2018-2019 Herndon Foundation

Emerging Artists
Handbook

Virginia Opera
160 W. Virginia Beach Blvd. Norfolk, VA 23510 | 757.627.9545 | www.vaopera.org
 Virginia Opera Association welcomes you to our
2018-2019 Season!

We are thrilled to have assembled such magnificent group of Emerging Artists and
welcome you to the Virginia Opera family. Changes have been made to some of
our policies and guidelines, so please take a moment to read the pertinent
information included in this book. The guidelines have been prepared to help you
understand some of the logistics, procedures and expectations of Virginia Opera.

If you have any questions or concerns contact

Nick Cooper, Artistic Administrator

Toi toi toi for a great season!

757-627-9545, ext. 3337

Adam Turner, Artistic Director
202-341-9467 (cell)
757-627-9545, ext. 3332
Nick Cooper, Artistic Administrator
925-381-5206 (cell)
Shelby Rhoades, Dir, Herndon Foundation 757-627-9545, ext 3360
Emerging Artists Program 269-274-0049
Cecelia Schieve, Statewide Director of Education & Outreach 757-627-9545, ext 3392
Production Stage Manager 757-627-9545, ext. 3340
757-627-9545, ext. 3325
Katie Ritter, Company Manager
757-810.2853 (cell)
Jim McGough, Wig & Make-up Manager 757-627-9545, ext. 3314
Pat Seyller, Costume Shop Manager 757-627-9545, ext. 3312
Norfolk Box Office 757-623-1223
Fax 757-622-0058

Mailing address: Physical Address:

Virginia Opera Virginia Opera
PO Box 2580 160 W. Virginia Beach Blvd.
Norfolk, VA 23501 Norfolk, VA 23510

PLEASE NOTE: All letters and other correspondence should be sent to VOA’s mailing
address. All packages should be mailed to the physical address.

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Company Information

Daily Schedules
Daily detailed rehearsal calls for the next day will be sent via email at the end of each day.
Please allow at least 1 hour after the end of the final rehearsal of the day before for the schedule.
Each Artist is responsible for knowing his/her own call. If any call is unclear, please call the
Production Stage Manager, 757-627-9545 x3340 (office). To be included / eliminated from the
email list, please notify the Production Stage Manager.

General Rehearsal Schedules

There will be 1 day off from services per week, with weeks beginning on Monday and ending on
the following Sunday. The Artist shall be scheduled for no more than 7 hours of rehearsal per
day, with no more than 4 consecutive hours of rehearsals without a break period of at least 1
hour. A 4-hour rehearsal may include a half-hour chorus warm-up/notes prior to the start of the
rehearsal.

Best effort will be made to schedule the Artist for no more than 12 services per week and with no
more than 3 services per day. A service is defined as a rehearsal of at least 1.5 hours duration (a
mainstage or education department performance, a residency, an education, promotional, or
community outreach concert of at least 1.5 hours duration (not to exceed 4 hours).

**Musical coachings, workshops, masterclasses, company meetings, and promotional

appearances not involving singing are not considered services.

Bi-weekly Meetings
This is a time for the Emerging Artists to meet with Artistic Staff or anyone else to discuss the
next 2 weeks’ schedule, any special events and programming for the special events, or any other
business. These meetings are not considered a service.

Rehearsal Guidelines
Rehearsals are closed to all but Artists, production staff and Virginia Opera staff. Occasionally,
guests are admitted (usually friends of the Director or Management). We will try to let the
Company know who will be attending the rehearsal and why. If you feel it is necessary to bring a
guest to rehearsal, please check with Stage Management before the fact.

As soon as you realize you are going to be late or miss your call, please contact the Production
Stage Manager. If delayed more than 15 minutes, please call to update your status.

Parking at the Harrison Opera House

The parking area around the Harrison Opera House is owned and monitored by the city of
Norfolk. Cars without parking passes will be ticketed during regular business hours (Monday-
Friday, 9am-5pm). Company Management will issue a parking pass for the rehearsal period and
an additional parking pass for dress rehearsals and performances. Parking passes should be
displayed in the front windshield of your vehicle at all times. Parking passes will allow you to
park in the north lot only – the lot between the Harrison Opera House and the apartment
complex. The additional parking pass will allow you to park in the lot without paying the $5
event fee during performances. Please return the passes before departing Norfolk.
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Rehearsal Entrance
At all times Artists are to park their vehicles in the north parking lot, the side closest to the
apartments. During business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) Artists should enter
through the administrative offices on the east side (Granby St.) of the building. After
business hours, use the double doors marked “Rehearsal Hall” on the north side of the
building. The rehearsal hall doors will be unlocked 30 minutes prior to the first call. Should an
Artist arrive outside a call time, there is a doorbell to the right of the doors that alerts someone to
open the doors. The buzzer allows Stage Management to see you from the rehearsal hall and
buzz you into the building. Wait patiently as it takes a few minutes for someone to get to the
buzzer to open the door.

