Work Experience
Embark on a career in the arts sector with backstage theatre work experience with the historic Royal Ballet and Opera.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is committed to encouraging and nurturing new talent for the theatre industry. Our work experiences programme is focused on opening up opportunities for everyone to find the right career pathway for them; be that their first time in a theatre or gaining experience for a change of career.
About
We offer work placements in many departments with the Royal Ballet and Opera. Those on placement will improve their skills and experience first-hand what it takes to keep one of the oldest theatres in London running. We offer work experience within many Royal Ballet and Opera departments and opportunities to learn from the best in the industry.
While these opportunities are unpaid, our placements offer a wealth of opportunities to gain experience and skills as well as opening up inspiring new possibilities. Assistance with travel costs may be available, assessed on a needs basis.
Work experience placements are available to individuals who are considering a career in the arts, or in the early stages of their career, offering the opportunity to gain practical experience and invaluable insight into our working environments. The Royal Ballet and Opera takes its responsibilities to all staff and visitors seriously and follows best practice with regard to legal health and safety requirements. Appropriate Health & Safety and Child Protection controls are in place and adhered to.
Open opportunities
New opportunities will be added throughout the year for a range of departments and locations. Placements last from three days to one or two weeks, as specified (weekdays only). Working hours may vary by department and will be confirmed shortly before placements commence.
COSTUME DEPARTMENT
Costume Logistics is a crucial yet often underrepresented department in smaller theatres. Our team operates across two locations: Covent Garden and our storage facility in Aberdare, Wales. The team manages the movement and upkeep of costumes, ensuring they are ready for performances, rehearsals and revivals.
For a new production, after the final performance, the team inventories each costume piece, packs them appropriately and transports them to Aberdare for storage. When a show is revived, we retrieve the costumes from storage and transport them to Covent Garden. The team coordinates the cleaning of costumes and delivers them to the Costume Production Manager ahead of fittings.
In addition to managing in-house productions, the Costume Logistics team also packs costumes for co-productions and loans to other opera houses. A significant part of the team's work is overseeing the 'deading' process, where costumes that are no longer needed are either repurposed for future productions as sustainable “dead stock” or responsibly recycled and disposed of.
Costume Logistics collaborates with various departments, including the Costume Performance Team, Costume Production Managers, the Revival Workroom and teams responsible for shoes, hats, jewelry, props and stage management. The department is constantly balancing the demands of space and organisation, managing an average of 12 shows at any given time. This role represents a blend of physical effort, careful planning and precise coordination.
PLACEMENT DATES
Costume Logistics work experience placements are offered for three days (weekdays only, specific days to be confirmed) on the following weeks:
- w/c 26 January 2026
- w/c 9 February 2026
- w/c 23 February 2026
- w/c 9 March 2026
- w/c 23 March 2026
- w/c 11 May 2026
- w/c 1 June 2026
- w/c 22 June 2026
The Opera Footwear team is responsible for providing footwear for all operas performed on the Main Stage and in the Linbury Theatre. This includes shoes for principals, chorus members, actors, dancers, children and even animal handlers.
For new productions, footwear is purchased, custom-made by theatrical shoemakers, or sourced from existing stock. At the beginning of each production, the team collaborates closely with the designer to discuss the creative vision, practical considerations and any specific needs of the performer. As needed the team may enhance footwear with embellishments such as ribbons, crystals, armour, or claws. They also modify the shoes’ appearance as needed—changing the colour, polishing, aging, or distressing them as required.
Once the footwear is ready, the team fits it to the performers, labels each pair, and, when necessary, applies rubber to the soles for added grip and safety. In some cases, footwear is also provided to performers for use in rehearsals to help them get used to the fit and feel.
For revivals, footwear is carefully stored in our facility in Aberdare, Wales, with each production requiring anywhere from two large boxes to as many as twenty, depending on the scale. The team often manages up to 10 productions simultaneously, juggling the demands of each show while ensuring every pair of shoes is ready and in optimal condition for the performers.
PLACEMENT DATES
Opera Footwear work experience placements are offered for one week (weekdays only) on the following dates:
- w/c 19 January 2026
- w/c 2 February 2026
- w/c 16 February 2026
- w/c 2 March 2026
- w/c 6 April 2026
- w/c 27 April 2026
- w/c 4 May 2026
- w/c 11 May 2026
The Fabric and Haberdashery Stockroom is located on-site at Covent Garden. It houses a comprehensive collection of fabrics and haberdashery supplies, serving as a vital resource for both opera and ballet productions.
