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As the UK Wildcats continue to bring together fans in the wake this basketball season, the UK Opera Theatre follows the trend with “Bounce,” a world premiere basketball opera.

Planning for “Bounce” began last year, and through the fall semester the production team has been busy preparing for a performance they hope to host in April.

Everett McCorvey, producer, alongside director and founder of Ardea Arts in New York, Grethe Holby, have been communicating weekly as they prepare for the opera’s world premiere.

On Tuesday, the team held auditions to incorporate basketball players in the performance. According to Courtney Reed, UK Opera Theatre director of Education and Community Involvement, the players bring a crucial component to the basketball-focused opera.

“The players will be featured performing a choreographed piece in a scrimmage setting, set to music, highlighting their basketball skills,” she said.

According to a press release, the audition will be open to anyone 18 yeas and over with basketball skills.  The benefits include a chance to gain experience and exposure, be seen by NBA executives, learn basketball choreography from industry professionals and play a major role in the making of a world premiere opera.

Those chosen will begin rehearsals on Saturday, and shooting will take place on Sunday.

According to Reed, the team is thrilled to feature new composer Glen Roven, four-time Emmy Award winner, and well-known composer/lyricist. New songs are being written and the cast is rehearsing the already exciting book.

As the premiere date inches closer, Reed and the team are hoping to be a part of something that will bring the UK community closer together.

“We hope that the incredible basketball talents featured throughout UK intramural and pick-up games will attend our casting call,” Reed said. “This is an incredible opportunity to be seen by industry professionals and experience the process of creating a world premiere opera.”

The team is still accepting auditions past Tuesday. If interested, contact [email protected] or call (859)-257-9331.