Auditions and Artist Calls

U-29 is a new horror opera commissioned from Roan Shankaruk. Following small-scale vocal workshops and dramaturgy work, we are excited to undertake a musical workshop of the entire opera in 2027, ending with a performance of the new opera in concert.

U-29 is written in two acts and sung in English by nine singers with piano, violin, cello, flute, and clarinet.

We are casting 5 singers (all voice types and genders welcome) to complete the U-29 workshop team.

Time commitment

Workshop period 1
Sun Jan 10 (2-5PM + 6-9PM)
Tue Jan 12 (6-9PM)
Wed Jan 13 (6-9PM)
Sun Jan 17 (2-5PM + 6-9PM)
Tue Jan 19 (6-9PM)
Wed Jan 20 (6-9PM)
Sun Jan 24 (2-5PM + 6-9PM)

Workshop period 2
Wed Mar 24 (6-9PM)
Thu Mar 25 (2-5PM + 6-9PM)
Fri Mar 26 (2-5PM + 6-9PM)
Sat Mar 27 (3h eve): Concert performance and archival recording

Compensation

Principal singer fee: $1,600

Audition requirements

Auditions will take place on Friday November 6, 5-8PM at the Canadian Music Centre (837 Davie Street, Vancouver).

Please prepare:

• One aria of any style that shows your voice best

• Short U-29 excerpt * (to be provided upon scheduling of audition)

* If you already have an English aria that is written in a very similar style to the provided excerpt, we are happy to hear that instead.

Please complete the form below by October 23, 2026 to be considered.

Possible roles

Captain Heinrich
Lieutenant Klenze
Navigator Zimmer
Chief Engineer Traube
Second Watch Officer Schmidt / Crew 1
Telegraphist Bohm / Crew 2
Boatswain Müller / Crew 3
Engineer Schneider
Engineer Raab