About the Programme

The Jette Parker Artists Programme provides training and opportunities for up to a dozen salaried artists each year. In their two-year employment they work alongside leading international artists and experts in musical style and interpretation to prepare repertory for staged performances, concerts and recitals.

Singers receive coaching and mentoring to further their technical abilities and help evolve their artistic identity. They perform small roles and cover larger roles for The Royal Opera on our Main and Linbury stages working alongside the world’s greatest singers and conductors.

JPA music staff learn from the world’s leading conductors as répétiteurs on Royal Opera productions, often conducting players offstage, or serving as assistant conductors. They accompany their peers in JPA recitals and have podium opportunities in concerts and staged performances with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House or guest musicians. 

JPA stage directors works as assistant director to a broad variety of international directors, instructing cover casts and taking responsibility for the dramatic integrity of a run of performances. They may stage a chamber opera on the Linbury Theatre stage and/or opera scenes on the Main Stage of the Royal Opera House. 

Audition for the JPA Programme

The Programme offers opportunities for career development and training for those wishing to broaden their musical experience as part of educational or professional development.

Courses and training offered by the Programme include the JPA's flagship opportunity, 'Observerships'. Observerships aim to demystify the creative process at the Royal Opera House and demonstrate to emerging musicians and creatives the scale of working at an international opera house. Short conductor and stage director courses are also available, as well as opportunities for emerging writers. The Programme aims to specifically support the emerging talent from diverse and marginalised backgrounds.

Previous opportunities offered by the JPA programme include the 2019 LockDown/SkillUP initiative which worked to enable stage directors to delve into the specific demands of opera. Many participants of this initiative have gone on to be employed both at the Royal Opera House and in the wider industry. The Programme continues to support former trainees with appropriate development and employment opportunities. This Season two of the three stage directors joining the JPA Programme came through this training. 

Applications are currently open for Observerships.

The Programme is committed to ensuring its activities are accessible to all. It regularly offers short courses, coaching, training and development opportunities to artists beyond those on fixed-term contracts to ensure we invest in a wider, more diverse pool of emerging talent for the opera industry of the future.

To support applicants who could not access opportunities without financial support, a few bursaries (up to a maximum of £150) are available for Observerships opportunities. To apply for an Observership Bursary please fill out the additional bursary application form when applying.

Programme generously supported by Oak Foundation