Managed by two full-time staff members, the stockroom works closely with the Costume Department and interacts regularly with all areas of production and technical departments. As an in-house resource, it plays a central role in the creation of new productions as well as the restaging of existing operas and ballets, offering fabric solutions for a wide range of costume needs.
The stockroom also works with departments such as Learning and Participation, Development, Front of House and more. Making sure that everyone in the Royal Ballet and Opera has access to the resources they need.
The stockroom primarily maintains “basic fabrics,” which form the foundation of most costumes. This includes a wide variety of cotton, silk, linen, wool, Lycra, net and haberdashery supplies. Materials are carefully selected to meet the specific demands of both opera and ballet costume construction, ensuring that production teams have everything required to bring designs to life. By providing a comprehensive inventory on-site, the stockroom enables the production teams to make quick, informed decision-making, allowing for the rapid implementation of creative ideas while reducing both time and costs. This simplifies the fabric sourcing process, ensuring that every project, whether new or a revival, is efficiently supported.
The movement and management of stock are efficiently controlled through two computer systems. A barcode system tracks stock flow, while electronic purchase orders ensure accuracy in inventory management. Each item is identified, catalogued and cross-referenced in the system, using sample books and individual labels to provide detailed product information and current stock levels. This bespoke system not only tracks usage but also generates reports for production planning.
As a central hub for materials, the stockroom functions as a vital "pit-stop" for anyone involved in productions across the Royal Ballet and Opera, providing an efficient and organised resource that supports the smooth running of creative and technical work.
PLACEMENT DATES
Costume Fabric and Haberdashery Stockroom work experience placements are offered for two weeks (weekdays only) and are available on the following dates:
- w/c 12 January 2026 and w/c 19 January 2026
- w/c 9 March 2026 and 16 March 2026
- w/c 8 June 2026 – This placement is for one week only and open to applicants who are 16 – 17 years old on the placement dates
- w/c 6 July 2026 – This placement is for one week only and open to applicants who are 16 – 17 years old on the placement dates
The Costume Production Managers (CPMs) team consists of six full-time staff members: the Senior CPM, three permanent CPMs, one Assistant CPM and the Costume Buyer.
The department often expands to include freelance CPMs and Assistant CPMs, depending on production needs. The CPMs are responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of costume creation, from initial design to final performance. They work closely with costume designers and collaborate with other departments to ensure every costume element is brought together seamlessly, on time and within budget.
The team also handles revival productions, where existing costumes are fitted to cast members and recreated where necessary, while maintaining the integrity of the original design. A valuable in-house resource is the pattern room, which houses a material library containing fabric samples from hundreds of suppliers. The Costume Buyer plays a key role in maintaining this collection, ensuring it remains up-to-date and organised.
PLACEMENT DATES
Costume Production Management work experience placements are offered for two weeks (weekdays only) and are available on the following dates:
- w/c 26 January and 2 February 2026
- w/c 23 February and 2 March 2026
- w/c 30 March and 6 April 2026
- w/c 27 April and 4 May 2026
- w/c 25 May and 1 June 2026
- w/c 29 June and 6 July 2026
The Costume Revivals Team is responsible for refitting, repairing and recycling costumes for the company’s repertoire of opera and ballet productions. With a focus on longevity and quality, the team works across approximately 25 productions per year, ensuring that costumes remain in peak condition for performances worldwide.
The team refit costumes for new performers, repair any damage and replace worn elements. As the Company increasingly collaborates with international partners on co-productions, they also modify costumes designed for other companies to meet The Royal Ballet’s requirements.
Many costumes continue to be used for decades, appearing in multiple revivals and productions around the world. The iconic costumes from Romeo and Juliet (1965) are still seen on stage today, though parts like Juliet’s georgette skirts often require replacement.
Known for their ability to handle last-minute challenges, the team often adapts costumes for sudden performer replacements, sometimes with just hours before the show. Fittings often take place in the presence of the director and choreographer, who provide last-minute notes while the team adjusts the costume. On rare occasions, a costume may still be altered backstage while the performer is on stage.
During busy seasons, the team may work on up to seven productions simultaneously, managing everything from tailored suits to tutus, Lycra and historically detailed costumes. The team consists of 15 full-time staff, with 5-7 casuals brought in for peak periods. They maintain a close working relationship with performers, using feedback to ensure costumes are both functional and comfortable.
