Opportunities

Porgy and Bess auditions for Ensemble members
NEW YORK CITY – May 19 & 20, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 22, 2025

Houston Grand Opera is seeking singers in all voice categories to sing in the ensemble and portray various comprimario roles in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Please note that due to the specific requirements of the opera as written, this audition is open to Black singers only. Marking the 50th anniversary of HGO’s groundbreaking production of Porgy and Bess, James Gaffigan and Richard Bado will conduct, and Francesca Zambello will direct her production.

All interested candidates must have availability to be engaged for the production period of September 15 through November 15, 2025 in Houston, TX. Performance dates in the Brown Theater at the Wortham Theater Center are October 24, 26, November 1, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15, 2025.

Artists who are cast can expect to earn a minimum of $12,800 US for singing in the ensemble and performing various small roles. Travel, per diem, and Houston housing will be provided if needed.

Singers are asked to bring two memorized selections to offer; at least one must be an operatic aria, the other may be of the American Songbook genre and stylistically representative of George Gershwin or a spiritual. One of these selections must be in English. HGO will provide a pianist for the auditions, and detailed information will be sent to each candidate upon registration.

Candidates will be able to demonstrate the following

Some stage experience.
Availability to work a complex & rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule.
Ability to take and accept musical and stage direction.
Ability to work in a theatrical environment, including but not limited to the ability to perform in a variety of stage conditions including flat and raked stages, at stage level and on elevated platforms.