National Opera Association

Opera Production Competition

The current competition round is for entries produced during the period of June 1, 2009 to June 15, 2010. Submission deadline is June 30, 2010.

GOAL: To encourage and reward creative, high quality opera productions in:

• Small professional opera companies
• Opera training programs, including:
  • Academic institutions
  • Music conservatories
  • Summer opera training programs
  • Opera outreach programs

Eligibility and Guidelines

Eligible productions are those presented between June 1, 2009, and June 15, 2010. The submitting institution or a member of the production staff must be an NOA member.

Entrants must submit a DVD or videotape (in half-inch VHS format) of a complete live performance or dress rehearsal, with audience, of a production. The video recording should be labeled with the names of the opera, composer, and librettist only. There must be nothing on the tape/disk or its container that will identify the producing organization or any personnel involved. The videotape of the production submitted for consideration by the competition judges must have been produced by one camera in a fixed position from which the frame can encompass the entire stage. Panning and zooming are permitted and encouraged. The tape may not be edited in any way. An independent mike system may be used in taping.

Depending on the number of productions entered, entries will be divided into five judging categories: Piano Only Level I, Orchestra Level II, Orchestra Level III, Orchestra Level IV, and Orchestra Level V. The determination of level will be based on such parameters as:

• Production budget
• Size of program
• Level of vocal training of the singers in the cast

Information contained in the first page of the application will be shared with the judges to help them formulate a standard against which to evaluate the production. The same judges will view all tapes in each category.

Announcements of the winners will be made at the Annual Convention and posted on the NOA website.

Submission Procedure

The submission must include:

• a completed application form (available as a Word document or PDF form).
• a $25 fee to cover adjudication expenses
• a prepaid, self-addressed mailer if return of tape is desired
• the recording
• a complete printed program (it is not necessary to black out any portion of the program)
• a statement of the director’s concept, explaining choices and approach, to account for any variance from the text; and
• if applicable, written permission from the work’s publisher or copyright holder authorizing the performance.

The judges will be provided with the first page of the application, the director's statement and will view the tape. Therefore, to ensure anonymity of entries, NO identifying references or credits should appear on those materials. Any entry for which the submitted tape or explanatory statement reveals the performance venue or the name of any participating NOA member will be disqualified. The submission fee for entries ruled ineligible will not be refunded. DVDs/Videotapes will not be returned unless accompanied by a pre-paid, self-addressed mailer.