We Shall Not Be Moved premiered at Opera Philadelphia in 2017 and was directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones, who will direct and choreograph Pittsburgh Opera’s production in the Spring of 2023. Bill T. Jones will be present at this audition. 

Other creatives: 

Composer: Daniel Bernard Roumain
Librettist: Marc Bamuthi Joseph
Conductor: Viswa Subbaraman 

The full dates of the production period are April 20 – May 21, 2023. Performances: May 13, 16, 18 (morning matinee), 19, 21 (afternoon matinee), 2023. You must be available for all dates to be considered. 

OVERVIEW 

On the run after a series of tragic incidents, five North Philadelphia teens find refuge in an abandoned, condemned house in West Philadelphia at the exact location that served as headquarters of the MOVE organization, where a 1985 standoff with police infamously ended with a neighborhood destroyed and 11 people dead, including five children. This self-defined family is assuaged and even inspired by the ghosts who inhabit this home and begin to see their squatting as a matter of destiny and resistance rather than urgent fear. 

Combining spoken word, contemporary movement, video projection, classical, R&B, and jazz singing, and a brooding, often joyful score filled with place, purpose, and possibility, We Shall Not Be Moved is a timely exploration of past and present struggles that suggests an alternate future through the eyes of its young protagonists. 

In this production, 4 dancers inhabit the roles the of the “OGs,” who represent spirits of the deceased, ancestors, or guides for the teen inhabitants, and help shape the action of the story through contemporary movement and some singing. All dancers must be able to sing in this production. 

Learn More: LINK TO INFORMATION FROM ORIGINAL PRODUCTION 

AUDITION DATE AND TIME 

-Saturday, February 25, 2023
-Time to be confirmed, but anticipated 9:00am warm-up followed by 10:00am audition start

AUDITION LOCATION 

TBC 

AUDITIONS ARE BY INVITATION ONLY – TO BE CONSIDERED PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING BY: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2023 

-Headshot
-Performance Resume
-Short video of your singing ability and range – Gospel, R&B or Musical Theatre style preferred. You may record with a track or pianist, but video must be with accompaniment. An audition will not be granted without a prescreening video. 

Dancers at Pittsburgh Opera are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). You do not need to be a member to audition, but you will be issued an AGMA contract for this engagement. 

Fees will be based on Pittsburgh Opera’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with AGMA. No Travel or Accommodations will be part of this contract. 

COVID-19 INFORMATION 

Pittsburgh Opera and AGMA are committed to the health and safety of all artists associated with our productions. To ensure that we are providing the safest work environment, to be considered for this engagement you must be, or will be, fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks past second dose, and boosted if eligible) 60 days prior to start of contract. Proof of vaccination must be presented by this date via email or mail. All vaccination records will be kept strictly confidential. 

Exemptions for medical or religious reasons may be considered according to EEOC regulations, and in consultation with AGMA. 

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Please submit all materials and request for audition to: Darius Gillard, dgillard@pittsburghopera.org, by Friday, February 17, 2023 subject line: MOVED Dancer Auditions.