Beverage Service
Coffee, cups and mugs, sugar, sweet-and-low, and stirrers are provided by the company. There
will also be a pot of hot water if you would like to bring and make your own hot tea.

Vending Machines
There are beverage and food vending machines located in the hall by the staff lounge and
lockers. Both take dollar bills.

Computer Access
There is a computer located in the Administrative Hallway that is provided for your use. It is
connected to the internet and a printer. Log in information is posted on the bulletin board above
the monitor. Please limit printing to 20 pages.

Release Requests
An Artist must submit a request for release for any occasion he or she is leaving Norfolk,
Richmond, or Fairfax. This includes any travel plans on days off. This request is subject to
approval from the Artistic Director and the Production Stage Manager. Artists are NOT
permitted to leave town until all parties have approved the release. It is Virginia Opera policy
that all Artists must return to the city of their next performance 24 hours before the designated
curtain time. Please notify the Artistic Administrator and Company Manager of any planned
request from tour dates at least 4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure date as it does
affect tour arrangements. With all releases, the Artist assumes complete responsibility for any
transportation needs as well as any financial expenses the Artist incurs because of the release.

** Release requests must be submitted via email to the Artistic Administrator and
Company Manager at least 1 month in advance**

Ancillary Events
During the season, several ancillary events are scheduled for each production. These events are
important for Virginia Opera as they are well-received in the community and bring positive
exposure to the opera and the art form. Virginia Opera will make every effort possible to include
the time spent traveling to/from and participation in the event as part of the regular work day.
The Artistic Administrator or Company Manager will provide important details and a schedule of
the event 1 week prior to the event.

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Coachings
Virginia Opera shall provide the Artist with private musical coachings on repertoire of the
Artist’s choice with members of the Opera’s musical staff over the course of the employment
period. These coachings are to be over-and-above the coachings required for opera mainstage
and education productions and concerts. These coachings are not considered a service and must
be scheduled through the Production Stage Manager.

Paycheck Distribution
Weekly contracts are paid every Friday after 2:00pm and checks are placed in the Artist’s
mailboxes located in the mailroom. While on tour, weekly payroll checks will be handed out by
the first intermission by the Company Management or Artistic Administrator. The final weekly
paycheck will be distributed on the final performance of the production. Please note that this is
an all-inclusive fee that shall cover all services, coachings, classes, meetings and promotional
appearances. If there is a question regarding the amount of the check, call the Artistic
Administrator at 757-627-9545 ext. 3332.

Bank
Paychecks are drawn from accounts with SunTrust bank. You may take you checks to any
SunTrust branch to cash. You will be charged a $5 processing fee for cashing a check if you are
not a SunTrust account holder.

The nearest SunTrust bank is located at the corner of Colley Avenue and 21st Street:
SunTrust Bank Hours: 9am-5pm (Mon.-Thurs.)
st
777 W 21 Street 9am-6pm (Fri.)
757.278.3203 9am-12pm (Sat)

Backstage Guest Policy

Due to the limited space backstage, extra bodies, especially in the wig and costume areas, can be
a hindrance. To combat this issue a backstage list will be created for each performance. Please
write your guest’s names on the sheet next to the sign-in sheets on the callboard. Guests should
arrive at the backstage entrance on the house left side of the theatre following the performance.
An opera staff member or security guard will greet guests and direct them to the maestro lounge
to wait for the Artist they are there to see. Once guests have arrived, Stage Management will
announce, via the paging system, who they are waiting for. Artists may not have guests,
including children and spouses backstage before or during the show unless prior arrangements
have been made with the Company Manager or Stage Management. Please note backstage access
will not be granted to those not on the list.

Backstage Guest Policy – Non-Norfolk Venues

Backstage guest lists will NOT be compiled. See below on where to meet your guests:

Carpenter Center in Richmond, VA

-Guests may meet Stage Management near restrooms located on House Right in the
lobby. Artists may then meet their guests near the loading dock.

George Mason University in Fairfax, VA

-Artists may meet their guests in the lobby.

