serena fenwick programe deadline:
now closed

opera directing programmes

We run opera directing programmes suitable for all levels of directors, from those still in education or training through to early career directors.

current programmes

serena fenwick programme

Building on our Serena Fenwick programmes for singers and stage managers, the Serena Fenwick programme for directors is our bespoke 'career booster' programme. It's ideal for people at the start of their careers, especially if they haven't followed an 'established' career path.

summer programme

For directors who need mentoring and the opportunity to create, our summer programme puts you in charge. You're someone who's confident and accomplished in your directing skills and you're ready to direct your own full-scale opera.

serena fenwick programme for directors

The Serena Fenwick programme started out as a course for singers, providing 6 months of bespoke mentoring, group sessions, one-to-one sessions , advice and support. It was specifically targeted at people who needed something extra – whether that was because they'd had a different route into singing or something was holding them back or slowing them down, like financial or personal problems. It was so successful we rolled out a version for stage managers, and now we're doing the same for directors.
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If you get a place on the Serena Fenwick programme, you'll get 6 months of personal mentoring from industry professionals, bespoke career guidance, CV advice and introductions to people in the industry. You'll also be able to take part in BYO's summer production and be put forward for shadowing opportunities with our industry partners over the summer.

The programme is open to all and is fully bespoke, with everything fitted around your existing knowledge and experience. However you'll need some experience directing (any experience counts, including settings like amatuer or student theatre). You'll also need to be able to demonstrable commitment to pursuing a career indirecting  

summer programme

We did a lot of research in developing our new summer 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 summer programme does just that. Under mentorship of a world-class director, they will develop plans for a full-scale production alongside a designer on our parallel set and costume programme. Our next summer programme for directors will run for a year before final performances in summer 2026. Applications will open in spring 2025.  

frequently asked questions

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Is there financial support for taking part in programmes?

Once you're offered a place on the summer programme you'll be able to apply for bursaries to help with any travel or accomodation costs you might run into on the programme.

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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.

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Can I apply for both programmes?

Yes!

how to apply

To be able to apply and interview for our opera directing programmes you need to have a premium hub membership, and you'll need to make sure your membership remains active throughout that process.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.
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applications now closed