Serena Fenwick programme for directors

The Serena Fenwick Programme

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The Serena Fenwick programme is our intensive career booster that offers something a bit different to other programmes in the UK. Run in partnership with Garsington Opera, the  Serena Fenwick programme is open to anyone who feels they could benefit from it, but is particularly suited to applicants who can show they need a career boost. So that might be because they’re not in full-time education, or because they’ve taken ‘breaks’ for personal or  financial reasons, or maybe they’re struggling to make a career work financially (not an  exhaustive list, just some examples).

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“The Serena Fenwick Programme was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of my year... I learnt a great deal, made friends for life and made invaluable professional connections."

– 2026 participant

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The 2027 programme

There are three main types of activity on the Serena Fenwick programme:

• Saturday workshops – these will take place every other week in London from early January 2027 and cover topics including social media and intimacy and fight coordination
• Intensive weekends at Garsington Opera – in their new, state-of-the-art studios, you'll explore a set of scenes with Garsington coaches and your fellow participants, eventually building to a public sharing of your work
• Private mentoring – following a goal-setting session early on in the programme, we'll pair you with a mentor who will target the specific areas you want to focus on

You'll also automatically be considered for the following year's Trainee Assistant Director scheme at Garsington Opera.

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who can apply

Anybody is welcome to apply for the Serena Fenwick programme – there are no formal entry requirements.

You should make sure you have the right visa arrangements to complete our programmes.

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Key dates  

• xxxx October 2026 – applications close
• 10 and 11 December – interviews and working sessions in London
• December 2026 – places on our programmes are offered
• 7-9 January 2027 – opening weekend at Garsington
• January-May 2026 – ongoing weekend workshops and private mentoring

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financials

To submit an application you'll need to be a member of BYO hub (£33 a year), but taking part in our  programmes is completely free. Accommodation will be offered when needed for multi-day activity. There is a limited hardship fund that you can apply to while you are on the programme, with priority given to participants travelling from further afield to take part.

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applications and auditions

To apply, just hit the button at the bottom of this page. There is a single application form for all 2027 programmes for directors – take a look at our summer programme and consider if you want to apply for that at the same time (you won't be able to go back and apply later on).

The application form contains space for a personal statement. This is a requirement if you're applying to the Serena Fenwick programme, and you should use it to explain to the panel how you think you'll benefit from the coaching and other activity offered on the programme.

After the application deadline we will shortlist applicants and invite those successful ones to an interview or working session in London – you'll be told what to expect in that email. If invited, you'll need to attend in person. Offers on places on our programmes will be sent out via email shortly afterwards.