LA Opera is casting principal, corps and cover Spanish dance and flamenco dancer roles for the 2026/27 season production of Carmen,    an opera in French, composed by Georges Bizet, with libretto written by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy. This production is directed by Thaddeus Strassberger with choreography by Antonio Najarro. We are looking for dancers with extensive experience in Spanish dance and flamenco. Strong academic training in Spanish dance (stylized dance) and a high technical level in flamenco are of particular interest. Please include height in your resume (required). 

CONTRACT DATES

• Costume fittings: TBD  
• Staging rehearsals begin mid-September 2026.  
• Performances: October 15 (final dress), October 17, October 25, October 29, November 1, November 4, November 7. 

PRE-AUDITION SCREENING
We are asking all those interested to submit headshots, resumes, and demo reels featuring recent work to submissions@laopera.org with the subject line “LA OPERA CARMEN SPANISH DANCE AND FLAMENCO DANCER SUBMISSION [dancer name] “ by 11:59pm on March 27, 2026. Video submissions should contain the following: 

• One flamenco variation (showing good compás, footwork and style). 
• One classical Spanish dance variation with castanets, clearly demonstrating technical command, musicality, and coordination in castanet playing. 
• One contemporary dance variation to show versatility and movement quality. 
• Optional but welcome: classical ballet material. 
• Male-presenting dancers are encouraged to include a recording using Spanish cape technique, demonstrating stage presence and technical control. 

Materials should demonstrate footwork and upper body work. If selected, you will be invited for an in-person audition with Antonio Najarro taking place in mid-April. You will be notified no later than April 3, 2026. 

IN-PERSON AUDITIONS
(by invitation only – applicants will be assigned appointments):   

• April 20: Auditions 
• April 21: Call-Back Auditions 

Location: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (Downtown Los Angeles). Parking: Free. Details will be emailed to invited auditionees. You will be asked to arrive 15-30 minutes before your audition time for check-in.  

CONTRACT
Current 2025/26 AGMA Dancer Contract Rates (subject to change, as collective bargaining negotiations are in progress) $50.77/per hour for rehearsals and $1,014.37/performance for principal dancers and $338.84/performance for corps dancers (including Final Dress). Must have full schedule availability. Any performer who is not already a member of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) will be required to join if accepting an offer of employment 

Dancers must be 18 years or older and local to Southern California, as LA Opera is not able to offer housing or per diem. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the ability to provide documentation of the right to work in the United States.