summer programmes

In 2026 our summer programmes will be working towards a fully-stage production of Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress at Battersea Arts Centre in mid-August. The programmes will be full-time from July, with the creator strands receiving mentoring and starting to plan out their creative ideas from early in the year.

Young designers, directors and conductors have repeatedly told us that they need creative opportunities – to flex their muscles and create their own work. That is what our creator strands provide – the chance for a trio of creatives to mount their own production.

The collaborator strands take on a more supportive role – allowing you to gain experience as a costume assistant, assistant director or repetiteur.

You'll need to complete the relevant application form for every programme you want to apply to. The only exception is our summer singers programme and Serena Fenwick programme for singers – these share an application form so you only have to audition once. If you're thinking of applying to both you'll need to do it at the same time, you won't be able to go back and add anything after you click submit.

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. In recent years participants have secured work, agents and further training opportunities directly through the connections and showcasing opportunities of the summer programmes.

After applications close, the relevant panel will take a look at applications and draw up a shortlist to take through to the next round. Designers and collaborator applicants will be offered an online interview and director and music staff creator strands will be invited to an in-person working session.

It is completely free to take part in the Summer programmes.

All participants will receive a minimum bursary of £500, and there is a further hardship fund available for those who need it. We also offer help with accomodation for participants coming from outside London.

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.

All summer programmes will require you to be present in London during July and August, but there are no restrictions on who can apply beyond the requirement for you to have a UK bank account. 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.