Fittings for opera principals are often done just days before their performance, while ballet dancers are fitted between rehearsals, with detailed notes taken for shared costumes. The costume revival process is highly collaborative, working alongside production workshops, dye teams and performance staff to ensure the highest standards.
Costumes are reused and repaired whenever possible, with new creations only made when necessary. Alterations are always done in a way that preserves the garment’s ability to be adapted again in the future—nothing is cut away or discarded. Maintenance and restoration are key to extending the life of each costume, allowing productions to continue to be enjoyed for many years to come. This sustainable approach ensures that each costume, no matter how old, retains its beauty and historical significance.
PLACEMENT DATES
Work experience placements in the Costume Making Revivals Workroom are offered for two weeks (weekdays only) and are available on the following dates:
- w/c 19 and 26 January 2026
- w/c 16 and 23 February 2026
- w/c 16 and 23 March 2026
- w/c 13 and 20 April 2026
- w/c 11 and 18 May 2026
- w/c 8 and 15 June 2026
- w/c 6 and 13 July 2026
The Ladies Workroom creates costumes for both ballet and opera, handling multiple productions simultaneously during the Royal Ballet and Opera seasons. The team works closely with designers, supervisors and the Technical Costume team, focusing primarily on costumes for principal artists while managing budgets and production timelines.
The core team consists of five technicians: the Workroom Manager (Cutter), the Assistant Manager (Cutter) and three Senior Technicians, supplemented by casual technicians as needed.
They produce high-quality costumes, which are fitted and altered for each production. During rehearsals, the team works closely with the running wardrobe team and stage managers to ensure the timely delivery and fit of costumes. In the technical rehearsal period, which usually spans two weeks, the team is on hand in the auditorium to monitor any changes and make running alterations between rehearsals. Meanwhile, they continue to prototype, cut and produce costumes for upcoming shows.
The team’s work varies each season depending on the number of new productions and whether they are for ballet or opera. For large-scale ballet productions, such as a full-length new work, there is often a longer lead time, with multiple casts requiring identical costumes. Opera productions typically have a shorter lead time, and the team may also create costumes for the in-house chorus, in addition to the principals.
For the production of Cinderella, the team created costumes for seven different casts of the lead role, each with three distinct outfits. The first costume, Cinderella's "rags," consisted of a chiffon blouse attached to a Lycra leotard, a layered ballet skirt and a sleeveless bodice. The quilted fabric for the bodice was specially designed and made in-house. Additionally, each dancer had two unique tutus: one for the "Ball Costume" and one for the "Wedding." The tutu plates were made out of house at a workroom in Thurrock, while all bodice work, decoration and finishing touches were completed at Covent Garden.
Whilst working on Cinderella, the team was simultaneously working on two opera productions. Creating chorus costumes and coordinating with other departments like the Dye Shop and Hats and Jewellery.
PLACEMENT DATES
Work experience placements in the Costume Making Ladies Workroom are offered for two weeks (weekdays only) and are available on the following dates:
- w/c 9 and 16 February 2026
- w/c 9 and 16 March 2026
- w/c 20 and 27 April 2026
- w/c 1 June 2026 – This placement is for one week only and open to applicants who are 16 – 17 years old on the placement dates
- w/c 6 July 2026 – This placement is for one week only and open to applicants who are 16 – 17 years old on the placement dates
The Men's Workroom is part of the Production Costume Department specializing in creating costumes for new opera and ballet productions. While the team’s expertise also extends to revivals and ladies' wear, their primary focus is on costumes for male characters, which requires a distinct set of skills different from those of the Ladies' Workroom.
The team interprets designs, drafts patterns and handles fittings and construction for most new productions throughout the season.
PLACEMENT DATES
Work experience placements in the Costume Making Men’s Workroom are offered for two weeks (weekdays only) and are available on the following dates:
- w/c 9 and 16 February 2026
- w/c 9 and 16 March 2026
- w/c 6 April and 27 April 2026 (please note these dates are not consecutive)
- w/c 11 and 18 May 2026
The Dye Department is an integral part of the Production Costume team, responsible for transforming fabrics to bring designers' visions to life. The department works closely with designers, using a range of techniques to achieve the desired look and feel of fabrics, including hand dyeing, screen printing, painting, or creating digital patterns.
