Actor-musicians are increasingly in-demand performers who combine first-rate acting ability with a high level of musicianship.
Mountview’s Actor Musicianship course develops these dual skills to the highest level, enabling graduates to combine them in their performance.
Whilst a high level of prior musical experience is a pre-requisite, it is not necessary to have achieved formal music qualifications before applying.
COURSE CONTENT AND DELIVERY
Study takes place over three 12-week terms a year for three years. It is an actor training programme with specialised music elements. Students work in small classes and receive over 25 hours of direct teaching time each week, including one-to-one singing and instrumental lessons.
The course is delivered through classes, projects, workshops and performance opportunities. During the course students engage in a range of performance projects, working on Shakespeare, contemporary plays, and musicals as well as devising original work. The first half of each term is devoted to skills classes whilst in the second half of each term these skills are applied to performance projects.
In the second year, skills are further explored in collaboration classes which include peer integration and team teaching to enhance your creativity and help you to make connections between subjects.
Additionally, there is time given to tailored ‘surgeries’ to focus on detail and help develop independence and confidence in each individual’s practice.
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.
AGES: 9-12 YEAR OLDS
WHEN: 27 & 28TH JULY | 10.30 -4pm
WHERE: Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, L1 9BG
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.
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
Mountview produces over 25 in-house productions each year in our state-of-the-art theatres, giving students on the FdA Stage Management course a vast array of learning experiences.
Stage managers are the glue that holds a production together. Their many responsibilities include running communication across all creative and technical departments, acting as a right hand to the director, overseeing sets, props, lights, and sound, and calling all technical cues during performances.
Mountview is internationally recognised for the quality of its Musical Theatre training and produces at least 8 large-scale musicals in-house every year, providing Stage Management students with extensive experience of the musical format.
Mountview also offers a 1-year BA (Hons) Top-Up in Stage Management, which offers a greater depth of study to those with previous experience.
COURSE CONTENT AND DELIVERY
The Stage Management Foundation Degree is a full-time, two-year course designed to equip students with the core skills and professional experience needed to launch a successful career.
With 30 contact hours per week over 36 weeks each year, the course offers a blend of practical training, real-world experience, and industry engagement. Students are taught by Mountview’s resident team of tutors, alongside visiting professionals. Previous guest tutors have included professionals from Punchdrunk, Hamilton, The Globe, the Royal Opera House and the National Theatre.
From the second term of the first year, students begin working on Mountview’s public productions in our main theatre spaces. These productions are delivered to professional standards, providing students with the opportunity to collaborate closely with professional directors, choreographers, designers and technical teams from across the industry.
Throughout the course, students receive in-depth skills training and take part in practical projects and specialist masterclasses designed to consolidate their learning. Career guidance and individual support are embedded in the programme to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to enter the industry with confidence.
In addition to in-house productions, students will undertake work placements with external organisations, gaining valuable hands-on experience and building a strong network of professional contacts. Previous placements have included Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Shakespeare’s Globe, Wilton’s Music Hall, the National Theatre, Hampstead Theatre, Cabaret and the Barbican.
Please note that involvement in Mountview’s productions includes evening and weekend work, reflecting the schedule and demands of a professional theatre environment.
Mountview produces over 25 in-house productions each year in our state-of-the-art theatres, giving students on the FdA Technical Production course a vast array of learning experiences.
Our Technical Production training is primarily focussed on sound and lighting, incorporating video and technical stagecraft. Course content includes lighting and sound studio skills, the preparation and management of technical equipment, lighting and sound system design, how to programme and operate desks, video mapping and design, as well as core technical and maintenance skills.
Training includes:
Mountview is internationally recognised for the quality of its Musical Theatre training and produces at least 8 large-scale musicals in-house every year, providing Technical Production students with extensive experience of the musical format.
Mountview also offers a one-year BA (Hons) Top-Up in Technical Production, in which students with previous experience can select a specialism and develop a greater depth of understanding.
COURSE CONTENT AND DELIVERY
Covering the areas of lighting, sound and video, the Technical Production Foundation Degree is a full-time, two-year course designed to equip students with the core skills and professional experience needed to launch a successful career.
With 30 contact hours per week over 36 weeks each year, the course offers a blend of practical training, real-world experience, and industry engagement. Students are taught by Mountview’s resident team of tutors, alongside visiting professionals. Previous guest tutors have included professionals from Robe, DPA, Vectorworks, Operation Mincemeat and the National Theatre.
From the first term, students begin working on Mountview’s public productions in our main theatre spaces. These productions are delivered to professional standards, providing students with the opportunity to collaborate closely with professional directors, designers and technical practitioners from across the industry.
Throughout the course, students receive in-depth skills training and take part in practical projects and specialist masterclasses designed to consolidate their learning. Career guidance and individual support are embedded in the programme to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to enter the industry with confidence.
In addition to in-house productions, students will undertake work placements with external organisations, gaining valuable hands-on experience and building a strong network of professional contacts. Previous placements have included Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Palladium, the National Theatre, Hampstead Theatre, Cabaret and the Barbican.
