Join In Good Company for this one-off online workshop on embedding creative access for performance, led by Stopgap.
This session puts access at the heart of artistic practice and invites artists, producers and creatives to explore how access can enrich the creative process from the very beginning, expanding practice and breaking down barriers for audiences.
Drawing on Stopgap’s experience developing the award-winning production Lived Fiction. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to deepen your work, this session offers fresh perspectives and approaches to access and making performance work.
This event will be BSL interpreted.
Please email In Good Company if you have any access requirements they can accommodate at: igc@derby.ac.uk
Date: 8 July
Time: 11.00 - 13.00
Location: Online Zoom
Develop your independence and employability with Three Compost Bins and A Theatre (For Now)
Do you want to be able to run your own indie tech? Do you want to learn the basics of lights and sound? Do you want to be more employable in the live events economy? Do you want access to a lending library of technical resources to make your own work?
Local indie theatre companies Three Compost Bins and A Theatre (For Now) are joining forces on a grassroots Live Tech Skills Lab this summer that is mentored by local legend Tom Robbins and taking place at Sheffield Theatres.
Dates:
2pm-6pm Sat 25 July - Light
2pm-6pm Sat 08 August - Sound
2pm-6pm Sat 22 August - Production
Each session is £15, or you can book all three at a discount for £40. Register by completing the form linked below.
Is cost a barrier? We are offering two free places. They will be randomly allocated from eligible registrations by Sun 05 July.
Places are limited so book early to guarantee your spot!
The Bill Cashmore Award offers a paid opportunity for two new one-act plays by writers aged 18-30, to be professionally produced at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Bristol Old Vic.
The two winning plays will run as a double bill and will be performed by the Bristol Old Vic’s Young Company and Young SixSix in April 2027, and the Lyric’s SPRINGBOARD trainee actors in August 2027.
The award is kindly supported by the Bill Cashmore Award Founder Sasha Bates.
We particularly welcome submissions from those who are underrepresented in theatre and/or situated in areas culturally underserved.
The two successful writers will:
Leeds Playhouse are delighted to be once again joining forces with Rollem Productions, BBC and Leeds City Council to support new writing in Yorkshire and continue the legacy of Kay Mellor. The Kay Mellor Fellowship is a year-long paid opportunity for a writer based in Yorkshire and the Humber to develop their writing for stage and screen.
The Kay Mellor Fellow 2027 will spend twelve months on attachment with Leeds Playhouse and Rollem Productions. During the 12 months they will:
This is not a full-time role, and it is expected that the writer will undertake other paid work outside of the fellowship. Working hours and timetables will be agreed with the fellowship holder.
Forge Playwrights a new project that will nurture emerging Black, Asian and ethnically diverse writers in our region.
The group will be led by Aisha Khan, with co-mentoring from John Rwothomack and Frey Kwa Hawking.
The writers will meet monthly at Sheffield Theatres from September 2026 to April 2027 for workshops and writing sessions, followed by a period of writing and one-to-one support that will lead to an opportunity to have their work shared as part of the Open works Festival in Autumn 2027.
This ambitious year of activity will support six emerging Black, Asian and ethnically diverse writers to develop new skills, ideas, and relationships as they write a full-length play.
Aisha Khan is a writer for theatre, radio and screen, director and dramaturg. Aisha recently adapted A Christmas Carol for Sheffield Theatres. Her writing credits include No Man’s Land, (Theatre An Der Parkau, Berlin/Leeds Playhouse) and Moonshed (dir, Sarah Frankcom, Royal Exchange Theatre). Aisha has also written for BBC Radio 4.
Directing credits include The Abyss by Ghiath Al-Mhitawi (Royal Court/Edinburgh International Festival) and Spirits by Gemma Bedeau.
John Rwothomack is a Ugandan-born, London-trained actor, director, writer, and recipient of the Peggy Ramsay Award whose work includes commissions from Sheffield Theatres and English Touring Theatre. In 2021, John founded Roots Mbili Theatre, where he serves as artistic director.
Frey Kwa Hawking is a transsexual critic, dramaturg, and arts worker. He is Associate Dramaturg at the Bush Theatre, a Dramaturgs' Network board member, was Co-Mentor for Sheffield Theatres' New Dramaturgs and Theatremakers Groups, and works with a number of theatres, companies and competitions.
The Opera North Youth Orchestra (ONYO) forms part of the Opera North Youth Company. It serves to help dedicated young musicians transition from further or higher education into the professional world of music.
Drawing inspiration from the orchestral and opera work of Opera North, the Youth Orchestra prepares and performs two programmes of challenging repertoire each academic year. Rehearsing in the Orchestra of Opera North rehearsal studios, the Youth Orchestra provides opportunities to learn the musical and non-musical intricacies of working within a high-level orchestra whilst gaining further experience with orchestral and operatic repertoire.
