Young People
At the Royal Ballet and Opera, we believe in nurturing the next generation of artists, performers, and creative thinkers. Our programmes and opportunities for young people are designed to inspire curiosity, foster talent, and provide opportunities to explore the worlds of opera, ballet, and theatre.
Youth Opera Company
The Royal Opera Youth Opera programmes provide children aged 8 to 13 with rigorous music and drama training, creative projects and the chance to perform in world leading opera productions with The Royal Opera. The programme aims to let young performers discover and develop a passion for opera and dramatic singing.
Young Performers
There are lots of opportunities for children and young people at the Royal Opera House, not only in Covent Garden, but also through our Learning and Participation programmes.
We believe diverse casts enrich the work we do, and we welcome children and young people from all backgrounds to audition. Where possible, we hold open auditions for singing and acting roles, to ensure the opportunity is open to all.
If you would like to be added to a mailing list to be informed about future casting opportunities, please complete our auditions mailing list form.
The Royal Ballet School
Originally founded in 1926 by Ninette de Valois as the Academy of Choreographic Art, The Royal Ballet School is the official school of The Royal Ballet.
For generations it has produced outstanding dancers and choreographers of international renown. The School offers an eight-year carefully structured dance programme, aligned with extensive academic courses, giving the students the best possible education to equip them for a career in the world of dance. As well as its full-time training programme, the School runs a thriving outreach programme – in any one year, the School engages with over 4,500 aspiring young dancers in the UK.
Chance to Dance
Our Chance to Dance programme offers creative dance workshops in primary schools across Lambeth, Southwark and Thurrock. These workshops support children to develop their dance and performance skills.
Chance to Dance gives primary school children from across the country their first opportunity to engage creatively with ballet, connecting closely with the inspirational repertory, choreographers and dancers of The Royal Ballet.
Work Experience
Through our partners and outreach programmes the Royal Opera House offers the opportunity to gain experience and insight into our working environments.
Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation, a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales (Company number 480523) Charity Registered (Number 211775)