Working with NOS has been hugely rewarding for me as an aspiring opera director. Assisting Christopher Alden in the scenes with Opera North was a full and varied experience in which corresponding with different departments was one of the many joys. Assisting Keith Warner on the 'Americana' scenes opened my eyes to how that repertoire should be rehearsed and delivered. Working personally with the singers to then revive these productions has been a welcome challenge.

Thomas Phillip Henderson
2017/18 Assistant Director

We are committed to finding emerging directing talent, and throughout our year engage several assistant directors on paid internships, to whom we can offer an on-the-job learning opportunity. You would not necessarily have worked on an opera previously - however an interest in learning about the art form is desirable.

We work with experienced opera directors on a number of projects throughout the year, including our annual scenes residencies with Opera North, Scottish Opera and Welsh National Opera. Recent directors have included David Pountney CBE, Graham Vick CBE, Keith Warner, Emma Jenkins, Olivia Fuchs, Christopher Alden and Max Hoehn. Assistant Director interns will gain hands-on experience and be fully integrated into the team; this is distinct from observer positions offered at opera companies and we aim to give you active on-the-job experience with our experienced directors.

At the National Opera Studio we believe that a wholehearted and proactive commitment to equality and diversity is central to achieving our vision: today’s talent prepared for tomorrow’s opera. Above all else, we prize and encourage individuality of talent in all our people, and this applies to our interns as much as our most experienced staff. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

To keep up-to-date with our current opportunities, please check this page, join our mailing list and follow our social media channels.