In addition to dyeing and painting, the team also specializes in fabric distressing—techniques that age, weather, or "break down" fabrics to give them the appearance of wear and tear. This can involve methods such as spraying, burning, shredding, applying latex or wax and even using blood effects to create realistic, worn, or battle-worn garments.
The dye team can be working on up to six different productions at the same time. Designers typically spend up to a week in the sample or costume pattern room selecting materials based on weight, texture and color. If they are unable to find the perfect color for the fabric, the Dye Department steps in to create numerous color samples. Once the designer has chosen the right hue, the fabric is ordered and sent to the Dye Department to be dyed in large vats. The dyeing process can vary in time depending on the fabric type, length and color intensity required. Once dyed, the fabric is sent to the Men's and Ladies' workrooms to be tailored into the final costume.
In addition to traditional hand-dyeing skills, the department also heavily relies on digital printing technology. When certain prints or patterns are no longer available or are difficult to source, they can be scanned, digitally manipulated in Photoshop and then reprinted on fabric.
PLACEMENT DATES
Work experience placements in the Dyeshop are offered for one week (weekdays only) and are available on the following dates:
- w/c 29 June 2026
- w/c 6 July 2026
SCENIC ART DEPARTMENT
The Scenic Art Department is based at the Royal Ballet and Opera’s state-of-the-art Production Workshop in Purfleet, Essex. This purpose-built 3,750 sqm facility also houses the Carpentry and Metalwork departments, along with a fully equipped Paint Studio.
Approximately 35 to 40 skilled professionals work across the three main departments, with staffing levels fluctuating based on production schedules and workload. Together, the teams are responsible for constructing and maintaining all scenery for The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera. They also collaborate closely with the Birmingham Royal Ballet on many productions. Much of the set refurbishment is carried out in-house, supporting long-term sustainability, as many sets are built to last and remain in repertory for 25 years or more.
Scenery is typically constructed from steel, then clad in timber and plywood. These surfaces are often finished with canvas or sheeting to create an ideal painting surface. In earlier years, sets were primarily made of timber, but as design requirements have grown more complex, the department has adopted the use of steel and aluminium for larger or more intricate structures.
The Scenic Art team is responsible for painting the many large-scale backdrops and scenic elements required for ballet and opera. Their expertise spans a wide range of traditional and contemporary techniques, including marbling, signwriting, wood graining, carving, and texturing. The team is adept at working with various materials and finishes, and they have a strong understanding of art history, architectural styles, and period motifs—all essential for achieving the aesthetic vision of each production.
All departments are equipped with up-to-date tools and machinery, enabling efficient and high-quality work. Sustainability is a growing priority for the Royal Ballet and Opera, with increasing efforts to share sets across productions, use environmentally friendly materials, and source resources responsibly wherever possible.
The Scenic Art team collaborates closely with set designers and the Model Room to realise each production’s visual goals. Throughout the process, they consider the practical needs of the technical crews who will handle the scenery during rehearsals and live performances.
PLACEMENT DATES
Scenic Art work experience placements are offered for two weeks (weekdays only) and are available on the following dates:
- w/c 12 and 19 January 2026
- w/c 9 and 16 February 2026
- w/c 9 and 16 March 2026
- w/c 13 and 20 April 2026
- w/c 11 and 18 May 2026
- w/c 8 and 15 June 2026
Upcoming opportunities
- Costume Fabric and Haberdashery Room w/c 12 January 2026 and w/c 19 January 2026
- Opera Footwear w/c 19 January 2026
- Revivals Workroom w/c 19 and 26 January 2026
- Costume Logistics w/c 26 January 2026
- Costume Production Managers w/c 26 January and 2 February 2026
- Opera Footwear w/c 2 February 2026
- Costume Logistics w/c 9 February 2026
- Opera Footwear w/c 16 February 2026
- Revivals Workroom w/c 16 and 23 February 2026
- Costume Production Ladies’ Workroom 9 and 16 February 2026
- Costume Production Men’s Workroom w/c 9 and 16 February 2026
- Costume Logistics w/c 23 February 2026
- Costume Production Managers w/c 23 February and 2 March 2026
- Opera Footwear w/c 2 March 2026
- Costume Logistics w/c 9 March 2026
- Costume Fabric and Haberdashery Room w/c 9 March 2026 and 16 March 2026
