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Youth Company Production Arts

2026 Production Arts Opportunities for Young People

The application process is now open for opportunities for young people in the following areas centred around our youth opera Gone Fishing:

Stage Management

Working with a professional stage manager for the Youth Opera you would cover all aspects of stage management, supporting rehearsals, backstage coordination, giving cues for the show, props management, blocking technique, moving set and scenery etc.

Lighting

Experiencing the creation of a professional lighting design.  You will lead on the lighting design for Gone Fishing under the guidance of one of Garsington Opera’s production and lighting team.  You will experience how the designer works with the creative team to create the lighting, atmosphere and time of day for the production.  You will discuss the creative process, responding to the text, directed action and the need for visibility.  There will be hands of experience of rigging, focussing of lights and the opportunity to learn how the advanced lighting console controls the system on different projects.

Sets, Props & Costumes

Working with various design professionals you will have an introduction to the design process for an opera learning about areas such as the props and scenic art.  You will also be able to shadow Garsington Opera’s Head of Wardrobe for part of a main stage performance.

We welcome applications from young people who are interested in one or more of the areas listed. Ideally young people will be able to demonstrate evidence of their interest, no matter how small, and be at least 16 years old. However we may consider applications from students with no experience and those who are younger than 16. This opportunity is fully-funded and there is no charge to take part. Young people should be able to work through their own initiative and also work well as a team. Young people should be able to commit to all the dates specified but there may be scope for flexibility.

Date commitments would be in July 2026:

Saturday 4 / Saturday 11 / Sunday 12 / Saturday 18 / Friday 24 / Saturday 25 / Monday 27 / Tuesday 28 / Wednesday 29

How to apply: 

Please email a short letter of application to Rowan Riley, Production Co-ordinator: rowan@garsingtonopera.org, by Sunday 4th January 2026, including the following:

  • Which role(s) you are interested in
  • Why you are interested in taking part/any experience
  • Date of Birth and age on 1 July 2026
  • The name of the town / village / city that you live
  • School/College/University you attend
  • Confirmation that you can commit to all the dates (or an indication of dates which you are not available