Opera-Lytes
Staging Gilbert & Sullivan and light opera in Western New York since 1994.
Auditions will be held at Amherst Community Church, 77 Washington Hwy, on Wednesday, April 30, 7-8:30 pm, and Sunday, May 4, 4:30-6:30 pm. All roles in both shows are available. Singers should bring 2 contrasting songs, ideally Gilbert and Sullivan, but light opera (in English) and classic Broadway are fine. An accompanist will be provided. You will be asked to read from the libretto. Auditions will be scheduled in groups of 3-4 people (to facilitate reading); to reserve a time, email auditions@operalytes.com and let us know roughly when you are available.
We do not require auditions for chorus but welcome expressions of interest (at auditions@operalytes.com). We will finalize the chorus of Iolanthe in late August or early September.
Please note that our longstanding rehearsal schedule has changed. Rehearsals will be held Sundays 2-5 or 3-6 pm (TBD) and WEDNESDAYS 7-9:30 pm. Principal singers should be available for rehearsals on both days. Rehearsals are held at Amherst Community Church. Iolanthe will be staged over two weekends at St. Mary's High School, Lancaster, November 14-23, 2025 (4 performances), and The Yeomen of the Guard over two weekends at Amherst Community Church, April 24-May 3, 2026 (4 performances).
This season's productions are Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore (October 18-27, 2024), a concert of light opera and Broadway favorites (February 28, 2025), and Franz Lehar's The Merry Widow (June 6-8, 2025), including a champagne gala performance with special guest stars on June 7, 2025.
Our Upcoming Performances page has more information.
Visit our History Page for a series of illustrated articles reminiscing about the company's past!
WNED-Classical's Marty Wimmer interviews Lisa Berglund (stage director) and Ted Smeltz (Sir Joseph Porter) about our October 2024 production of HMS Pinafore!
Opera-Lytes was founded in 1994 with the mission of staging the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. The company brings light opera, operetta, and classic musical theater to audiences in Western New York through stage performances, concerts, recordings, and educational programs. We present one or two fully-staged light operas and a concert each year.
Opera-Lytes holds auditions for principal roles in our staged productions; participation in our chorus is open to all singers aged 16 and older. Younger children may be included in some shows.
The Pirates of Penzance, or the Slave of Duty (2013)
Man with a Load of Mischief (2022)
Patience, or Bunthorne's Bride (2016)
Our Mission, Vision and Values
MISSION
Opera-Lytes was founded in 1994 with the mission of staging the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. The company brings light opera, operetta, and classic musical theater to audiences in Western New York through stage performances, concerts, recordings, and educational programs.
VISION
Opera-Lytes will be a cultural and educational leader in Western New York by preserving the art of operetta and musical theater.
VALUES
Musical Storytelling: We celebrate the universal language of music, the power of the human voice raised in song, and the particular charm, energy, humor, and passion embodied in operetta.
Nourishing Artists: We provide opportunities for both amateur and professional artists to develop and showcase their talents in operetta, a form otherwise under-served in our performance community.
Legacy Building: We work to ensure that the operatic forms and traditions we cherish are enjoyed and nurtured by future generations.
Innovation: We are grounded in artistic tradition while valuing originality in interpretation and practice.
Collaboration: We share intellectual and creative agency with community stakeholders and partners.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: In our operations and governance, we are committed to a welcoming and respectful environment free of bigotry, discrimination, and barriers to participation.
Stewardship: We treat our financial resources, our artistic heritage, and our community relationships responsibly and with respect.
