Seattle Opera looking for Ring rookie

Seattle Opera is looking for a complete opera novice to attend its Ring cycle this summer and be the host of a video that will take people behind the scenes in a new way. Interested participants will have to submit video and then be subjected to online voting a la reality-show style. Seems like a cool, new idea!

Here are the details from the Seattle Opera's press release:

Seattle Opera Seeks a Star for a Reality-Style Video Project:

Confessions of a First-Time Operagoer

Video Application between May 1 and May 22

Live Casting Call at McCaw Hall on May 15

Online Voting Opens June 1

Seattle—Seattle Opera announced today it is searching for someone to host a reality-style video project titled Confessions of a First-Time Operagoer. The company is looking for an opera novice who has never seen a production of Wagner’s Ring to spend some time with Seattle Opera—taking a behind-the-scenes peek into the creation of the Ring, meeting and mingling with long-time Ring lovers and artists, and attending Seattle Opera’s renowned production of the Ring—to create a reality-show style 10-minute documentary at the end of the summer chronicling the host’s experience.

This video is one of the first projects Seattle Opera is implementing as a recipient of a Wallace Foundation Excellence Award grant. The four-year grant from The Wallace Foundation focuses on building relationships with the community through technology. To create Confessions, Seattle Opera is partnering with Reel Grrls, a Seattle-based media and technology training program for young girls. Members of Reel Grrls will comprise the film crew for the host’s summer adventures, and will be responsible for editing and creating the final product.

The Confessions host must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old and new to the Ring. Extensive operagoing experience is not required; in fact, the company is looking for someone who has only previously attended a handful of operas, or even fewer. The ideal Confessions host is comfortable on camera and eager to experience and learn about the Ring. Love of social networking—whether it’s through blogging, Facebook, or Twitter—and a desire to share his or her experiences through those media is essential. The host should be available to attend performances of the four Ring operas on August 9, 10, 12, and 14, as well as at least seven separate days throughout the summer for supplementary activities, such as scene shop tours or discussions with seasoned Ring fans.

Interested applicants will need to fill out an application form and submit a 1-2 minute video explaining why they should be selected as the host of Confessions. Between May 1 and May 22 (Richard Wagner’s birthday) applications may be submitted by mail or in-person to Seattle Opera Administrative Offices, Attn: Confessions Application, 1020 John Street, Seattle, WA 98109. Videos may also be uploaded to Seattle Opera’s Facebook page.

For those who don’t have access to a video camera, a live casting call will be held during the Friday, May 15 performance of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro. The auditions will take place in the Kreielsheimer Promenade at McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer Street, starting at 5 p.m. Application forms will be available and a camera crew will be present to record the videos.

Starting June 1, Seattle Opera will post the top five videos on its website, seattleopera.org, for a public vote. Voting will take place on Seattle Opera’s blog, seattleopera.blogspot.com, and a winner will be announced on June 6.

For more information, or to download an application form, visit seattleopera.org/confessions.