Central to the programming of the Opera North Youth Orchestra is creating opportunities for the ensemble to work together and perform with soloists, conductors and ensembles from Opera North’s performing company. The Orchestra is led by conductor Oliver Rundell, and sections are coached by members of the orchestra of Opera North. Repertoire in the 26-27 Season will include:
Project 1: Dewsbury Town Hall, 1 November 2026, 3.30pm
Paul Dukas Fanfare from ‘La Péri’
Edward Elgar Serenade for Strings
Max Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26
Arvo Pärt Fratres
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Op. 17
Project 2: Dewsbury Town Hall, Sunday 21 March 2027, 3.30pm
Doreen Carwithens ‘Bishop Rock’ Overture
Richard Strauss Horn Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major, Op.11
Amy Beach Symphony in E minor (Gaelic Symphony), Op.32
Members benefit from mentorship from the musicians and artistic team of Opera North, in addition to connecting with a variety of professional orchestral and opera conductors. The Opera North Youth Orchestra is designed to complement participants’ existing study schedule, rehearsing during school and university holidays and on selected weekends over the academic year.
The Orchestra currently has vacancies for the following instruments*:
Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp
Woodwind: Bassoon
Brass: French Horn
Percussion* Depending on current membership, some instruments may not be auditioned this term. If your instrument is not listed, you are welcome to apply to register your interest for future opportunities.
If you play an orchestral instrument not listed above, please fill in the application form if you would like to register your interest for any future opportunity to audition.
Eligibility
Project 1 will be open to musicians aged 15-21 and performing at Grade 7+ standard on their instrument. Project 2 will be open to musicians aged 16-21 and performing at Grade 8 standard. Please refer to the FAQs section below for more information.
Application deadline
Friday 18 September
(Applications received after this date will be considered on a rolling basis, subject to vacancies)
Audition date
Saturday 26 September
How to apply
Complete the application form at the top of this page, making sure you’ve noted the audition date and requirements.
If you have any questions please get in with touch with Youth Orchestra team via onyo@operanorth.co.uk.
This year-long programme seeks to inspire, nurture and guide eight talented young singers from the North of England on their journey to studying music at a conservatoire or university.
It aims to help dedicated young musicians who are facing barriers accessing musical training at an appropriate level, including supporting those from backgrounds that are currently under-represented in the professional classical music world. Since the programme launched in 2024, we’re delighted that our Young Performers have successfully auditioned and been offered places to study Classical singing at the following institutions: Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Royal Academy of Music, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Royal Northern College of Music & the Royal Scottish Conservatoire.
The programme will include a mixture of group and one-to-one sessions, based at the Howard Opera Centre in Leeds. It will be designed to complement participants’ existing singing lessons, where applicable.
An individual learning plan and schedule will be created for each student, with support and oversight from Marie Claire Breen (Vocal Animateur), and input and guidance throughout the year from Opera North’s full-time staff, as well as guest performers and creatives.
The Young Performers will:
Here are some key dates for this academic year:
Saturday 5 September 2026
Saturday 3 October
Saturday 7 November
Saturday 9 January 2027
Saturday 6 February
Saturday 6 March
Saturday 8 May
Saturday 5 June
July – Final recital (Date TBC)
Eligibility
Open to College, Sixth Form and University (Undergraduate) aged singers at approximately Grade 6+, who aren’t already enrolled on a full-time Music degree or programme. Please refer to the FAQs section for more information.
Applications are particularly encouraged from young musicians from under-represented ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, as well as young people living with a disability or with caring responsibilities.
Applicants are either expected to have Grade 5 theory, or be willing to undertake additional sessions in order to achieve this.
Application deadline
Friday 3 July 2026
(Applications received after this date will be considered on a rolling basis, subject to available places)
Audition Date
Thursday 16 July 2026
How to apply
Complete the application form.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Young Performers Studio team via yps@operanorth.co.uk
*Two fully-funded places will be available, as well as partial bursaries, to support young people facing financial barriers. Payment plans will also be available, please see FAQs for more information.
In order to apply, please complete the following three steps:
Elevate is a free nine-month development programme for socially engaged theatre-makers and artists interested in working creatively with communities.
Designed for people with some experience of community-based creative practice, the programme brings together a cohort of ten participants for monthly workshops, practice exchanges and peer support sessions. Participants will explore participatory theatre methods, develop their own ideas, build professional networks and learn from experienced practitioners.
The programme also offers mentoring, access to creative space, social enterprise training and opportunities for future collaboration and employment.
Applicants can apply in writing, audio or video format, outlining their experience, what they hope to gain from the programme, and the communities or ideas they are interested in exploring.
Please send your application to oliver@acta-bristol.com by Monday 13th July 10am.
Please email any queries regarding the scheme or application process to oliver@acta-bristol.com
We are a fearless collective of disabled and non-disabled musicians: a platform that pushes the boundaries of music-making to create art with passion and purpose.
With a diverse ensemble led by the remarkable vision of our artistic director Charles Hazlewood, our performances are a fusion of emotion, innovation, and intrepid artistry. Behind the scenes, we focus on developing careers, building confidence, and fostering collaboration to inspire a fierce ambition and excellence that matches our artistic programme.
