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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!

Introduction to Production Arts

Are you fascinated by lighting and stage management? Do you love costume 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 what theatrical career opportunities there are behind-the-scenes.

There are seven different backstage areas to choose from:

  • Lighting
  • Props
  • Scenic Art
  • Set / 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.

Date: Saturday 25 January 2025
Time: 10am – 5pm
Location: Garsington Studios
Age: 13 – 25 (those aged 13 must be in Year 9)

Sign up is on a first-come first-served basis. All applicants will receive email confirmation confirming your place or letting you know that you are on a waiting list.

Sign-up for Introduction to Production Arts

Video Design in Theatre Arts

The rising popularity of video design in theatre and opera presents an exciting opportunity for young videographers to have more involvement with theatre.

This 1-day workshop will give the participants the opportunity to work with a professional video and lighting designer to create video content working to a specific brief which is linked to one of our main stage productions.

Date: Saturday 15 February 2025
Time: 11am – 4:30pm
Location: Garsington Studios
School Age: Year 10 – Year 13

Express your interest

Theatre Design

The Theatre Design discovery workshop will be a day of creativity as participants work with a professional theatre designer to learn how a theatre set comes together from start to finish.

Suitable for young people who enjoy art, DT and creative subjects, this workshop will cover a range of topics from concept mood boards through to model box making. We’ll have a professional stage designer and lighting designer with us on the day, so young people can sign up to work with either one.

Date: Saturday 14 June 2025
Location: Garsington Studios

Further details to be released in due course.

Express your interest

Youth Company Singing & Drama Taster

Not sure if the Garsington Youth Company is for you? Why not come and try it for a day!

Experience the community, fun and collaborative feel of the Youth Company in this 1-day intensive workshop in our brand new studios.

Date: Saturday 26 July 2025
Location: Garsington Studios
Age: 9-19

Express your interest

Stage-a-Chorus

Join us for a half day workshop as we learn and stage a chorus scene from Bizet’s Carmen.

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.

Date: Saturday 16 November 2024
Location: Garsington Studios, Stokenchurch
Age: 18+

This event has now passed