Call for Pocket Opera Directors

Wexford Festival Opera is announcing a competition for Stage Directors with the aim of selecting the best artistic concepts for two pocket operas which will be staged at the 2025 Wexford Festival Opera.

The Pocket Operas are an integral part of the daytime events of the Festival, and they are staged in smaller venues like the Jerome Hynes Theatre. These productions are with piano accompaniment and are cast from the young singers who make up the Wexford Festival Opera Chorus.

The productions will be:

• La Tragédie de Carmen (The Tragedy of Carmen) by Peter Brook from G.Bizet Carmen
• Der Zwerg (The Dwarf) by A. Zemlinsky

Any cuts will be decided in collaboration with the Musical Director.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ARTISTIC CONCEPT:

• The artistic concept should be based on the original vocal score.
• The artistic concept should never be presented in any other form to any other Opera Company before Wexford’s premiere.

The format of the artistic concept should be submitted as:

• A word document with visual references at candidate’s discretion.
• A video introducing the concept of maximum 10 minutes

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CANDIDATES

• The candidates intending to apply must meet the following essential requirements:
• The competition is intended for Irish citizens and residents
• The participants should be no more than 32 years old on the date of presentation of the artistic concept.
• The deadline is 31st January 2025 with the final decision announced on 01st March 2025.
• Candidates are asked to submit the application by email to Nora Cosgrave, Director of Artistic Administration nora@wexfordopera.com

DURATION AND STRUCTURE OF THE ENGAGEMENT

The dates for the Wexford Festival Opera are as follows: rehearsals begin 22nd September 2025 with performances from 17th October to 02nd November 2025.

The fee for the Director will be €4,000 plus travel and accommodation expenses covered by the Festival.

APPLICATIONS AND DEADLINES

Applications for selection must indicate Wexford Festival Pocket Opera Director. And must be sent to Nora Cosgrave, Director of Artistic Administration, Wexford Festival Opera, High Street, Wexford Y35FEP3 or by e-mail/we transfer to the following address: nora@wexfordopera.com

In addition to the application the following documentation must be included:

• One headshot
• The candidate’s CV
• A copy of a valid identification document
• If available, letters of reference

Completed applications must be sent by 31st January 2025

EVALUATION & AUDITION SELECTION

Selection for interview is subject to the evaluation of the candidate’s CV and concept.

This evaluation will be made by the Wexford Festival artistic panel, led by the Artistic Director, Ms Rosetta Cucchi, and its judgement will be final.

The candidates selected for interview will be notified by e-mail only.