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Valuables and Personal Belongings
The Virginia Opera management cannot be responsible for valuables or belongings left in the
rehearsal hall/theatre. So please leave your valuables at home or keep them on your person.
During performances, an Assistant Stage Manager will collect your valuables and secure them
until after the curtain call. Please do not leave any valuables in your cars. Please be sure to
always lock your car doors, as Virginia Opera is not responsible for personal belongings.

Security
Harrison Opera House is a city-owned facility. Virginia Opera makes every effort to ensure the
security and safety of its employees and Artists at all times. When entering or leaving the
building please do not prop open the doors. Virginia Opera is not responsible for personal
belongings. We have also taken new measures to ensure safety while in the building. Security
doors have been installed on both entrances to the administrative offices from the costume shop
and the rehearsal hall. The code to the door is 3401.

Professional Conduct
Consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs and possession of open alcohol containers or illegal drugs
in any Virginia Opera workplace or while on Virginia Opera business is strictly prohibited and
will result in termination of your contract. Additionally, consumption of these substances prior
to rehearsals or performances will adversely affect your ability to perform and may be grounds
for dismissal. Virginia Opera employs minors (individuals under the age of 18) in many
productions. Please be mindful of their presence and conduct yourself appropriately. Please use
discretion especially around teenagers. While they may appear physically to be mature, they are
legally too young to drink or participate in other adult activities.

Medical & Emergency Needs

Virginia Opera has resources for a Laryngologist and General Practitioner. Should you need to
utilize one of these doctors contact Company Management to set up an appointment for you.
The offices prefer to be contacted by the Company Manager to make the initial appointment,
rather than by the Artists. The Artist is responsible for all medical expenses. As per your
contract, Artists provide his/her own insurance, including workman’s compensation.

Virginia is serviced by an emergency 911 number. This number can be used to contact Fire,
Police or Medical help. Should you require immediate attention, call 911 to summon emergency
personnel. If an accident or emergency occurs outside of Virginia Opera business, contact the
Production Stage Manager and/or the Company Manager to notify them of the incident as soon
as possible in order for Virginia Opera to proceed accordingly.

Stage Management will ask you to fill out a confidential EMERGENCY INFORMATION
CARD at the first rehearsal. This information will be kept confidential and will be viewed only
by Stage Management. Please speak up if you feel unsafe at any time. If a work-related injury
or illness occurs, it must be reported immediately to Stage Management and/or the Company
Manager. Appropriate paperwork and forms will have to be filled out by the injured party. Any
delay in reporting an injury or illness may jeopardize a claim for medical expenses or
compensation benefits.

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Housing & Lodging Accommodations

Norfolk Accommodations
During rehearsals and performances in Norfolk, Artists stay with generous community members
who open their homes to Virginia Opera. The program is a unique way the community is
involved with the opera company. Listed below are guidelines and responsibilities in order to
make a positive experience for Virginia Opera’s Housing Program.

Virginia Opera Responsibilities:

1) Virginia Opera agrees to match Artist and houser to an appropriate home-stay situation based
on information gained prior to Artist’s arrival.
2) Virginia Opera agrees to move the Artist in a timely manner into other accommodations if the
arrangement is unacceptable to either the Artist or houser. If a problem arises please
contact the Company Manager as quickly as possible. VOA will solve the problem with as
little disturbance to everyone as possible. If the problem is due to Artist negligence then the
Artist will be responsible for his or her own accommodations.

Artist Responsibilities:
1) Artist understands the Virginia Opera Housing Program is an integral part to VOA’s
existence. Please be polite and courteous and respect the Host’s home and requests.
2) Artist understands that the Host is providing housing for the Artist only. If an Artist travels
with a pet or wishes to have his or her spouse, family, or other guests visit, the Artist should
contact the Company Manager to book a room at a hotel at the expense of the Artist.
3) Artist agrees to clean up after him- or herself at all times and leave the host’s home in the
condition that it was found. Please notify the Company Manager immediately of any
damages to the home.
4) Artist agrees to ask Host before inviting guests over for soirees, dinners, or other gatherings.
5) Artist agrees to provide his or her own food, laundry detergent, and other personal items.

Host Responsibilities
1) Host agrees to provide the Artist with a private bedroom and bath. Host will notify the
Company Manager before the Artist arrives if Virginia Opera needs to provide linens and
towels for the Artist.
2) Host agrees to allow the Artist to have access to kitchen and cooking utensils.
3) Host agrees to allow the Artist to have use of laundry facilities, if available.
4) If there are special restrictions in the household, the Host should notify the Company
Manager to communicate these specifics to the Artist.
5) Host agrees to provide the Artist with a key.
6) Host understands the Artist has a grueling rehearsal schedule and may work 12 or more hours
a day. The Artists may keep an odd schedule involving leaving early in the morning and
retuning late into the evening.
7) Host is NOT responsible for providing transportation or food for the Artist.

