Consider joining our chorus?

Opera South East would be delighted to welcome new chorus members!  We have a range of roles on offer so do get in touch.

Membership Fees for new chorus members: You can join free for your first six months, though you will have to pay a small (£20) performance fee for each opera you choose to perform in, and pay a refundable deposit on costume hire (£50).  This trial membership is intended to cover the first operatic production for new members.  After that it's £85p.a. to become a voting OSE Member (1 October to 30 September the next year).  Being a Member means you don't have to pay the above fees.
Under 18's do not need to become Members but may participate for free. Adult fees can be paid in instalments.

Example Rehearsal Schedule for a full opera production

Example taken from La Traviata rehearsal timings 
Rehearsals are generally held at the Taplin Centre

Sun 06-Jan-19 - Chorus-only music rehearsal - 2pm-3:45pm
Sun 13-Jan-19 - Chorus-only music rehearsal - 2pm-3:45pm
Sun 20-Jan-19 - Chorus-only music rehearsal - 2pm-3:45pm
Sun 21-Jan-19 - Chorus-only music rehearsal - 2pm-3:45pm
Sun 27-Jan-19 - Chorus-only music rehearsal - 2pm-3:45pm
Sun 03-Feb-19 - Production rehearsal - 1pm-5pm
Sun 10-Feb-19 - Production rehearsal - 1pm-5pm
Sun 11-Feb-19 - Production rehearsal - 1pm-5pm
Sun 24-Feb-19 - Production rehearsal - 1pm-5pm
Sun 03-Mar-19 - Production rehearsal - 1pm-5pm
Sun 10-Mar-19 - Production rehearsal - 1pm-5pm
Weekday evening TBC - Chorus-only music rehearsals will be added
Further Principal daytime /evening rehearsals TBC over next 3 weeks
Sun 17-Mar-19 - Production rehearsal - 1pm-5pm
Sun 24-Mar-19 - Production rehearsal - 1pm-5pm
Sun 31-Mar-19 - Orchestral rehearsal - morning
Sun 31-Mar-19 - Production rehearsal - 1pm-5pm
Sun   7-Apr-19 - Hell Sunday - 2pm-10pm
Mon 8-Apr-19 - Sitzprobe rehearsal - 7.15pm-10.15pm
Tue   9-Apr-19 - Technical rehearsal - 6pm-10:00pm
Wed 10-Apr-19 - Dress rehearsal 1 - 6pm-10:00pm
Thu  11-Apr-19 - Dress rehearsal 2 - 6pm-10:00pm
Fri 12-Apr-19 - Production night 1 - 6pm-10:30pm (7.30pm curtain-up)
Sat 13-Apr-19 - Production night 2 - 6pm-10:30pm (7.30pm curtain-up)​

Regular Rehearsal Venue

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

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

Contact Form

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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!