Librettos for 10-minute operas

 

Boston Opera Collaborative seeks submissions of librettos for 10-minute operas to be developed during the 2020-21 season and performed during our 2021-22 season. 

 

BOC will select up to six librettists to participate in a staged reading and workshop of their works in December 2020. Following the workshop, librettists will revise their works and partner with composers to prepare first drafts of compositions for a workshop performance in April 2020.

 

Submission deadline: November 15, 2020

 

Submission fee: none

 

Submission format: Librettists may submit a completed libretto or a partial libretto with notes that outline the story. Partial librettos must be at least 50% complete and provide a strong sense of the writer’s style. Please include in your submission:

1. Title of the work

2. A brief synopsis 

3. A breakdown of characters

4. A resume

 

Rights: Librettists retain rights to their original work.

 

Length: Librettos should not exceed 900 words (character names and stage directions excepted)

 

Selection criteria: Librettos must be in English. BOC will give preference to librettos that:

• Feature smaller casts – 2 to 4 characters is preferable

• Help address issues of equity in casting and artistic opportunities

• Tell contemporary stories

• Speak to relevant social themes

• Treat subject matter with poignancy and humor

 

Commission fee: Librettists whose work is selected for development will receive a $500 stipend.

How to submit: Librettos may be sent to submissions@bostonoperacollaborative.org