Opera directing

two strands, one programme

create strand

The create strand is the more advanced of the two. You're in charge, you're confident and accomplished in your directing skills and you're ready to direct your own full-scale opera.

collaborate strand

For people who are still learning, the collaborate strand is a way to build your knowledge, experience and confidence by working with your peers and a hand-picked selection of industry mentors.

create strand

We did a lot of research in developing our new opera directing programme, and what came up time and time again was that young directors need to be directing – they need opportunities to flex their creative muscles and stage their own productions where they are in charge. It's the best way for them to learn, improve, and make a splash in the industry.

So our creator strand does just that. One participant (and for obvious reasons there is only one space on the strand), will join the programme just before Christmas and, under mentorship of director Richard Jones, will develop plans for a site-specific production of The Rape of Lucretia alongside a designer on our parallel set and costume programme. In July 2024, fully supported by a team of professionals, they'll bring that same production to life for four London performances.

collaborate strand

The collaborator strand is perfect for people who're still building basic skills and knowledge. You might have some directing experience in a student or amateur context, but you're still at the start of you journey to becoming a director.

As a participant on our collaborator strand, you'll be involved once in-person sessions start on July 2024. You’ll be paired with an established director who will inspire and mentor you and give you tailored career support and advice.

Much like an assistant director, you'll spend time in the rehearsal room, working with and learning from our creator strand and might be called upon to lead some rehearsal sessions. You'll always be supported by our team of professionals.

You’ll leave the programme with better understanding of a director’s role, specific techniques and approaches they use, as well as career-boosting new skills, experience and connections.

frequently asked questions

add

Who is eligible to apply?

There are loads of different routes into a directing career, so our minimum criteria are deliberately very low. But you must be over 18 and have a UK bank account in your name. Foreign applicants are welcome, but you must be able to satisfy those criteria. BYO isn't able to sponsor visas or offer advice.

add

How much does it cost?

Taking part in any BYO programme is free, and there is no application fee beyond your membership to BYO hub.

add

Are there bursaries or discounts on BYO hub membership?

We offer reduced or free BYO hub premium membership to care leavers, people granted asylum in the UK, people seeking asylum in the UK, full or part time carers, people with no immediate family or no connection to them, single parents, people with physical or mental disabilities and people with long term illnesses. Email hub@byo.org.uk to explain your circumstances. If your circumstances aren't listed but you feel like you need help, email us anyway.

add

Is there financial support for taking part in programmes?

If you get a place on our summer programme you'll be able to apply for a minimum grant of £500 to help support you while you're on the programme.

add

What happens after I apply?

After the closing date, the selection panel will go through each entry and invite a selection to an online interview and working session which will take place before Christmas.

add

Can I apply for both strands?

You'll be able to select which strand you're interested in when you apply. You can apply for both strands, but we recommend you read this page carefully – most people will find they comfortably fit into only one strand and are either over or under qualified for the other. If you're not sure then by all means select both – our selection panel will only offer you a place on a programme they think will benefit you.

how to apply

To be able to apply and audition for our opera directing programme you need to have a premium hub membership. It costs just £33 a year and unlocks access to all applications and live and online events that run throughout the year. If you're not already a premium member you'll be asked to become one before you can fill out the application form.

After applications close, our selection panel will go through applications and shortlist a group for interviews and a working session with an established director. Both of these will take place online.
‍

applications not open yet