Actor Job Advert

For 2026/27 Madama Butterfly

Role: Grown-Up son of Butterfly and Pinkerton (Silent Role)

Total Fee: £8,255.00

We are seeking a highly skilled and expressive actor (playing age 20s – 30s) with professional performance experience to portray the pivotal non-speaking role of the adult son of Cio-Cio-San (Butterfly) and Pinkerton, in our forthcoming new production of Madama Butterfly composed by Giacomo Puccini. The production will be directed by Daisy Evans.

This role is integral to the storytelling and frames the opera’s narrative through a contemporary lens. In this interpretation, the opera opens at the funeral of Pinkerton, a retired naval officer in the 1990s. His adoptive American mother, Kate Pinkerton, is present at the funeral, and as the coffin is walked away, she gives him a box filled with memories. As he opens the box, the tragic story of his true Japanese birth mother, Cio-Cio-San (Butterfly), unfolds through the scenes of the opera. 
The role requires powerful physical presence and emotional depth to convey the character’s inner journey silently, without spoken lines. The actor will interact closely with the set, props, and performers throughout the opera, serving as a living bridge between past and present.

 

Character profile & requirements

•    Playing age: 20s – 30s (to suggest a grown man, the son of Japanese mother Butterfly and American father Pinkerton)
•    Movement: Strong physical storytelling skills – experience in dance, mime or physical theatre welcome.
•    Vocal: No singing required, but the ability to breathe and move musically within the operatic context is important. 
•    Personality notes: The character grew up in America, unaware of his true origins until now. His discovery of his birth mother’s story is the silent thread of the opera. We are looking for an actor who can embody curiosity, dignity, and deep emotional transformation without words. 
•    Professional stage experience as an actor and/or dancer.

We are committed to inclusive casting and welcome applications from performers of all backgrounds. We are particularly interested in hearing from Southeast Asian, or mixed-heritage artists.

Production dates

Applicants must be available for all rehearsals and performances in the period 22 March 2026 – 19 June 2026 inclusive.

Rehearsals Commence: Monday 22 March 2026 (in Glasgow).

Followed by up to 17 performances in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness and Aberdeen up to and including Saturday 19 June 2026

Performance Dates & Venues:

Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Saturday      1 May 2027        19:15
Sunday       9 May 2027        15:00 (Matinée)
Tuesday    11 May 2027        19:15
Saturday    15 May 2027         19:15
Wednesday    19 May 2027        19:15
Thursday    20 May 2027        15:00 (Access)
Saturday    22 May 2027        19:15

Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
Thursday    27 May 2027        19:15
Sunday     30 May 2027         15:00 (Matinée)
Tuesday      1 June 2027         19:15
Thursday      3 June 2027         19:15
Friday         4 June 2027        15:00 (Access)
Saturday     5 June 2027         19:15

Eden Court, Inverness
Thursday    10 June 2027         19:15    
Saturday    12 June 2027         17:00

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
Thursday     17 June 2027        19:15
Saturday    19 June 2027         17:00

To apply:

Please send the following with the subject header “Madama Butterfly Casting Call” to actors@scottishopera.org.uk:

  •  CV
  • Headshot
  • Video submission of physical storytelling piece (see below)

Please prepare the following physical storytelling piece (2–3 minutes):

Create a short, silent sequence that shows an emotional journey or discovery (e.g., finding an object that reveals something life-changing about your identity). You may choose to accompany this sequence with any piece of music you deem appropriate.

Use minimal or no dialogue; props may be used if desired. 

Focus on intention, breath, and emotional transition rather than large, theatrical gestures.

We are looking for:

  • Ability to hold emotional complexity without words
  • Strong stage presence — able to command attention quietly
  • Expressive face and body without overacting
  • Sensitivity to music and atmosphere

Willingness to collaborate in a highly visual and physical storytelling process

Auditions:

Following a review of video submissions, selected applicants will be invited to attend an audition in Glasgow.

All applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK and evidence will be requested at audition stage.

Audition Date and Venue:   

Friday 8 January 2027

Scottish Opera, Weir Hall, 39 Elmbank Crescent, Glasgow, G2 4PT

Deadline for Applications: 10am on Friday 27 November 2026

Please note late submissions will not be considered.

Scottish Opera strives to be an equal opportunities employer and is subsidised by the Scottish Government. Registered Number SC037531 Charity Number SC019787.