serena fenwick programme

The programme combines one-to-one mentoring, practical workshops, and hands-on experience tailored to each strand. All participants will receive sessions on goal setting, 1-to-1 mentoring, personal brand and social media training, and showcase performances at Garsington Studios and Smith Square Hall.

Additional opportunities for singers include movement, individual coaching, auditioning andcasting, vocal health, networking with casting directors and agents. For conductors they include observing Garsington stage and piano rehearsals and shadowing opportunities with national and summer companies. For directors, more shadowing opportunities and training in fight and intimacy coordination. Stage managers will get weekly online sessions following a stage manangement diploma syllabus, immersive weekends within national and summer opera companies, as well as score reading and props sessions.

The programme kicks off in early January. Singers, directors and stage manangers will have sessions most weekends until July, with additional 1-to-1 sessions and rehearsals arranged to fit their schedules. Stage managers will have a weekly online group session with their mentor with additional weekend sessions scheduled to coincide with the other strands.

There is no upper age limit to apply – you just need to be able to show your career would benefit from the training on offer. You must be at least 18 years old to apply for the programme.

Yes! Everyone who applies will need to attend an in-person audition. We'll be holding auditions in London on 18, 19, 25 and 26 October and 7, 8, 14 and 15 November. Then we'll be in Glagow on 18 October, Manchester on 25 and 26 October, Cardiff on 15 November, and Birmingham on 1 November.

After you've submitted your application you'll be invited to pick your own audition slot, so the sooner you apply the more choice of slots you'll have. If you're successful in your audition you'll be invited to attend a recall audition in London on 28, 29 or 30 November – again you'll be able to choose your own slot when you're invited.  

After the programme, you'll be well-equipped to take the next step in your career.
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Conductors, stage manangers and directors are automatically considered for Garsington Opera's traineeships the following year. Singers will be automatically cosidered for Garsington’s Alvarez Emerging Artists' Programme.

BYO has been running the programme for a number of years, and Garsington Opera joined as a partner for 2026, bringing additional resources, expertise and opportunities. A number of sessions will held at Garsington Studios and participants will have unique access to rehearsal and production processes, community productions and progression pathways such traineeships and the Alvarez Emerging Artists’Programme.

After applications close, the relevant panel will take a look at applications and draw up a shortlist to take through to the next round. Conductors will be invited to attend an in-person interview and practical session. Directors and stage manangers will be invited to attend an online interview.

It is completely free to take part in the Serena Fenwick programme.

There is no financial support available for taking part in the programme, but we may be able to help with travel and other expenses for people who need it.

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.

As part of your application you'll be asked to submit a short personal statement. You should use it to describe why you would benefit from a place on the programme. If you've hit problems in your career or you feel like there are things holding you back you should include them.

The programme is designed to fit around work, study or other commitments. Singers, directors and conductors should be available on Saturdays from the end of January until the end of May, and then for additional performance rehearsals inJune and July. Stage manangers should be able to commit to a weekly session online and a handful of in-person weekend dates.

All strands will require you to be present regularly from January until July and its unlikely you would be able to make this work if you live outside the UK, however there are no restrictions on who can apply. We would be unable to help with international travel costs or relocation to the UK.

Apply before 6pm on Monday 6 October to be considered.