Consider working with an opera?

Breaking news: OSE are performing Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin at the White Rock Theatre, Hastings. on Fri 20 April and  Sat 21 April 2018
Come and join us!
Our extraordinary Director, Fraser Grant, who has now directed 20 of OSE's past 70 opera productions and is clearly excited about our next. Our music direction is lead by Kenneth Roberts who welcomes all new chorus members; if you are worried about your potential fit then do contact us, or best yet just join up and attend a music rehearsal and then have a chat with him and us afterwards.
Opera South East would be delighted to welcome new members of the company and support for our administrative work and back-stage work  . We have a range of roles on offer so do get in touch.

Membership Fees: There are no membership fees for helping with back-stage roles or with company administration, but there is lots of opportunity to make a difference for the company and the locality

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Upcoming Rehearsal Schedule

Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin  (and other events)
Rehearsals are generally held at the Taplin Centre

Set building
March-April 2018 - Set-building - relatively minor work for this production

Sun 15-Apr-18 - Hell Sunday - TBC - 4pm-10pm - plus photos for productions

Make-up assistants: -
Mon 16-Apr-18 -Theatre Get-in, set set-up, painting - 10am?
Mon 17-Apr-18 -Theatre Set - remaining set-up. Lighting...
Tue 17-Apr-18 - Technical rehearsal - White Rock Theatre  - 6pm
Wed 18-Apr-18 - Dress rehearsal 1 - White Rock Theatre - 6pm
Thu 19-Apr-18 - Dress rehearsal 2 - White Rock Theatre - 6pm
Fri 20-Apr-18 - Production night 1 - White Rock Theatre - 6pm
Sat 21-Apr-18 - Production night 2 - White Rock Theatre - 6pm
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Administrative roles: -
Actually we have lots of admin roles where we'd really really like help. Are you a bored husband because your wife is in the chorus enjoying performing? Have you the guts to try to help us engage with marketing outreach? Have you an eye for detail and can help point out improvements to our website? Are you good with costume stitching? Are you a natural membership secretary? There's no end of opportunities with us, and you might even enjoy it. Others do.

Regular Rehearsal Venue

John Taplin Centre, Healey House, 3 Upper Maze Hill,
St Leonards-on-sea TN38 0LQ

Regular performance venue

Watch out for our next taster session - most years

OSE objectives and the role of chorus members

The top objective for chorus members is to attend rehearsals so we can get everyone up to standard. Rehearsals are generally on Sunday afternoons (or occasionally evenings).  However the key final rehearsals from ‘Hell Sunday’ (Sun 15-Apr-18 1pm-10pm:) and then every night of show week (16-21 April from 6pm earliest).  It’s hard work but great fun. 

Opera South East aims to:
  • Promote and perform operas, operettas, recitals etc to the highest possible standard ensuring that it is affordable and accessible to everyone
  • Educate and encourage the public into the opera experience
and is committed to:
  • Provide a platform for young professional singers to perform leading operatic roles with the benefit of full orchestra, chorus and professional directors
  • Encourage and promote an interest in opera and education through opera workshops, free under-18s tickets to productions with each adult paying ticket holder, and participation through invitation (in performances where children are part of the plot)
  • Ensuring that production planning presents challenge, innovation and audience appeal
  • Be aware at all times for the continuing need for growth and development
As a member of Opera South East, you will be expected to engage in both the performing and non-performing Company activities.  At the moment, we perform one full opera per year in April.  As part of our fundraising efforts, we perform several concerts and other non-performance activities throughout the year and which are an essential source of income for us. 
 
We encourage members to participate in company business activities and currently have various sub-committees covering all aspects of business.  We also like to have a good time at various social events.  
​We welcome you!

Contact Form

    Apply to help with back-stage or admin roles:

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    Join Opera South East as a member of the chorus or the production support team

Past (sample) schedule of a previous year for information:
  • Sat 30th Jan 2016 - Holocaust Memorial Service - St Mary in the Castle
  • Fri  22nd  & Sat 23rd  Apr 2016: Verdi's Macbeth at the White Rock Theatre - our main opera production for 2016
  • Sat 18th June 2016, OSE Concert at The Emmanuel Centre in Harrier Lane, Battle, TN33 0FL.
  • Sun 19th June - HVRAB Concert at St Clements Church
    Our annual charity concert for the Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind. 
  • Sat 24th Sep 2016: CLASH - A tapestry of choirs, composers & poets is part of Hastings Council's ROOT 1066 International Festival, celebrating the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, where OSE will be joining forces with 5 other choirs under the direction of Barefoot Opera. Performances at 4:30pm and 7:30pm
  • Sun 2nd Oct 2016: Christmas Carol Concert rehearsals start - join us if you can (see Carol schedule below)
  • Sat 22nd Oct 2016: Auditions for our 2017 opera - Magic Flute
  • Sun 23rd Oct 2016: Opera Workshop! All invited! 2pm-4pm
  • Fri 25th Nov 2016: 'Fun & Frolics' evening entertainment for friends & benefactors
Next up rehearsals:​Other concerts and events will be published in due course.
Join us in the chorus!  You can join us for one production/event and duck out for others as it suits you.  Please contact a committee member by phone or email for more info - contact us...