Assistant Directors

We’re very excited to offer a free, three day short course, focusing on the role of the assistant director in opera.

This course, led by NOS Head of Artistic Planning Emma Black, and directors Lucy Bradley, Isabelle Kettle, and stage manager Vicki Mackenzie will cover key areas of assistant directing in opera, including scheduling, notating a rehearsal score, and working with and observing directors to rehearse covers. There will be practical sessions with directors, singers and pianists, a stage manager, and an intimacy director.

After the course, the four participants will each be assigned a NOS project to assist on in the 26/27 season. This will be a paid position, and an opportunity to assist an opera director on a residency at one of our partner companies.

Eligibility

This course is for people who are either early career opera assistant directors, or are aspiring opera assistant directors.

• You must be at least 18 years old by the start of the course
• You must have no more than two opera assisting credits
• You must have the right to work in the UK.

We particularly welcome applicants from under represented backgrounds, and those who have never worked in the opera industry before.

Available Places

4

Cost

Free

Cancellation Policy

Please read our cancellation policy here

How to apply

Please apply via the application form below by midday on the 20th of May 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed w/c 1st of June 2026. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by the 5th of June.