Arizona Opera is seeking 12 local veterans to perform onstage in the final number of the opera company’s premiere of “The Falling and the Rising,” an operatic story of service and sacrifice, which traces the inner journey of a soldier who enters a coma after she suffers a roadside attack.

“The Falling and the Rising” will open Arizona Opera’s 2022/23 season this October.

Arizona Opera’s desire is to create a community effort surrounding local veterans beyond the 12 participants. The organization provides a creative and safe space for Arizona veterans to join a community veterans choir led by Dr. Philip A. Woodmore, who has led many choral programs in the St. Louis area and has vast experience and education in music.

No audition, musical or stage experience required. Must be 18 or older and a veteran.

Choristers must be reliable, resourceful, positive and have a strong interest in bringing the arts to audiences. Access to reliable transportation is also required. These are paid, contracted assignments.

“The Falling and the Rising” was first conceived of by Staff Sergeant Benjamin Hilgert of the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus, which then commissioned librettist Jerre Dye and composer Zach Redler to help create the opera. The work has been performed by San Diego Opera, Opera Memphis, Seagle Festival, and others.

Rehearsals will take place 6-9 p.m. Aug. 11-Oct. 12 at the Arizona Opera Center, 1636 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16,  at the Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix.