OPERA2DAY in The Hague is looking for Circus Artists, number of hours to be discussed | Vacancy for a Paid position, Freelance | Deadline: 20-02-2025
Since its founding in 2007, OPERA2DAY has established itself as a valuable and distinctive player in the performing arts field, offering high-quality opera and music theater productions. Based in The Hague, we develop projects with a significant nationwide impact. Through national tours and site-specific performances, we innovate the opera genre, reach a wide audience, and engage young and new target groups.
For our production The Opera Circus we are looking for
Circus Artists
a number of hours to be discussed
After J.S. Bach – De Apocalyps, OPERA2DAY and the Netherlands Bach Society continue their successful collaboration with The Opera Circus. This production celebrates Baroque opera by blending works by Händel into a cohesive new creation.
Inspired by the ‘magic scenes’ that were the theatrical highlights of 17th- and 18th-century operas, the performance features stunning visual effects such as disappearing acts, rapid scene changes, and storms. A group of lost friends stumbles upon an old theater, ingeniously reviving these analog stagecraft techniques. The opera integrates elements of circus and acrobatics, developed in collaboration with specialized creators.
OPERA2DAY is seeking five circus artists (plus understudies) to join the creation of a groundbreaking new opera, The Opera Circus, directed in collaboration with Aedín Walsh, performer and creator of circus and dance.
The creation period will take place in November and December 2025, with rehearsals and a premiere in January 2026, followed by a tour through March 2026. Artists must be available for the entire period. If you have one or two conflicting dates, please feel free to apply with those details; we will confirm if participation is still possible.
This will be a collaborative process, and we welcome applications from individuals, duos, and groups. Artists based in the Netherlands are especially encouraged to apply. The audition process is open to people of all ages and backgrounds within the circus spectrum, and we are committed to an inclusive and fair selection process.
Skills / Experience desired
- Strong musical sensibility.
- Experience in at least one of the following: Clowning, Theatre, or Mime.
- Strong skills in group creation and clear communication within a collaborative process.
- Fluency in English.
- Excellent improvisation and creative skills, along with the ability to precisely memorize circus movement choreography (not necessarily requiring formal dance technique).
- Experience with unique / unconventional circus apparatus or using / misusing scenography for circus purposes.
- Basic experience / knowledge of harness work, aerial dance, or aerial disciplines.
- Basic knowledge of safe rigging practices.
- Familiarity with Icarian games, group acrobatics, or contact improvisation.
- Experience working alongside or creating performances with non-circus artists, with the ability to explain and share skills within a group.
Auditions
- Dates: March 6 & 7, 2025.
- Location: The Hague.
Details about the audition process will be shared with selected candidates and will include group exercises and improvisation creative tasks.
How to Apply
Please submit before 20th February, 2025 the following:
- A short letter of motivation.
- Your bio and CV.
- A video showcasing your preferred discipline.
- If available, a video of you participating in group work.
For more information contact: casting@opera2day.nl.
Please do not use this vacancy for acquisition purposes.
More information about the organisation: see our website.