Making Money with Jump-Ins as an Opera Singer
A guide to what it takes to jump into a role last minute, how to prepare, how much it pays, and how it can benefit you and your career
Being called to jump into a role at the last minute is a thrilling and daunting challenge that tests the true mettle of a singer's talent and preparedness. While jump-ins can be stressful and difficult, they are often well paid and lead to other opportunities.
This article covers what it takes to jump into a role last minute, how to prepare, how much jump-ins pay, and how they can benefit you and your career.
What is a jump-in and why do they happen?
A jump-in (Einspringer in German) refers to the situation where a singer is called upon to replace another performer on very short notice. More often than not, this is due to illness or an emergency, leaving the theater very little time to find someone and the singer very little time to prepare. In short: it is a high stress situation for everyone involved! Jump-ins require exceptional adaptability, quick learning, and a calm demeanor under pressure. Despite the stress, they provide a unique opportunity for singers to demonstrate their professionalism, versatility, and readiness to meet the demands of any performance situation.
When should you accept a jump-in
Everyone wants the opportunity to perform, so when someone calls and asks you to sing, it's natural to want to say yes right away. But this is when you should be cautious! With such short notice, you might not have enough time to be musically secure, get the staging down, or be vocally ready. Don’t forget that if the performance doesn’t go well, it could affect your reputation and future chances. Consider these things before you accept:
When did you last perform the Role?
How fresh is the music in your head and your voice?
Was the role right for you when you sang it last?
How healthy are you at the moment?
Are you sure you have enough time to get the music and staging secure?
Preparing for a jump-in
First thing is first. Grab your score, go somewhere quiet, and start reading through the music. You cannot be too prepared for the performance. All of the other singers on stage will have had the benefit of a long rehearsal period to engrain the music into their mind and voice. Since you don’t have that, the first moments of making up for lost time are crucial. PRO TIP: Resist the urge to start singing out with full voice right away. You are going to be tempted to test the voice right off the bat, but the jumpins are vocally taxing. Pace yourself.
Since the theater needs a replacement quickly, there's usually no time for extensive stage rehearsals. In extreme cases, a singer is briefly walked through the staging concept right before they go on stage! These cases are rare, but they do happen. Most of the time, however, a singer will have at least a short rehearsal to go through the general staging. This is the most important step in the whole process, and is what separates the amateurs from the pros. A pro will be prepared enough musically that they can not just learn the staging, but add something to it. This will impress all involved and give them confidence that the performance will go well.
How much do jump-ins pay?
The pay is often one of the best things about a jump in. Because a theater’s need for a replacement is more often than not urgent and the cost of canceling a performance and refunding ticket is unthinkably expensive, jump-ins often pay higher fees than a planned performance might offer. This, however, varies significantly from house to house and from role to role. In Germany, for instance, when guesting at an opera house, a leading role in Il Barbiere di Siviglia at a mid-sized house might command anywhere from €1,500-2,500 per performance, but for a jump-in, that may be more like €2,500-3,500 for one jump-in. Again, this increase is due to the urgency with which a theater must find a replacement. For especially demanding roles that fewer singers have in their repertoire (Hans Sachs, Otello, etc.), those prices can reach €4,000-5,000 and up. After all, it takes a hero save the day!
How to get a jump in as an opera singer
Building your repertoire and your network is crucial to getting jump-ins. There is no shortcut. It is very much about what roles you have done in the past and who remembers you performing them. Casting directors will naturally first think of who they know and who they saw in a role in the past. Again, they often have very little time to find someone. They will often consult agents for suggestions, but they are increasingly using resources such as Operabase. Operabase is a database that lists singers’ roles, where they performed them and when they were last performed. Make sure sure that your profile and respective repertoire is up to date at all times. Once you have done a successful jump-in, word can spread quickly about a singer who can step in and save a performance. This can lead to more opportunities, both planned and impromptu.
Expanding Your Network through jump-ins
Jump-ins often involve working with new conductors, directors, and fellow performers. Don’t squander this opportunity to expand your network! If possible, make sure you speak to and establish initial relationships with the people you come in contact with at the theater. If you don’t exchange contact information, find them on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.. The world is small, but the opera world is much smaller. If you can make a good, lasting impression, it can lead to more invitations to perform, both in emergencies and in planned productions.
Tips for Successful Jump-Ins
Revisit Roles Regularly: THIS CANNOT BE STRESSED ENOUGH! The roles you have learned and performed are your capital as a singer. Once they are under your belt, they are the things that can make you money. Even if you haven't performed a particular role in a while, keep revisiting it. Refresh your memory of the music, libretto, and staging to ensure you're always prepared. A great way to do this is to listen to and sing along to recordings. It reminds you of what it was like to perform it and keeps it fresh.
Maintain Vocal Health: Staying in peak vocal condition is crucial. Regular practice, good vocal hygiene, and a healthy lifestyle can help you be ready at a moment's notice.
Network Actively: Stay connected with opera companies and fellow singers. Let them know you're available for jump-ins. The more people who are aware of your readiness, the more opportunities will come your way.
Stay Flexible: Be prepared to travel on short notice. The ability to quickly get to a different city or even country can make you an invaluable asset to opera companies in need.
Jump-ins are more than just a financial opportunity; they are a chance to prove your mettle, expand your network, and grow your career. By being prepared and maintaining a high level of performance readiness, you can turn jump-ins into a profitable and rewarding aspect of your opera singing career. So, embrace the challenge, and enjoy the benefits that come with being the singer who saves the show.
Get in touch with OPERASCOUT to discuss your career needs
Are you a young opera student dreaming of making it big on the world's most prestigious stages? Get in touch with OPERASCOUT and let us help you to naviagte the competitive world of opera. We offer expert advice, insider tips, and personalized strategies to help you land coveted roles, network with industry professionals, and build a successful career. Book your 1-1 opera career consultation with Michael Pegher.
