Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flying House Productions?
Formed in 1979, our organization has grown to house two choruses, three ensembles and a quarterly lifestyle publication. We are Washington State's largest and most influential choral organization. Flying House Productions ranks third among the state's music organizations in terms of budget, audience exposure, and ensemble size. Seattle Men's Chorus is the largest community chorus in America. It is also the largest gay men's chorus in the world with more than 300 members. Seattle Women's Chorus made its world premier on stage December 2002 and has over 200 singers. Each chorus has a base of over 80 volunteers and associate members that support both choruses.
What is the purpose of the chorus?
The Seattle Men's Chorus and the Seattle Women's Chorus entertain, enlighten, unify and heal our audience and members, using the power of words and music to recognize the value of gay and straight people and their relationships.
When are the concerts?
Each year the chorus presents a series of concerts at various Seattle area theaters as part of a subscription series. Generally the concerts are held in November/December, March/April and June/July.
Where are the concerts?
Our concert series is held each season using mostly Benaroya Hall, McCaw Hall and Meany Theater in Seattle. The Chorus is the largest renter of Benaroya after the Seattle Symphony.
How do I get tickets?
Tickets for all season concerts may be purchased online or by calling our Box Office 206.388.1400. Tickets may be purchased in person at the chorus offices at Flying House Productions (319 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122) between the hours Noon and 7 PM, Monday - Friday.
Who are the members of the organization?
Members of the chorus are representative of the large community in which we live in. Members range in age, size, color, profession, background and outside interests. Both singing and associate members share a common vision - a world that accepts and values its gay and lesbian citizens.
Are the Seattle Men's Chorus and Seattle Women's Chorus gay organizations?
Both choruses are arts organizations. A majority of the members and staff are gay or lesbian, but membership is open to all persons regardless of race, creed, color, ability, age, or sexual orientation.
How big are the choruses?
There are more than 300 singing members in the Seattle Men's Chorus and more than 200 women in Seattle Women's Chorus. Additionally, the chorus has over 80 volunteers and associate members.
Are there small performing groups within the choruses?
In addition to the entire chorus, the chorus has several small ensembles. These groups perform at local and national venues where it would not be physically possible or practical to bring the entire membership. Captain Smartypants is a group of nine men who perform a pop and vocal jazz repertoire. Sensible Shoes is a group of nine women who perform a pop and vocal jazz repertoire. All groups perform and tour with the main choruses.
Are there CD recordings of the choruses?
The Seattle Men's Chorus currently has 14 recordings available for sale. The recordings encompass a wide range in music including classical, broadway, holiday and pop. The Seattle Women's Chorus' released its debut CD in 2005.
Do you take donations?
The chorus is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization. As such the organization may receive tax deductible donations. Many programs exist for donating cash and/or services to the organization. For information on making a donation to the organization, please call 206.323.0750. To make a donation online, please complete our Donation Form.
Will the chorus sing for me or my organization?
The chorus is open to invitations to sing for audiences around the world. As a volunteer chorus our available performance time is limited and our calendar fills up quickly each year. For information on booking the chorus or one of the small groups please complete our Booking Request Form.
Can I be added to the mailing list?
Complete our Mailing List Form to be added to the Flying House Productions mailing list.
You can also call the office at 206.323.0750 or write to us at:
Flying House Productions
319 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122-5504
Does the choruses tour?
The choruses are available to perform world-wide when afforded the invitation. As all-volunteer choruses, we have limited financial resources to make such ventures.
National tours have included performances in some of the nation's most prestigious halls; New York's Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall and Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, Symphony Hall in Boston, Meyerson Symphony Hall in Dallas, Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, and Boettcher Hall in Denver.
Statewide tours are a standard feature of both choruses and have included performances in cities such as Anacortes, Bellingham, Bremerton, Coupeville, Edmonds, Ellensburg, Everett, Kirkland, Marysville, Mount Vernon, Olympia, Port Townsend, Spokane, Tacoma, Walla Walla, Wenatchee, Woodinville and Yakima.
In 2006, we took our music to the mountains and performed in Pocatello, Idaho; Billings, Bozeman and Helena in Montana; Salt Lake City, Utah and Jackson, Wyoming
In 1998, the chorus traveled to Europe, where they performed in Barcelona, at the Gay Games' closing ceremony and two other concerts in Amsterdam, and in London. In 2003, the chorus traveled to Australia and New Zeland.
Do you have to sing to join the chorus?
A special class of membership has been created to allow "non-singers" to be a part of the chorus. Associate members assist the organization in a wide range of activities including performance and administrative support.
How do I join as a singing member?
Auditions are held each August and January for singing members. You do NOT need to prepare anything. All you need to do is arrive at your appointed time. You will begin by filling out a brief questionnaire. Then, you will meet individually with either Eric Lane Barnes, Flying Housing Producations' assistant artistic director, or Rhonda Juliano, the Seattle Women's Chorus assistant conductor. You will run through some scales and vocal exercise to evaluate your vocal range and ability. You will be asked to sing a familiar song and do some basic sight reading. For information on auditioning for the chorus or one of the small groups, please see the auditon pages on this website for each group.
Do you have to read music to be a singing member?
Singing members do not have to read music to join the chorus. The chorus asks that all members have a commitment to the mission of the organization and the desire to perform.
Are the singers professionals?
All of the singers in the chorus are volunteers and receive no compensation for their participation in the chorus. The members come from all professions and walks of life - lawyers, bankers, salespeople, teachers, phyisicans, administrators, copmuter programmers, hairstylists, and students. Some members of the chorus have received professional music training and some are by vocation working within the professional and/or educational music world.
Are the singers paid to perform?
All of the singers in the chorus are volunteers and receive no individual payment for their participation. It is estimated that singing members donate more than 100,000 volunteer hours per year.
How do I join as an associate member?
Membership applications are accepted throughout the year for associate members. For additional information contact the administrative office at 206.323.0750
Can I advertise to the members of the choruses?
Advertising opportunities are available in the programs distributed to each patron at the season concerts and in Flying House Magazine, a quarterly lifestyle publication distributed to more than 36,000 chorus supporters. Direct solicitations to the membership or the member mailing list is not permitted. To learn more about advertising, contact Gerry Kunkel at 206.323.0750.
