OPERA THEATER OF MONTCLAIR

MISSION STATEMENT:Introducing opera to diverse audiences using extraordinary local talent in nontraditional venues.Opera Theater of Montclair enriches the cultural life of Montclair, New Jersey, and the surrounding area by offering fully-staged performances of opera featuring local singers and instrumentalists. The company also has an Education Initiative Committee which actively works to bring opera into the public schools to serve as a supplement to music education programs and to introduce children to the art form.Montclair is a vibrant artistic community located only 12 miles west of New York City. Singers will be treated with respect, as artists and human beings, and will not suffer discrimination on the basis of age, sex, race, sexual orientation or religion. We are committed to diverse casting. OTM does not tend to do conventional auditions but rather chooses to cast via referral, with great attention paid to an individual artist's body of work. We view the typical audition process to be artificial, expensive, exploitative, and not necessarily indicative of what an artist can do on stage and how one relates to an audience. We prefer to view live performances (when practical). We also offer a free monthly master class which serves as both an educational opportunity and a chance to be seen. Alternatively, we will view video of a live performance. We do NOT charge singers audition fees as we view this as a predatory and unethical practice. All artists will be paid for their work on full-length productions (minimum, travel expenses). OTM brings professionally-produced opera to a local audience, seeking to serve both those with a long-standing appreciation of the art form, as well as to inspire a newfound love of opera in people of all generations. OTM propagates the dramatic-musical art form by producing accessible performances on an intimate scale. Repertoire covers a full range including standard opera in the original language (with supertitles) as well as English translation. OTM also plans to premiere new works.OTM is committed to community collaboration with local churches, educational and civic institutions. OTM regularly engages the services of student interns to assist in all areas including marketing, grant writing, fundraising, orchestral librarians and chorus. We utilize a range of stage directors and conductors who share the same vision as OTM.Education is a vital mission of OTM. An Education Initiative Committee is actively pursuing opportunities to bring opera into the public schools. The overarching purpose of this committee is to build audiences to sustain the art form of opera from the very ground up. This should be of significance to anyone involved in this field who strives for a career in opera or to maintain a career. This is NOT a secondary cause! Music teachers are doing their best, but with the arts being the first line item to be cut, it is the responsibility of artists to train up the next generation.OTM will practice fiscal responsibility and will not overextend its financial resources. Solvency is critical and practical so that we may continue to practice our art.