Discovery Workshops
Our new Discovery Workshops are a series of one-off events that are designed to give members of our local community the opportunity to “come-and-try” a participatory session for a day.
Taking place at Garsington Studios, there will be something for everyone. From performance, to stage management and video production, these sessions will give a variety of options to have a go and discover the world of opera!
Production Arts Discovery Workshop for Adults
Exploring how backstage teams support a production is not just for young people.
Have you ever imagined lighting a stage? Or been to a show and admired the costumes? Maybe you’re thinking of a career change, or just interested in exploring some of the skills required backstage.
This Introduction to Production Arts workshop is the perfect taster session for adults aged 21 + who want to find out more about what goes on behind-the-scenes.
Spend time with our expert practitioners in:
- Lighting
- Costume/Wardrobe
- Wigs, Hair & Make-up
Gain insights and explore all three of these backstage crafts in one evening.
Date: Wednesday 19 November 2025
Time: 6:45pm – 10pm
Location: Garsington Studios
Age: 21+
Free workshop
Introduction to Production Arts – age 13 – 21
Are you intrigued by lighting and stage management? Do you love the world of wardrobe or want to be a make-up artist? Or perhaps you’d rather run the show from backstage? This Introduction to Production Arts is the perfect taster session for young people wanting to find out more about career opportunities behind-the-scenes.
There are five different backstage areas to choose from:
- Lighting
- Props
- Stage crewing & Stage Management
- Wardrobe
- Wigs, Hair & Make-up
At the beginning of the day, you will select three workshops to attend for the morning. In the afternoon, you will choose one of these three workshops to focus on, delving deeper into your chosen subject for the rest of the day.
Participants should bring a packed lunch with them.
Date: Saturday 22 November 2025
Time: 10am – 5pm
Location: Garsington Studios
Age: 13 – 21 (those aged 13 must be in Year 9)
Free workshop
Theatre Design – a family workshop
Come together to explore elements of theatre design with professionals from the industry.
Led by a professional theatre and lighting designer, parents/guardians and children will be given the opportunity to craft their own prop and experiment with lighting.
Date: Saturday 31 January 2026
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
Location: Garsington Studios
Age: A family workshop for ages 5 – 11 (Years 2 to 6)
Free workshop
Theatre Design – Age 11 – 18
Led by a professional theatre designer and lightning designer, the workshop will take you through some of the processes used when designing a show. You’ll learn and put into practice techniques that help tell a story on stage.
Date: Saturday 31 January 2026
Time: 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Location: Garsington Studios
Age: 11 – 18 (Year 7 to 13)
Free workshop
Dance In Opera – a family workshop
Does your child love to move? Led by leading choreographers this workshop will get you dancing together and exploring the world of opera.
A family workshop to discover how to story tell through movement, whilst your child develops their coordination, creative thinking and performance skills.
Date: Sunday 22 March 2026
Time: 11.30am – 12.30pm
Location: Garsington Studios
Age: A family workshop for ages 5 – 11 (Years 2 to 6)
Free workshop
Dance In Opera – Young Dancers age 11 – 18
We are looking for young dancers with enthusiasm, passion and a love for performance. This workshop is a chance to explore storytelling through dance with a leading movement director and choreographer.
The workshop will involve:
- Developing dance, storytelling and performance skills
- Understanding the role of dance and movement within an opera
- An opportunity to learn and create movement based on a Garsington Opera
- Dancing as a ensemble
Date: Sunday 22 March 2026
Time: 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Location: Garsington Studios
Age: young dancers of all styles, age 11 – 18 (Year 7 to 13)
Free workshop
Sing, Act, Perform
Experience the community, fun and collaborative feel of being in an opera. You will form your own company for the day working with Garsington artists on movement, singing, drama, performance techniques and more. An opportunity to learn sections from current productions and find out more about the opportunities available for young people at Garsington.
Date: Sunday 17 May 2026
Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm
Location: Garsington Studios
Age: 11 – 18 (Year 7 to 13)
Free workshop
Stage-a-Chorus
Join us for a day as we learn and stage a chorus scene from Verdi’s La traviata.
Whether you’re a come-and-sing aficionado or have never read music before, everyone is welcome to channel their inner performer and feel what it’s like to be in an opera chorus alongside professional soloists. Held at Garsington Studios where all our productions come to life.
Date: Saturday 13 June 2026
Time: 10am – 3.30pm
Location: Garsington Studios
Age: 18 +
Free workshop