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Other Norfolk Accommodations
Virginia does have limited furnished apartments available. Please note that cleaning services are
not provided and it is the responsibility of the Artist to return the apartments to the condition they
receive them.

Fairfax and Richmond Accommodations

Opera shall provide double-occupancy hotel accommodations in Fairfax & Richmond. Should
you wish to purchase a single-occupancy room, Virginia Opera will split the cost with you.
Should you have guests visiting and need hotel rooms, contact the Company Manager to secure a
room for you at the “opera rate” based on availability. Virginia Opera will pay for the room and
tax only, other incidental expenses such as calls, room service and movies are the responsibility
of the Artists.

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Transportation

Company Provided Transportation

Artists who do not bring their personal vehicles are provided a shared rental vehicle to use during
the rehearsal and performance period in Norfolk. Below are guidelines and rules for use of rental
cars.

 Artist must provide Virginia Opera with a valid US driver’s license and driving record.
 No one is permitted to drive the car except the Artist(s) to whom it is assigned.
 Report all accidents immediately to Company Management.
 Artist is responsible for paying any parking/traffic tickets received.
 Report any mechanical problems to Company Management immediately.
 At the discretion of VOA, Artist is responsible for any damages done to vehicle.
 No smoking at any time in the vehicle.
 No eating/drinking in the vehicle.
 Personal paraphernalia is not to be displayed on car windows or bumpers.
 All children will be properly fastened in seatbelts or car seats (Child car seats are not the
responsibility of VOA).

Should an Artist decide to rent a car, contact the Company Manager to obtain the “opera rate” at
the rental car agency. As with a standard rental agency, the Artist will need to pay with his/her
credit card, provide valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Use of Private Transportation

Should an Artist wish to drive to Virginia for the production, mileage reimbursement will be
issued at .25/per mile. Any other expenses are at the discretion of the Company Manager.

Transportation while in Fairfax & Richmond

Virginia Opera will transport all Artists to Richmond and Fairfax in a company supplied van. If
an Artist has been granted a release or is leaving Norfolk for any reason, the company
provided vehicle is not to leave Norfolk or cannot be used for transportation to/from the
airport. Artists are responsible for their own ground transportation.

Artists may be asked, at the discretion of the Company Manager, to drive their own personal
vehicles while on tour to help make room in the company van(s). A mileage stipend shall be
provided.

Artists who provide their own personal transportation while in Fairfax or Richmond will be
issued an additional travel stipend of $50.00 for Fairfax and $25.00 for Richmond. If an Artist
wishes to rent a car while on tour, he or she is responsible for obtaining the vehicle from a local
agency as well as returning the car at the end of their contract or rental agreement.

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Tour

Meetings
As mentioned earlier, Virginia Opera produces opera in the Richmond and Fairfax markets
besides the performances in Norfolk. There will be a meeting for each production on the Sunday
prior to performance call times in Norfolk to discuss the details and answer any questions. All
Artists will be given a tour itinerary which outlines the instructions, directions, contact
information, schedules and hotel information. Best efforts will be made to distribute per diem
and travel stipends at this time.

Per Diem
Virginia Opera provides each Artist with a per diem for travel out of the Hampton Roads area. It
is broken down as eight dollars ($8) for breakfast, eleven dollars ($11) for lunch and sixteen
dollars ($16) for dinner. If an Artist has been granted a release during anytime between
performances in Norfolk, Richmond or Fairfax, he/she will not receive per diem for those times
away from Virginia Opera business.

Virginia Opera History

One of the largest and finest opera companies in the nation, Virginia Opera is the only company
in the nation to perform regularly in three separate main stage venues; Norfolk, Richmond and
Fairfax. Norfolk performances take place at the Harrison Opera House, the Carpenter Theatre is
the venue for Richmond performances, and in Fairfax performances takes place at George Mason
University Center for the Arts. In addition, Virginia Opera’s education programs reach more
students in the classroom than any other company, reaching more than 200,000 students and
community members last year.

Quick Points
 In March 1994 Virginia Opera was named The Official Opera Company of the
Commonwealth of Virginia by the Virginia General Assembly, in recognition of the
organization’s contribution to the Commonwealth and to the world of opera.
 Virginia Opera is one of the finest regional opera companies in the nation and has a donor
base exceeding 6,000 contributors.

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