New this year at University of Iowa opera: Paychecks

IOWA CITY - For the first time in more than 20 years, students and recent graduates are being paid for performing in the summer opera at the University of Iowa.

'It's an encouragement … for students. It certainly helps a lot,” said William Jones, director of UI orchestral studies and music director of the opera.

The nine principal character singers will receive $1,000 each. Chorus performers will receive $500 each.

While it's not a 'livable” wage, Jones said, it reduces the time actors need to spend at other jobs.

'It gives them the opportunity to spend more time rehearsing,” he said.

In the past, singers in UI opera programs have not been paid, while actors in theater productions were. But this year, the UI Summer Repertory Theatre is inactive, so the funds were transferred to those presenting the Gilbert and Sullivan opera 'The Gondoliers.”

Tessa Hoffman, who graduated from the UI this year with a master's degree in vocal performance, said the pay has allowed her to focus on her role as Tessa, a principal character in the opera.

'It's nice to not have to worry about finding extra work on top of the show,” she said. 'For me, it's been really nice to have a little bit of a break after so many years of school.”

Getting paid, she added, also offers a glimpse of what a professional career might be like.

'It's kind of reassuring that right after school I get to be involved in a production … and actually get some money,” Hoffman said. 'It's nice to think about at the end of this, after all the work we've put into it, we're going to get something.”

But the key for her, she said, is to create a great show for the community.

UI graduate student Nicholas Miguel said the promise of pay motivated him when he was auditioning for the role of Don Alhambra del Bolero, a principal character.

'I think I may have done it if I hadn't (been paid), but it was definitely a drawing force,” he said. 'It doesn't really change how I prepare for it or how hard I try … but I mean it's nice, it helps me pay rent so I don't have to take out as many loans or work as many side jobs.”

Jones said it is unclear whether the opera funding will continue next year, but he hopes so.

'To recognize time being spent by singers and reward them to some extent … it is recognizing their time and their talents and lets them know we recognize their abilities as well,” he said.