About Play with Paraorchestra
Play with Paraorchestra is an opportunity for young musicians, who identify as disabled, have special educational needs, or have access requirements to experience playing on a Paraorchestra project. Over the course of a two-day workshop in October 2026 a small group of young musicians will explore a range of musical styles, with a blend of acoustic and electronic sound worlds, working alongside professional Paraorchestra musicians.
Play with Paraorchestra is a creatively ambitious project for young musicians. It offers the same exciting, collaborative, person-centred way of working as on all Paraorchestra shows, this time for young musicians aged 12 - 17 who are considering a career in music.
All participants on the project must attend with a parent, guardian or carer.
Are you, or is someone you know, a talented, adventurous young musician who wants to experience playing with Paraorchestra? We are looking for six young musicians who either identify as disabled, have special educational needs, or access requirements, and can thrive working in a collaborative environment. They must demonstrate a creative spark, a passion and commitment to playing live music.
You don’t need to formally identify as disabled, for example you might be Deaf or have a hearing impairment, or you might be Autistic or be neurodivergent. At Paraorchestra we don’t work with musicians on the basis of a formal diagnosis, we use the Social Model of Disability to guide our work.
If you are a musician aged 12 - 17, considering a career in the music sector, who has access requirements or works best in an environment with additional support in place then Play with Paraorchestra is for you.
Young musicians applying for this opportunity should be playing at a Grade 5 standard (or equivalent) in musical ability, theoretical understanding, and technical capability. Participants do not need to have achieved a formal Grade 5 qualification to apply for Play with Paraorchestra. We are using the Grade 5 level of musicianship as a guide for young musicians to emphasise the level of musical skill we are looking for from the participants taking part in this project.
Play with Paraorchestra is our version of a ‘side-by-side’ project, where participants will have the opportunity to sit next to professional Paraorchestra musicians and work through set repertoire in a workshop format. The activity itself will be led by Paraorchestra Assistant Music Directors Siobhan Clough and Rylan Gleave. Paraorchestra Artistic Director Charles Hazlewood will lead a session during the two days. The project will culminate in a sharing on the second day for a small invited audience.
This will be an opportunity for young musicians to experience Paraorchestra’s creatively ambitious work and person-centred approach to access, exploring new commissions alongside pre-existing repertoire. The chosen pieces will be arranged in an open score format, meaning that whatever instrument you might play, whether that be an acoustic orchestral instrument or a more modern electronic instrument, there will be a part that works for you and the level that you are playing at.
Over the course of the two days, we will explore a commission written by Liam Taylor-West, a reimagined version of Straylight by Rylan Gleave (first performed by Paraorchestra during The Anatomy of the Orchestra - Drone Refractions, 2024) and some warm up pieces from the CoMA open score repertoire list. All parts will range in difficulty, with some parts being easier to play than others. Part selection and distribution will be made by our Assistant Music Directors to suit the musicians selected with their instrument and musical capabilities in mind.
Successful candidates invited to take part in Play with Paraorchestra will be asked to:
During the Play with Paraorchestra in-person workshops each day will involve:
To apply to take part in Play with Paraorchestra you will need to complete a short application form. This can either be typed or answered with recorded or filmed responses. The application form questions are listed below so you can plan your answers. Each answer has a suggested word limit of 300 words or 2.5 minutes speaking time.
The Play with Paraorchestra application form can be found here.
If you are applying with a video application, please fill out your main details on the application form (https://forms.gle/hVmrJA2SSKrdyiddA) and include a link to your video application in the space provided.
You can share your video in any of the following ways:
We will then shortlist the applications and invite a small number of young musicians to take part in Play with Paraorchestra with us.
Please note the capacity for participants on this project is small, six young musicians, this is to ensure we can deliver this creatively ambitious project with the level of access and person-centred support that is central to our way of working on all Paraorchestra projects. We anticipate we will get more applications that we have spaces for and so unfortunately not everyone who applies will be offered a place on the project. We recognise this can be disheartening, but where possible we will try and provide some feedback on applications and signpost you to alternative opportunities for young musicians.
East 15 Acting School's MA Theatre Directing is designed for practicing or aspiring directors seeking to establish themselves as professional theatre directors.
The course brings together a diverse mix of emerging theatre directors from the UK and around the world, under the guidance of experienced directors and professional practitioners from the UK and overseas. With strong ties to the London theatre world, you'll have access to top-tier training as well as invaluable professional networks needed to build a successful career in directing theatre.
The MA is a one-year, full-time programme. You'll undertake four modules over three terms, followed by a three-month period of independent study, at the end of which you'll present a Director's Production Workbook (or your MA Dissertation). You'll have the option to choose four modules from a range of seven to eight which we offer in a year. While the menu of modules varies from year to year, they cover a diverse range of directorial practices such as Shakespeare, Contemporary British Drama, Comedy, Musical Theatre and Opera, Physical Theatre, and much more.
We also run some modules overseas, most recently in Poland with the legendary Song of the Goat Theatre Company, and in Bali, involving specialist practical study in an alternative cultural environment.
Head to the link to read more!
