Paradox Opera is seeking performers for our Spring production of Next to Normal in Durham, North Carolina. Rehearsals will begin in person April 6, 2026 and performances will run April 17-19. 

Music Directed by Alex Thompson

Director tbd

Preference will be given to local singers, however everyone is welcome to apply! We have limited travel funds and housing but we are willing to work with the right person! We are especially seeking queer and BIPOC singers, but again everyone is welcome! 

All roles will be paid a stipend of $1000, Out of town singers will be provided a small travel stipend and provided local donor housing

Casting will be finalized by the end of January, materials will be provided ASAP in February. This is a very fast process, Actors are expected to be able to fully prepare their materials on their own prior to the start of in person rehearsals. You will be expected to be off book and ready to work on April 6th. 

Several group zoom sessions will be held with our director in Feb & March to help guide and prepare, and both our director and music director will be available for a few private sessions or for any questions you may have prior to April 6.

Audition Requirements - 3 arias or songs, at least one in English and one in the style of the show (these can be the same), recorded within the last 2 years

All auditions will be held virtually, we will have callback interviews in January 2026, date TBD

Applications are due by January  5, 2026

Roles Available (please note the provided age and gender descriptions are for the characters, not necessarily the actors):

Diana:

Lead Role -- Delusional, bipolar, and depressed. The sexiness of her yesterdays has only recently begun to soften. She is determined to make her family perfect but is tortured by a death in the family.

Gender: Female

Age: 40 to 45

Vocal range top: F#5

Vocal range bottom: G3

Dan:

Diana's husband. He is handsome and genuine. Though a constant in Diana's tumultuous life, he has grown tired and weary of her antics.

Gender: Male

Age: 40 to 45

Vocal range top: B4

Vocal range bottom: Ab2

Dr. Madden (doubling the other doctor):

Diana's handsome psychiatrist. Quite assured in his practice and considered somewhat of a rock star.

Gender: Male

Age: 30 to 40

Vocal range top: A4

Vocal range bottom: A2

Henry:

Natalie's classmate. The all-around musician, philosopher, and slacker. He has an intoxicating capacity for sympathy and romance.

Gender: Male

Age: 17

Vocal range top: B4

Vocal range bottom: G#2

The roles of Gabe & Natalie have already been cast.