Local Actor Auditions for Ariadne auf Naxos
Opera Omaha will hold auditions for the role of the Major-Domo (Haushofmeister) in Richard Strauss’ beloved opera, Ariadne auf Naxos.
No singing required! This is a speaking only role and is completely in English.
Auditions will take place on Monday, August 10, 2026 from 6:00-8:00PM at Opera Omaha’s offices, located at 1850 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68102.
The audition will consist of reading selected excerpts from the Major-Domo’s dialogue, likely with an Opera Omaha staff member serving as a scene partner. Candidates will also be asked to work through staging and movement exercises designed to evaluate theatrical instincts, physical expressiveness, and responsiveness to direction. Excerpts will be provided in advance of the audition.
About Ariadne auf Naxos
What happens when an opera company and a comedy troupe are spontaneously forced to combine their acts and perform together? With the full cast of characters crammed backstage by a haughty host, our leading ladies – a dramatic soprano and a feisty actress – navigate merging two tales into one.
Opera Omaha’s first-ever opera by Richard Strauss features Principal Guest Conductor Steven White joined by acclaimed director Chas Rader-Shieber with a sensational cast including Marcy Stonikas as Ariadne, Elizabeth Sutphen as Zerbinetta, Robert Stahley as Bacchus, and Stephanie Lauricella as the Composer.
Performed in English and German.
Who are we looking for?
1 male-presenting actor to play the Major-Domo. Previous stage experience is required. This speaking role appears in the Prologue of the opera and is completely in English.
The Major-Domo is the powerful and impeccably organized head servant of the richest man in Vienna. Acting as his master's representative, he delivers a series of increasingly impossible demands that set the opera's comic chaos in motion.
Remuneration:
Opera Omaha is offering a stipend of $1,000 inclusive of rehearsals, costume fittings, and performances.
Ariadne auf Naxos Full Schedule
*Hair and makeup calls TBD
^Major-Domo is called for all rehearsals in the above schedule unless otherwise specified.
Apply for an audition here by Sunday, August 2, 2026: Application form
Applicants will be notified by August 5 if chosen to audition.