Futureworks
Specialist singing training for secondary school aged pupils
Are you a secondary school pupil studying singing and considering a career in music or performance? Are you looking to take your talent to the next level? We are now welcoming applications to audition for our new opera training programme!
Scottish Opera's Futureworks provides specialist support and mentorship for you to develop your technique. You will receive expert mentorship from experienced staff, get exclusive backstage access to Scottish Opera productions, and take part in masterclasses, vocal coaching, drama and movement workshops, and intensive weekends rehearsing operatic scenes in multiple languages - all in a friendly, safe and supportive environment.
You will be part of a peer group of like-minded young musicians from schools around Scotland, as well as pupils from Scotland’s specialist music schools.
Course dates:
Friday 30 October 2026
Saturday 28 November 2026
Friday 29 & Saturday 30 January 2027
Friday 26, Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 February 2027
Apply for auditions
We have a limited number of places available, and auditions will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis to all young people who meet the criteria.
Auditions will take place on Saturday 29 August 2026, between 9am – 1.30pm, in Glasgow.
Before applying, please read all the information below.
Deadline for applications: Friday 21 August 2026.
Kindly supported by The Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust and The Rose Fund.
Important Information
We are looking for young people of secondary school age, who can demonstrate excellent vocal skills, confident performance, a strong capacity to work as part of a team with fellow performers, and a passion and enthusiasm for music. Participants must be studying with a professional singing teacher or school music teacher to a high level, equivalent to Grade 6 and above.
The ideal candidates must be able to provide a reference from their professional singing teacher or school music teacher.
Provided your audition is successful, the project will be offered free of charge, but you will be required to arrange your own transport to and from the sessions. All activities will take place in Glasgow at Scottish Opera's Headquarters and Production Studios, and at Theatre Royal.
If you live outwith Glasgow, and you would like to discuss travel and/or travel costs before applying, please use the contact form below.
Your singing teacher and/or school music teacher will be required to support you throughout the course, including organising time away from school to attend sessions during school hours.
You must be able to attend all scheduled sessions, including those taking place during school hours. If you miss one session, it may not be possible for you to complete the course.
The audition session lasts for 2 hours. You will be required to sing 1-2 pages of a solo aria or an art song, of your own choice, written in a language other than English, with piano accompaniment. You will take part in a short coaching session with the project’s musical director, and a group drama workshop.
Applicants under 16 years must be accompanied to the audition by a parent or guardian.
Contact
If you have any questions about Futureworks, please e-mail Douglas Templeton, Producer via the contact form below: