OPERA & MUSIC THEATRE INTENSIVE 2026: January 21-23

Are you an aspiring Opera or Music Theatre singer? Hone your singing and acting skills at our 3-day Opera & Music Theatre Intensive!

Opera & Music Theatre Lab Intensive is a 3-day intensive program for aspiring operatic and/or music theatre singers aged 15 – 25. Working with a team of professional conductors, directors and music coaches, in Opera & Music Theatre Lab Intensive you will be rehearsed into ensemble numbers drawn from both the opera and music theatre repertoire and also have the opportunity to perform solo items as part of the final show.

The program will be fast paced, challenging, and stimulating as you develop dramatic performance skills with like-minded students, culminating in a short public performance for your family and friends involving all participants,

By the end of this course you will have:

• developed skills in collaborative performance
• Performed in at least two ensembles
• Sung a solo as part of the performance
• developed skills in the 'triple threat' of singing, acting and dancing
• built your audience communication skills to deliver a compelling narrative while singing

DATES

Wednesday 21 January to Friday 23 January 2026

PARTICIPATION COSTS

Audition fee: $20

Performers: $600 incl. GST with an Early Bird discount of $550 if your audition video is submitted by 31 October 2025.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Entry to Opera & Music Theatre Lab is by video audition only. Students are required to submit a digital audition video showing one song drawn from either opera, operetta or music theatre.

The application process involves 3 steps:

• Register online for the Audition process ($20 administration fee)
• Submit digital audition video. Deadline for submissions is 11:59pm Sunday 30 November. Successful applicants will be notified by the latest on Friday 12 December.  Video’s received by October 31 will entitle the applicant to a $50 discount on the course enrolment fee
• Once accepted, enrol and pay for the program using the link sent by us.

If you are accepted into Opera and Music Theatre Lab Intensive, you will then be asked to nominate 3 solo items to be considered for the performance.

Please email your video file or url links (Vimeo, YouTube, dropbox or google share drive) to con.openacademy@sydney.edu.au. Videos received without an audition enrolment fee will not be accepted.  Please ensure your video is viewable without requiring access permissions.

Rehearsals and preparation will take place at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s Footbridge Theatre, mainly during the day but there may be the occasional early evening call.

PRINCIPAL COURSE DIRECTORS

Simon Kenway – Conductor

Simon Kenway is an established and highly respected orchestral and operatic conductor. He has held posts as Principal Chorus Master of Opera Australia, Musical Director for Opera in the Vineyards, Opera by George and Opera Under The Stars in Broome, and Conductor and Chief Vocal Coach for the Sydney Conservatorium Opera School. He now works as a freelance conductor, both internationally and in Australia and in 2015 was appointed Artistic Director of Pacific Opera.

Simon has conducted the Sydney, Tasmanian, West Australian, Canberra and Queensland Symphony Orchestras, Opera Australia, West Australian Opera, Opera Queensland, Australian Ballet, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Aldeburgh Productions in UK, the Australian Youth Orchestra and Beijing Symphony Orchestra. In 2017 for Opera Australia, Simon conducted The Marriage of Figaro on Regional Tour and also concerts with Willoughby Symphony. Recent engagements include workshops and performances as Conductor and Music Director for Opera Australia’s Community Choirs project from 2012 - 2015.

Narelle Yeo - Direction and Music Coaching

Narelle Yeo achieved considerable performing success in the USA, performing numerous professional roles in opera and musical theatre, ranging from CioCioSan in “Madama Butterfly” to the soprano in Terence McNally’s “Masterclass” for Pacific Repertory Theatre. On the concert stage, she soloed for the San Francisco Symphony and the Berkeley Symphony before returning to Australia. A “singing actor” and champion of new music, Narelle has premiered a number of new works in both the USA and Australia, including her recent portrayal of Catherine in the new Australian opera “The Long Ride Home” by Thomas Rimes. Narelle worked as a Director in the Opera Program at the San Francisco Conservatory.

Since her return to our shores, Narelle has directed opera and musical theatre for the Sydney Conservatorium and numerous other companies and schools in the USA and Australia. She has most recently premiered new works at the Moorambilla Festival and the Brisbane Festival.

Tanith Bryce - Music Coaching and Production

Tanith Bryce (BMus (Perf) (Sydney Conservatorium), DipOp (Sydney Conservatorium), LMusA with Distinction (AMEB), DipModLang (UNE)) is a soprano based in Sydney who is currently working as a voice teacher and language coach as well as being a current member of Opera Australia’s ensemble. Her teaching focus is on healthy vocal production and finding ways to emphasise good vocal technique and poetic nuance through refinement of language.

Tanith has performed in over 20 operas with Opera Australia, most recently in Aida in 2021, as well as having performed in various oratorios and art song recitals. Her interests are divided equally between opera and art song and she enjoys premiering new works by Australian composers, as well as performing other works.