Open auditions will be held from Monday, June 23 through Friday, June 27, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at The Performing Arts School of the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), located at 1 Depot Square, in Englewood, New Jersey.

Verismo Opera, the house opera company of bergenPAC, continues its 25th anniversary season, Vive la France, with performances of La Bohème on October 19 and 26, 2014, Carmen on April 26, 2015, and Lucia di Lammermoor on October 18, 2015. All of the productions will be presented at 3:00 p.m. at bergenPAC.

These grand operas will be fully staged with a live orchestra and chorus. The selected vocalists will receive free coaching from professionals in the field, including Artistic Director Lucine Amara, a Met Opera legend; General Manager/Stage Director Evelyn La Quaif, a Canadian soprano; Maestro Anthony Morss; and Associate Conductor/Chorus Director Mara Waldman. Professional photos and a DVD of the production will be available to use for future engagements and performances.

"Vocalists will experience working and performing on the stage in a professional production. This is also a great opportunity for any promising, young artist to prepare for a role in a professional setting before being engaged by a major opera company," said Ms. Amara.

Open auditions will be held for La Bohème for the roles of Rodolfo, Marcello, Colline, Benoît, Alcindoro, Parpignol, and a Customs Sergeant. Vocalists are also invited to apply to audition for all roles in Carmen and Lord Enrico Ashton, Sir Edgardo di Ravenswood, Lord Arturo Bucklaw, Raimondo Bidebent, Alisa, and Normanno in Lucia di Lammermoor.

All applicants must have previous experience in a fully staged production and the necessary vocal training to perform leading or supporting roles. Although an accompanist will be provided, an applicant may bring his or her own. For an audition appointment, call 201-886-0561or send an e-mail.

Applicants must submit a bio listing current or past performances and roles sung, a resume, photo and an audio file, preferably in an MP3 format or on a CD, by the application deadline to Verismo Opera Inc., P.O. Box 3024, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024-9024 or send an e-mail. A refundable $25 deposit must be submitted with all applications. Checks should be made out to Verismo Opera.

The site is handicapped accessible. Designated handicapped parking spaces are available. Vocalists requiring a special accommodation should call (201) 886-0561 at least two weeks before the audition.

For more information about Verismo Opera, visit the organization's web site or call (201) 886-0561.

About New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera

For 25 years, the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera has been an integral part of the region's classical music culture. Led by Metropolitan Opera legend Lucine Amara, Verismo Opera delivers a rich, grand opera experience for performers and viewers.

The organization provides performing opportunities for young musicians and artists through its semi-annual productions at the Bergen Performing Arts Center and concerts held in community settings. Community members are invited to get involved as supernumeraries and volunteers. An annual international vocal competition is conducted in November with finals generally drawing artists throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Verismo Opera also organizes opera workshops, master classes and concerts and offers affordable, highly professional productions.