Sarasota Opera is auditioning extras for 'Aida'

If you've always wanted to perform in an opera but you can't sing a lick, the Sarasota Opera is offering you a chance.

The opera is seeking a limited number of "enthusiastic, outgoing people" to volunteer as supernumeraries -- or "supers" in opera lingo -- in its upcoming performance of Giuseppe Verdi's "Aida." Supers don't sing. They basically just move around the stage looking cool. And since "Aida" is set in ancient Egypt, the costumes can be really spectacular.

The opera isn't looking for just anyone, though. For this particular casting call, only adult men no older than 65 need apply. There are also some other restrictions, to wit: you have to be taller than 5-foot-2, be physically fit, be able to perform on stage without glasses, be able to walk on slopes and stairs, be able to wear elaborate and sometimes very heavy costumes, be able to see in both dim and bright light and be willing to shave (your beard, presumably). You also have to be available for evening rehearsals starting in January, and for 12 performances between Jan. 30 and March 19. It's a volunteer thing, no pay, but for the rest of your life you'll be able brag that you were once an opera performer.

This promises to be the biggest production in the Sarasota Opera's 57-year history, the last entry in the company's Verdi Project that's been going on for decades. It will make Sarasota Opera the only company in the world that has performed every known work by Verdi.

If you're interested contact Greg Trupiano at gtrupiano@sarasotaopera.org. Stephanie Sundine, the stage director for "Aida," will conduct interviews from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Sarasota Opera House.

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published November 13, 2015 at 5:56 PM with the headline "Sarasota Opera is auditioning extras for 'Aida' ."