- Costume Production Ladies’ Workroom 9 and 16 March 2026
- Costume Production Men’s Workroom w/c 9 and 16 March 2026
- Revivals Workroom w/c 16 and 23 March 2026
- Costume Logistics w/c 23 March 2026
- Costume Production Managers w/c 30 March and 6 April 2026
- Opera Footwear w/c 6 April 2026
- Costume Production Men’s Workroom w/c 6 April and 27 April 2026 (please note these dates are not consecutive)
- Revivals Workroom w/c 13 and 20 April 2026
- Costume Production Ladies’ Workroom 20 and 27 April 2026
- Opera Footwear w/c 27 April 2026
- Costume Production Managers w/c 27 April and 4 May 2026
- Opera Footwear w/c 4 May 2026
- Opera Footwear w/c 11 May 2026
- Costume Logistics w/c 11 May 2026
- Revivals Workroom w/c 11 and 18 May 2026
- Costume Production Men’s Workroom w/c 11 and 18 May 2026
- Costume Production Managers w/c 25 May and 1 June 2026
- Costume Logistics w/c 1 June 2026
- Costume Production Ladies’ Workroom w/c 1 June 2026 – This placement is for one week only and open to applicants who are 16 – 17 years old on the placement dates
- Costume Fabric and Haberdashery Room w/c 8 June 2026 – This placement is for one week only and open to applicants who are 16 – 17 years old on the placement dates
- Revivals Workroom w/c 8 and 15 June 2026
- Costume Logistics w/c 22 June 2026
- Costume Production Managers w/c 29 June and 6 July 2026
- Dye Shop w/c 29 June 2026
- Revivals Workroom w/c 6 and 13 July 2026
- Costume Production Ladies’ Workroom w/c 6 July 2026 – This placement is for one week only and open to applicants who are 16 – 17 years old on the placement dates
- Costume Fabric and Haberdashery Room w/c 6 July 2026 – This placement is for one week only and open to applicants who are 16 – 17 years old on the placement dates
- Dye Shop w/c 6 July 2026
- w/c 12 and 19 January 2026
- w/c 9 and 16 February 2026
- w/c 9 and 16 March 2026
- w/c 13 and 20 April 2026
- w/c 11 and 18 May 2026
- w/c 8 and 15 June 2026
Please note that we do not offer work experience for performers. We are unable to provide internships or host research students. If you are interested in a career in backstage crafts please do look at our Apprenticeships Programme or look at the Careers section of our website where you can register for job alerts and look at our casual, fixed-term and permanent vacancies.
Apply now
Work experience placements are available to individuals who are considering a career in the arts, or in the early stages of their career, offering the opportunity to gain practical experience and invaluable insight into our working environments.
Applicants can apply for up to three work experience placements per season. While no prior experience or formal training is required, candidates should clearly demonstrate their interest in the department(s) they wish to work in.
Applicants will be chosen and notified by end of 2025.
Application Guidelines
- Royal Ballet and Opera work experience opportunities are open to UK residents who also have the Right to Work in the UK.
- Any minimum criteria for placements is detailed in the placement listings.
- Placements are only available to people who are 18 and over (unless otherwise specified), due to health and safety and supervision requirements.
- In the interests of equal opportunities, placements are limited to one per person. Once you have completed a work experience placement, applications for further placements will not be considered.
- Applicants will be chosen and notified by end of 2025. Please only apply for placements you can commit to, as alternative dates will not be offered if you are chosen for a specific placement.
Partner with us
The Royal Ballet and Opera is committed to working in partnerships with organisations who nurture early careers or mid-career changes. We have a strong commitment to partnering with colleges, specialist universities and conservatoire courses to ensure that education can be supported with tangible workplace experiences.
We are currently working with our Learning and Participation department and Safeguarding team to provide work experience placements for students in Year 10 and those completing T-Levels.
For all enquiries about partnerships, or if you are working with a careers information organisation to support people into careers please get in touch.
Theatrecraft
TheatreCraft is the UK’s largest free careers event for anyone aged 16-30 seeking off-stage roles in theatre.
As part of our commitment to expose the many career pathways that theatre has to offer, we are a major venue for Theatrecraft in partnership with SOLT and Masterclass UK. The Royal Ballet and Opera hosts the marketplace of training providers and employers as well as providing and hosting workshops, talks and tours.
Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation, a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales (Company number 480523) Charity Registered (Number 211775)