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Supernumeraries get to interact with the stars of the opera at very close range, and see all the backstage magic that goes into a production at the historic Academy of Music. Costume directors, dressers, make-up artists, set designers and stage hands work with the supers to ensure that the performance goes smoothly. |
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| Super Abby (right) and principal singer Jody Kidwell backstage | ||
| The director of the opera instructs the supers and explains to them the roles that they are entrusted with in the show. The stage manager and assistant stage managers give the supers their cues in the wings and help them with any problems that may come up during the rehearsals or performances. Even Big Kahuna Robert Driver (also known as the Producing Artistic Director of the Opera Company of Philadelphia) has been known to show keen enthusiasm for the talented supers' artistry. |
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| Robert Driver (left) asks super Frank for an autograph after his bravura performance in a recent production | ||
| Children are also sometimes cast as supers in an opera. They usually have a lot of fun on the set and get a great opportunity to learn about theater hands-on. |
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| Singers rehearse a scene from The Magic Flute with young supernumeraries | ||
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The super captain is the liaison between the supers
and the Company, answering any questions supers may have,
addressing their concerns and sometimes offering tips or
inspiration. The super captain really goes to bat for the
supers, making sure that they are happy and know exactly
what's going on at all times! Super captains are drawn
from the corps of supernumeraries, and usually have
countless roles under their belts.
Walter Zenner was the much beloved captain of supers for many years and brought tremendous wisdom and grace to the job. He will be sorely missed. |
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| The late Walter Zenner, long-time super captain at the Opera Company of Philadelphia, was a gifted performer and the soul of kindness | ||
| See more photos of supers in recent Opera Company of Philadelphia productions! Or visit the Company's Behind the Scenes pages to see how the operas really come together. |