Volunteer
Play your part in one of the world’s most celebrated theatres.
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, boost your CV and develop your skills.
You don't need experience or knowledge of ballet or opera. We hope you will enjoy learning more about our art forms during your time volunteering with us.
Volunteer roles
Each volunteer opportunity has a role description and suggested time commitment. Most opportunities suggest a commitment of six months.
We offer an induction and full training for each role.
Register to volunteer
We post volunteering opportunities on our website. Once you have registered, there is an informal selection process.
We are grateful to everyone who wants to volunteer. We regret that we can’t offer a volunteer placement to everyone who registers.
Who can register
Our volunteer opportunities are open to everyone aged 18 or older.
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, in particular people who are currently underrepresented in our organization. This includes disabled people and those who are ethnically diverse.
Access needs
If you have access needs, we can have a chat to understand your needs and tailor a volunteer role to suit you.
Non-UK citizens
You can volunteer in the UK if your immigration status permits it.
Contact UK Visas and Immigration to find out about your eligibility to volunteer. We cannot sponsor visas for volunteering.
Volunteering and claiming benefits
You can volunteer while getting state benefits if you continue to meet all the conditions of your benefit. Visit gov.uk for more information about volunteering and claiming benefits.
Volunteering with a criminal conviction
You don’t need to disclose anything when you register. We may ask about any unspent convictions if we offer you a volunteer placement. You can tell us about the circumstances of any offences in confidence. You might need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for some roles.
Volunteer recognition
As a volunteer you can:
- Go to rehearsals of Royal Ballet and Royal Opera performances (subject to availability)
- Book tickets before the public
- Go to volunteer social events and celebrations
- Enjoy discounts in our shop, cafe and restaurants
- Apply for internal vacancies with the Royal Ballet and Opera
Expenses
You are not paid for your time as a volunteer.
We reimburse agreed out-of-pocket expenses for:
- travel up to £13.50 per day
- refreshments up to £4 for longer sessions
Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation, a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales (Company number 480523) Charity Registered (Number 211775)