Get involved The Opera Lab The Opera Lab 12th - 29th October 2023 This October, Birmingham Opera Company will be taking to New Street Station once again to bring opera to the people of Birmingham and beyond. We'll be popping up with free performances at various moments each day between 11am-4pm on Wednesdays - Sundays on the ramp outside Boots, underneath the main departure boards and in the new lounge area behind Ozzy the Bull. Pop down and take a look! Alongside these free performances, there are loads of opportunities to get involved. Whether you're interested in singing, acting, words and writing, exploring important ideas, movement and dance - there's something coming up. How come? We make opportunities for volunteers in Birmingham to work alongside artists to shape our work at all stages. These free sessions are open to everyone, whether you've volunteered with us before or not. No experience necessary to take part. We are offering these free sessions to anyone who wants to get involved, although spaces are limited, so see how to get involved below… New mini operas We’re creating brand new short pieces with composers and writers. The artists would love your input in some development workshops. The first work explores and celebrates the coded ways in which LGBTQIA+ people celebrated and expressed their love in print and in private during the Victorian era. Join a discussion with the composer and writer on Saturday 14th October, 2.00 -3.30pm. The second work is based on testimony from Birmingham businesses that have experienced bankruptcy in the last few years and the effects – positive and negative – of urban regeneration. The workshop uses percussion and conversation to set the creative ball rolling, on Sunday 15th October, 2.00 - 3.30pm. ... Too old for love? Come get creative alongside Lorenzo Ponte and the team that won this year’s European Opera Directing Prize, as they develop their award-winning idea for The Two Widows into a new international production. Key themes include ageing, loneliness, community and love. There are three different opportunities to get involved, with separate sessions on writing, action and movement. The team is especially interested in working with people from different age groups, including those aged 50+. When: Saturday 21st October, 10.30am - 1.30pm - focus on movement and dance Saturday 21st October, 2.30pm - 5.30pm - focus on writing and text Sunday 22nd October, 2.00 - 5.00pm - focus on drama and action ... Chorus get-together Join chorus director Mariana Rosas to explore some exciting material for mixed voices. Chances are you haven’t sung this before, but we reckon you’ll like it… Come and find out! When: Wednesday 25th October (evening) ... woman.life.song woman.life.song by renowned British composer Judith Weir is a song cycle that explores a woman’s life from youth to old age, with texts by Maya Angelou, Clarissa Pinkola Estés and Toni Morrison. Whatever your gender identity and life experience, we’re interested in exploring this piece with you, together with singer Gweneth Ann Rand. We’re excited to have her at Birmingham New Street between her other international engagements. When: Friday 27th – Sunday 29th October (various times, drop us a line for more info) Questions? Want to get involved? Fill in the form (see link below), indicating which sessions you’re interested in. Then we’ll get in touch with more info and to confirm your place. Simple as that. Sign up here If forms aren’t your thing, you can give us a call or WhatsApp on 07793 257537 or email [email protected] All sessions take place at Birmingham New Street Station. We reimburse travel expenses of up to £4.60 for each session you attend. We hope to see you there! Manage Cookie Preferences