Observerships aim to demystify the creative process at the Royal Opera House and demonstrate to emerging musicians and creatives the scale of working at an international opera house.

Observerships take place over the course of a single day or over multiple sessions within a single production period. Participants can join morning, afternoon and/or evening sessions on one day to see various productions at different stages in their creation, or visit a specific production at multiple points in their evolution. 

• Conductor observerships may include the opportunity to watch a Sitzprobe or orchestra alone, a stage orchestra rehearsal or a live show from backstage with an offstage band.
• Director observerships may include sessions ranging from chorus or cover calls in the studio to rehearsals on stage.
• Lighting designer observerships may involve spending the day with a range of lighting staff to understand the design journey from initial conception to realisation encompassing production meetings, a working rehearsal and the visualisation suite.

Deadline for applications
Applications for observerships in the 2023/2024 season will be accepted twice throughout the year. 

• Deadline 1: 17 September 2023
• Deadline 2: 7 January 2024

You can apply for both at the same time. However, observerships will only be assigned after each respective deadline. 

Apply for an Observership

We aim to reply to your application within two weeks of the deadline or sooner if the opportunity is imminent. Applications will be assessed by a variety of ROH departmental representatives and external guests.

We welcome applications from vocational students or early career creatives, musicians and stage directors from all backgrounds, heritages and nationalities. We will give priority consideration to people under-represented in our talent pool.

Bursaries (up to a maximum of £150) are available to UK-based applicants who cannot access these opportunities without financial support. Fill in the bursary application form in addition to the observership application form. Bursary applications will be automatically passed to a separate panel for assessment if you are shortlisted by the observership panel.

Writing Opportunities

Directors Opportunities

Women and Marginalised Gender Conductors

Inspired by the pioneering work of Alice Farnham to facilitate the career profession of women conductors, JPA has run many courses for emerging conductors. Experienced Royal Opera and guest conductors share their skills to help them move quickly and surely towards the next level of their careers. 60 women conductors have benefitted from JPA courses to date as both participants and observers. 

Any open conducting opportunities in the 23/24 Season will be posted here.

Audition for the Jette Parker Artists

Auditions are held for singers every Season and Stage Directors, Opera and Ballet Conductors and Opera Répétiteurs every second Season. 

The Jette Parker Artists Programme is generously supported by Oak Foundation