CREATING AN OPERA
NOTE: Definitions of many of the words in bold many be found in the Glossary. The links are to pages with more information.
The story of an opera or operetta is not usually an original work. Opera libretti, or texts, may be based on plays or novels, on Bible stories, on mythology or fairy tales such as Cinderella, or on historic events such as The King and I. On the other hand, The Mikado and Countess Maritza are original. Some composers, have written their own words, but far more often the text is written by a librettist. The composer not only writes the musical lines but also orchestrates them; that is, writes the parts for each instrument of the orchestra as well as for each singer. The finished product is the orchestral score used by the conductor during rehearsals and performances. Piano-vocal scores are usually available. These have the musical lines for all of the voices, but with the music for the orchestra reduced so that it can be played on the piano. They are used by the singers as they learn their roles and during early rehearsals.
Once the score for a new opera is finished, or an established work is chosen, the general director, or impresario, of the producing company, in consultation with his staff, chooses the conductor, director, designers, and singers. (When the musical scores have been rented, the music librarian indicates any changes and makes copies of the parts for all members of the orchestra.) The conductor and director agree on the exact version of the opera that will be used. Then the director decides how to interpret the opera and works with the lighting, set and costume designers to translate this interpretation into the finished production. Companies usually own some productions and rent others.
Under the direction of the costume manager, costumes and wigs are created or rented.
If there is a ballet or dance as part of the opera, a choreographer is chosen to create the dance patterns. If the opera is new to the leads or principal singers, they start to learn their parts. All this is done many months, sometimes years, before the scheduled performance date. The first to start rehearsing are the members of the chorus under the direction of the chorus master.
The early music rehearsals are with piano only, sometimes led by the assistant conductor. They are accompanied by the rehearsal pianist or répétiteur.
There are also staging rehearsals, in which the stage director gives the participants the blocking (specific movements, entrances, exits, etc.). This is done for everyone who will appear on stage: leads, chorus, and supernumeraries, or supers. The dancers are taught the choreography. The property managers set up the props (the small items used by the performers). During a rehearsal, the stage manager and the production assistants help the director by keeping track of the staging, telling the singers when and where to enter, making sure they have the correct props, and so forth.
Meanwhile, under the leadership of the production carpenter, the sets are loaded into the theatre, where the scenery and props are set up by the stagehands. Flymen work the pieces of the set which are hung from above the stage to be raised and lowered by ropes and pulleys. Electricians install any necessary wiring and hang and focus the lights. The stagehands also make any set changes which may be needed between the acts of a performance. The sound board operator is responsible for sound effects such as bird calls, thunder, and shots. The lighting board operator operates the lights from a large panel, creating changes in time and other special effects.
The conductor begins to rehearse the orchestra. Singers are added at a Sitzprobe, or seated rehearsal. This is the first time the orchestra and singers work together. Finally, all is brought together at the Dress Rehearsal. Last-minute adjustments are made during and after this rehearsal. The opera is ready for Opening Night.
During a performance, the stage manager dictates every technical aspect. Directions are given through a headset which communicates with assistants, members of the stage crew and production staff stationed throughout the theatre.
Revised September
2005
Please credit Lyric Opera San Diego when using
these articles.