Juggling multiple operas

In Germany, I have a "fixed" contract (a Festvertrag) at the house in Mainz.  That means I have full-time employment in the theater here, and it usually means that I have to jump around from one opera role to the next.

I often get asked how it is we do this. I am by no means the expert -- I find it difficult too -- but I really think the answer rests in the preparation. When you've learned a role to the fullest extent (if such a thing is possible), it lives in you. There will always be bits of dialogue you'll need to freshen up, especially if months have passed since the last performance, which does sometimes happen. But mostly, the role is there, and yes, switching between them has different physical and mental demands, but here's the thing: you always find a way.

I never thought I could do four performances of three performances, all on consecutive days, but I've done that a few times now. And the approach is always the same: to take it one moment at a time. (Note to self: I have to do that again in March, with an Usher-Helena-Humanoid-Humanoid.)