Young People
Birmingham Opera Company is developing a new year-round programme of creative opportunities for young people aged 16-25 in Birmingham and Sandwell
Summer 2026
This summer, Birmingham Opera Company brought together young people from youth centres and community organisations across Birmingham and Sandwell exploring their creativity.
Working with professional artists, participants explored themes that matter to them through spoken word, music, singing, movement, dance and digital storytelling. Each group developed their own response, reflecting their unique experiences, ideas and perspectives.
Alongside making new work, participants built confidence, developed creative and communication skills, met new people and explored future opportunities with Birmingham Opera Company.
No previous experience was needed, just curiosity, creativity and a willingness to get involved.
2026 and beyond
Building on relationships developed through our Four Hubs and Sandwell Creates programmes, we're creating more opportunities for young people to take part year-round.
Working alongside professional artists, participants can explore music, performance, movement, storytelling, digital creativity and production, helping to shape the future of Birmingham Opera Company while developing skills that can be used in work, education and everyday life.
Our partners include and have included organisations such as Factory Young People's Centre, YMCA West Bromwich, ME Dance and others across Birmingham and Sandwell.
Get Involved
Interested in taking part?
Register your interest here and we'll keep you updated about workshops, events, training opportunities and future projects.
Our work with young people
Factory
In January to March 2026, we worked with the young people at Factory Young People's Centre to create "The Stage is Yours" showcase. Participants performed original songs and covers alongside professional Birmingham Opera Company musicians. We're now working together on a new project as part of our Summer 2026 activity.
YMCA West Bromwich
Over in Sandwell, we worked in partnership with YMCA West Bromwich to explore creativity with a group of young people aged 16-25, alongside our 'Songs of Sandwell' open sessions as part of Sandwell Literature Festival. "Are you ready to be heard?" was a free performance of new music and new writing, created and performed by our Songs of Sandwell Emerging Artists.
ME Dance
We also co-created a brand new dance piece, bringing together ME Dance Youth performers and professional composer Milicent B James and poet Sipho Eric Ndlovu. The final piece was sung by soprano and winner of Voice of Black Opera Awards Rachel Duckett, and Birmingham Opera Company's ensemble.