Opera Prelude : The Key to Audition Success

Casting Director Sarah Playfair discusses the importance of good preparation, choice of repertoire and helpful techniques for auditions with Opera Prelude’s young artists.

Sarah Playfair has worked in the field of performing arts management for over forty years, starting in theatre and contemporary dance before moving into opera via two years as an opera stage manager. After learning her trade during eight years in the Opera Planning Department of English National Opera (1974 - 1982), she was appointed to Scottish Opera as Controller of Planning (1982 - 1986), moving on to Welsh National Opera in the same position (1986 - 1989). From 1989 to 1998 Ms Playfair was at Glyndebourne, as Director of Artistic Administration for the Glyndebourne Festival and Administrator of Glyndebourne Touring Opera.

In 1998 she left Glyndebourne to become a freelance arts consultant. Regular long-term clients include Garsington Opera at Wormsley, Birmingham Opera Company and Tête à Tête.

Opera Prelude is a small charity passionate about supporting young professional opera singers who give recitals in London. These friendly and inclusive events will introduce you to the international opera singers of tomorrow by way of recitals, concerts and masterclasses.