. Jones and produced by Martha Richards.

This is a paid production.

Auditions will be held at Mount Holyoke College in the afternoon on October 20.

Available roles include:

Lead Roles

1 African-American Female Lead Soprano
1 African-American Male Lead Baritone

Ensemble Roles (Minor Characters and Chorus)

1 African-American Female Ensemble Soprano
2 African-American Female Ensemble Altos
1 White Female Ensemble Alto
2 African-American Male Ensemble Tenors
1 African-American Male Ensemble Baritone
1 African-American Male Ensemble Bass
2 White Male Ensemble Tenors
2 White Male Ensemble Baritones

Children's Roles

2 African-American Female Child Sopranos

For more information about the opera, audition requirements and schedule, and an online application form, click here.