Podcasts

What does it actually take to stage intimacy - kissing, simulated sex, violence, and emotionally vulnerable moments - safely, ethically, and artistically? Certified intimacy director, movement director/coordinator and BECTU IC Registry coordinator Christina Fulcher is joined by writer-director Laura Attridge and soprano Isabelle Peters to explore what consent-based practice looks like in the rehearsal room and on stage.

What if the way you’ve always practiced is holding you back? In this episode of The Opera Training Companion, host Rachel Nicholls, alongside Soprano Olivia Rose Tringham (2024/25 alum), explore how disrupting habits and reframing practice can unlock deeper learning and artistic growth.

What does an agent do for opera singers - and when should a young artist consider working with one? Host Rachel Nicholls sits down with Sue Spence (Director, Askonas Holt) and Katy Crompton (Associate Artist Manager at Askonas Holt and National Opera Studio alum) to unpack the vital role of artist managers in today’s operatic world.

What exactly is a Young Artist Programme, and why do they matter so much to the future of opera? Host Rachel Nicholls – acclaimed soprano and NOS coach – is joined by two leading figures in the opera world: Eric Melear, Artistic Director of the National Opera Studio, and Laura Canning, General Director and CEO of Opera North.

Host Rachel Nicholls is joined by baritone Nick Mogg (2018/19 alum), currently a member of the Solo Ensemble at the Staatsoper Hamburg, and Fiona Wells, servicing manager at Groves Artists, to explore the realities of working abroad as an opera artist.

An honest roundtable on parenting in opera - the challenges, the joy, and everything in between.

In this episode of The Opera Training Companion, host Rachel Nicholls, alongside expert guests Kate Valentine (Valentine Voice Care) and ENT surgeon Declan Costello, dive into essential topics on maintaining vocal health.

In this episode of Opera Training Companion, host Rachel Nicholls is joined by Alex Ingram and Della Jones from the National Opera Studio to explore the role of coaching in opera.

In this episode of The Opera Training Companion, Rachel Nicholls dives into the fascinating role of opera repetiteurs with Brenda Hurley (Royal Academy of Music) and Susanna Stranders (The Royal Opera).