Storytelling in Musical Theatre and Opera

This five-day course invites participants to explore the full expressive power of their voice through the lens of storytelling, emotion, and character.

Throughout the week, students will collaborate with industry practitioners specialising in sung voice, spoken voice, acting, and movement, drawing from both opera and musical theatre traditions. They will explore and refine vocal techniques, character development, and dramatic interpretation. Working with solo material and ensemble pieces, participants will receive individual coaching and group instruction, deepening their understanding of how the voice can shape and communicate narrative. This immersive experience bridges the worlds of opera and musical theatre, offering a rich exploration of vocal performance across genres.

Participants will receive vocal and musical coaching from Wendy Gadian (Musical Theatre Coach), Maureen Braithwaite (Vocal Coach), and Allyson Devenish (Music Coach) alongside acting, movement and spoken voice coaching from Claire Carrie (Acting), Kim Wright (Movement) and Annie Morrison (Spoken Voice).

The course culminates in a final performance designed by the participants themselves – built around a cohesive through-line of character journeys, featuring selections from musicals and operas that highlight both personal and collective discoveries.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old
• Applicants must have professional vocal training such as undergraduate/postgraduate study at a conservatoire or musical theatre/drama course, or equivalent experience
• Applicants must be advanced students or early-career professionals

We particularly encourage applications from artists who have encountered educational and professional barriers. This could include, but is not limited to, circumstances surrounding diversity in all forms, financial or geographic circumstances, or specific personal challenges.

Commitment:

Participants must be available for the full duration of the course. Please do not apply unless you can attend all five days.

Course Details: 

• Dates: 10th – 14th August 2026
• Times: 10:30-17:30 
• Location: The National Opera Studio, The Clore, 2 Chapel Yard, London SW18 4HZ 
• Cost: Free of charge – the course is fully funded by the Kirby Laing Foundation 

We have 16 places available on the course.

Application process:

To apply, participants will need to complete the application form below by Monday 22nd June 2026. Successful applicants will be notified of their participation by Monday 6th July 2026.

As part of this form, you will need to:

• Upload one headshot
• Upload one recording – maximum three minutes, which can be from either opera or musical theatre repertoire
• Complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form