BY SYLVIE WOODS
There are three kinds of animal in this world that are, without a shadow of a doubt, more fabulous than you.
These are the Galàpagos Pink Land Iguana, the inimitable Angora Rabbit, and the Bohème Chienne.
One particularly well-groomed Bohème Chienne revelled in luxury at the production’s opening night on Sydney Harbour last week, fending off attentions from such red-carpet VIPs as Carla Zampatti, journalist Amber Sherlock and reality star Lana Jeavons-Fellows.
Here, we interview someone of the human variety: Opera Australia’s Hound Coordinator Katherine (Kat) Budd.
She’s also known as Senior Producer, and she enlightens us on the process of casting such creative creatures in OA’s La Bohème Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.
As Hound Coordinator, you have given many pooches the opportunity of a lifetime. Have the dogs performed well? Have any squandered their big chance?
We have had over 350 applications from hopefuls wanting their dog to be part of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: La Bohème. It’s been really tough with so many cute faces to pick only 26! In fact, it’s been so tough we have had to call upon our audience to pick the final five for us. The dogs are the true stars of the show and all are sterling professionals, happy to perform for treats and cuddles. And the team here at Opera Australia are very glad to oblige.
Did any of the Bohème Chiennes act like they didn’t have much time for the rest of the cast, or get a big head during rehearsals?
Our Bohème Chiennes have all been the biggest diva of the show, they demand so much of our attention – it’s really been a tough gig. They strut around back stage like they own it, and snub anyone who won’t give them a pat or belly rub. Even being an international opera star isn’t enough to win these pooches over – you have to have a treat at the ready.
Since performers and patrons alike sip champagne and enjoy aperitifs at Opera Australia’s performances by the water, how does the Bohème Chienne find refreshment and amusement at performances?
Our dogs are well pampered and have their own harbour-side dressing room to relax and enjoy the view before their big opera debut. Here, they often find their adoring public stop by to say hello and take a few snaps, while Mum and Dad enjoy a Spritz of Australia at the Qantas Garden Bar. On opening night, our doggy guest star took some time out of his busy pre-show ritual to walk the red carpet and wow the paparazzi with his bold fashion choices. Our pups are always ready for a snowball fight when the blizzard hits the harbour and snow falls during the show.
Does all this mean that there is a person employed by the company to look after a dog and watch opera, and where do I apply for this position?
Well, it’s a tough job. But someone has to do it, hey? We have a team of staff that makes sure our puppy pals are kept safe and happy and in the best condition for their performance. They are met by their own personal chaperone and taken on a guided tour of the set and their dressing room. Then when it comes time to grace the stage, our wonderful team of stage managers make sure that they don’t miss their entrance. Watching all of this is their Mum or Dad, and they get to cheer them on and then welcome them back to enjoy the rest of the opera.
Taking rejection is not easy. We’ve all seen Dance Moms. What should we dogaholics know from the casting process? Was it smooth or very dramatic?
What would live performance be without a few pushy parents? Yes, we have had a few chuckles through the process, from crazy photographs to parents so eager they tried to audition their horses! One owner even tried to win us over with a shirtless beach shot of him and the dogs, which, admittedly, almost worked. I am sure there have been a few tears along the way, but for the most part people take it all in good humour.
Our director Andy Morton has a very specific vision for these pooches, so the most important thing is a good picture. The Opera Australia team are all suckers for puppy dog eyes, a big wet nose, and are quite impartial to a cute outfit. Ultimately, we care for our dogs’ welfare, so we are looking for pups who can handle the extra factors of large crowds, bright lights, strange noises (how many dogs have heard a 51 piece orchestra?) and of course, fireworks.
Will Dog Mums be coming out? I would certainly keep abreast.
That would certainly set tails wagging! We’ll keep you posted.
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Images supplied. Opera on the harbour captured by Prudence Upton.
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