We offer opportunities to explore technical theatre, stage management and design for young people aged 11-18.
Our courses and masterclasses give creative young people the opportunity to gain a real insight into drama school training and the wider 'backstage' industries. Specialist classes are delivered by a variety of professionals, in skills including lighting, sound, stage management, prop making, costume and set design.
Across a two-day short course, you will have the chance to try a variety of backstage roles and skills in a series of hands-on workshops with specialist tutors who are working professionals. No previous experience is necessary - just an interest in getting creative, an enjoyment of making things, and a willingness to get stuck in!
There are opportunities for anyone who is interested in learning some of the skills required for careers in:
We are committed to giving every young person aged 11 - 18 with a passion for theatre the opportunity to benefit from the specialist drama training delivered by RWCMD, regardless of experience or financial means.
We place great importance on making our courses accessible to all young people who have a genuine interest in theatre, if you have any questions regarding financial support please get in touch.
Interested in studying a performing arts subject at university in 2027?
A three-day residential summer school
28th - 30th July 2026
Engage in a taste of first year life. Experience student accommodation. Explore LIPA and Liverpool. GET SET to take the next step.
What do you do on Get Set?
Is Get Set for you?
This summer school is for students who are currently in Year 12 or equivalent and will be under the age of 18 at the end of July 2026. To join us you must also meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
A chance to spend a few days exploring drama at the Unity, meet new friends, enjoy games, creating characters, puppetry and more with brilliant practitioners. All abilities welcome.
Week 1 of Summer:
Jersey Week 1 (8-21years): Tuesday 21st July - Sunday 26th 2026
Week 2 of Summer:
Jersey Week 2 (8-21years): Tuesday 28th - Sunday 2nd August 2026
Brighton Week 1 (Year 3-13): Tuesday 28th - Sunday 2nd August 2026
Brighton Weeny Week 1 (Reception to Year 12): Wednesday 29th July - Sunday 2nd August 2026
Week 3 of Summer:
Brighton Week 2 (Year 3-13): Tuesday 4th August - Sunday 9th August 2026
Brighton Weeny Week 2 (Reception- Year 2): Wednesday 5th August - Sunday 9th August 2026
Birmingham (Year 3- Year 13): Tuesday 4th August - Saturday 8th August 2026
Birmingham Weeny (Reception- Year 12): Wednesday 5th August - Saturday 8th August 2026
Week 4 of Summer:
Watford Summer School (7- 18years): Monday 10th August - Friday 14th August 2026
Watford Weeny Summer School (4-6years): Tuesday 11th August - Friday 14th August 2026
Week 5 of summer:
Saffron Walden (Year 3- 11): Monday 17th August - Saturday 21st August 2026
Unity Theatre are offering a 2 day theatre workshop for kids this July!
A chance to spend a few days exploring drama at the Unity, meet new friends, enjoy games, create characters, puppetry and more with brilliant practitioners. All abilities welcome.
Date: 27 & 28 July
Time: 10.30am - 4.00pm
Location: Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, L1 9BG
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:
A three-day introductory course for cis and trans women and non-binary individuals aged 18+, offering practical backstage training for those interested in starting a career in technical theatre.
Participants gain hands-on experience across core technical areas, including stage work, hemp flying, knots, lighting, and sound setup and operation. The course also explores entry routes into backstage roles, including apprenticeships and casual technician positions.
Designed for those with an interest in technical theatre, including people with some prior amateur or professional experience, the course focuses on building practical skills and confidence in a live production environment.
A limited number of subsidised places are available to improve access, with support offered for those facing financial barriers. Participants can apply for a £75 subsidised place or contact the team directly if cost is a barrier.
Cost: £150
Dates: 21 - 23 August
Would you like to see your writing performed by professional actors? Are you interested in learning more about writing for stage?
Wac Arts is thrilled to continue their intergenerational series with a free creative writing project exploring how theatre and storytelling can promote positive conversations and relationships across the community.
They are looking for young people aged 16 – 24 with an interest in creative writing and theatre to take part in a series of weekly workshops with members of the University of the Third Age at Wac Arts. Under the guidance of playwright Beth Flintoff, Associate Playwright at The Royal Court, the group will explore key aspects of writing for theatre, receive 1:1 script development support and create a series of pieces that will be performed by professional actors.
Dates: 1 June - 13 July, 16.30pm - 18.30pm
Final Sharing Date: 19 July, 13.00pm - 17.00pm
Location: Wac Arts, 213 Haverstock Hill, London NW3 4QP
"We believe everyone deserves a seat at the theatre..."
Jamie Wilson Productions and Nederlander are proud to introdcue the Pay What You Can ticket scheme for The Devil Wears Prada The Musical, now playing at the Dominion Theatre, London.
They know theatre isn't always affordable. With their Pay What You Can scheme, you set the price, making the magic of theatre accessible to more people.
How To Apply:
There are up to 10 PWYC tickets available per performance, and individuals or small groups can request tickets. If groups are looking to attend in larger numbers, they can either split across multiple dates or get in touch with Georgia at Jamie Wilson Productions first to explore options with the box office.
