SEEKING dancers for a Bard SummerScape production of Richard Strauss' 1928 opera Die ägyptische Helena, directed by Christian Räth, with choreography by Catherine Galasso.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 10, 2026 APPLY HERE

AUDITION DATE: Sunday January 25, 2026 with callbacks the same day

Seeking New York-based dancers with training in contemporary and the post-modern tradition to portray men; with at least 2 years professional experience, ability to learn and re-learn quickly; interest in large-scale work that includes quick changes, and a diverse array of movement tasks, ranging from character work, to unison musical numbers, to subtle background precision. The role will involve navigating choreography in complex costumes among a large cast of chorus and principals, handling props & set pieces, as well as contributing ideas through collaborative processes and improvisation. The choreography will adapt and respond to the needs of the larger operatic staging. We’re looking for team players who are eager to contribute, be punctual and engaged. 

Dancers are expected to live on Bard’s campus in Annandale-on-Hudson from June 21 to August 2. Once in residence at Bard, rehearsals are capped at 6 hours per day, 6 days a week, and all cast members are expected to remain available for the entirety of the production period (days off will be published in the Spring.) There will also be a (paid) 2-3 day workshop period in New York City June 16-18.

Interested applicants must first complete THIS FORM by January 10 with contact information, resume/CV, photos, links to video, as well as to confirm their availability for the audition and the rehearsal and performance period. Dancers will be contacted via email by January 15 with the exact location and call times for the audition. The audition will be held on January 25. 

 

Compensation and schedule:

Production schedule:

*Costume fittings in NYC (to be scheduled) in Spring 2026

*Rehearsals in NYC: June 16-18 (6 hours per day)

*Rehearsals at Bard College: June 21 to July 22

*Performances (5): July 24, 26, 29, 31 & August 2

 

Dancers are contracted as employees of Bard College. In addition to the weekly stipend ($950 per week for 5-6 weeks), dancers are provided a private bedroom in a shared dorm suite (with shared kitchen, bathroom, common areas), 3 meals a day in the campus dining facility, a transportation stipend of $150, and a costume fitting stipend of $100.

 

Questions? Contact choreographer Catherine Galasso at galassoprojects(at)gmail.com

_{Photo above: LE PROPHETE by Andy Henderson, Bard SummerScape 2024, featuring Dwayne Brown, Robert Watson, Paul Singh & Owen Prum}