Auditions for Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas will be held Monday, December 8 and Tuesday December 9 from 6:30 - 8:00 in the choir room of St. John's Episcopal Church (2827 Wheat St, Columbia). When you pull into the parking lot, the main church building will be on your left - go through those doors and take the stairs or elevator to the choir room on the second floor. St. John's hosts various community groups, so if the parking lot is full, you may park on the street. You only need to attend one night or the other. If you want to participate, but are unable to make either night, you can email
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We ask that you complete our audition form online -
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJa5Gi3m_jChdaFeHB-CNOku2D-tA-G1abz-i_GC7ZLdxiCQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=100690653041040195256
Performances: Our production's performances are from May 14-17, 2026. We anticipate starting rehearsals early January. We are planning for the majority of choral musical rehearsals to be on Monday evenings and principal/dance ensemble rehearsals to be on Thursdays from 6:30 - 8:30pm.
Rehearsals: Choral only and dance only participants can expect to rehearse once a week until mid- April. Principals can expect 1 or 2 rehearsals weekly until mid- April. Once we get to mid April, everyone can expect 2 rehearsals weekly. In May, we will add Tuesday evening and Saturday morning/afternoon rehearsals. We will not rehearse on Sundays or Wednesday evenings.
Leads: Those auditioning for a non-ensemble role will need to sing: an aria from an opera or operetta, an art song, or a selection from a Golden Age musical (non-belting) in any language. You will need to provide sheet music for our accompanist.
Choral ensemble- Adults auditioning for choral ensemble can do likewise, or can sing something simple like a hymn tune or Christmas carol so that we can assess your range and voice. Anyone under 18 auditioning for a singing role - even choral ensemble - will need to have an audition piece (aria or song) that best shows their range and musicality. Pieces from musical theater or even Disney tunes are fine - we are looking to hear the more classical non-belting sound. Choral ensemble members will be seated and singing on book during the performance, but can also participate in the dance ensemble.
Dance Ensemble- Anyone of any age who wants to participate in the dance ensemble only does NOT have to audition, but we would like to see you at auditions to say hello.
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