Festival 2026 child acting roles
An exciting opportunity for young actors to be part of Mozart's Die Entführung aus dem Serail
Perform in Festival 2026
We are excited to announce an opportunity for children aged 7–13 for a non-speaking & non-singing casting opportunity for young actors to appear in the Glyndebourne Festival 2026 production of Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail (The Abduction from the Seraglio), directed by the internationally acclaimed Sir David McVicar, choreographed by Andrew George and designed by Vicky Mortimer.
We are looking for enthusiastic, energetic young performers aged 7–13 to help bring this spectacular production to life. Glyndebourne promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and actively encourages applications from those whose backgrounds are currently underrepresented in the world of opera.
All performances are subject to the licensing laws of ‘Children in Entertainment’. This is a paid opportunity so the child must have the right to work in the UK.
Application and audition process
This is an exciting chance for a young person to gain professional experience, work alongside world-class opera singers and creative teams, and be part of a major festival production at one of the UK’s most prestigious opera houses.
To be considered for the role, we are looking for young people who:
- Are aged between 7 and 13 years old. Children must be at least 7 years old and no older than 13 years old on the date of the final audition.
- Are between 112cm and 144cm on the date of the final audition
- Has previous stage experience and a keen interest in performing is necessary and must be detailed on the application form. Involvement in a drama group, dance school, or performing arts club is an advantage.
- Children must be available for all rehearsal and performance dates detailed in the schedule. While children will not be required for every rehearsal listed, we cannot yet confirm the specific call times. Therefore, full availability is required for all dates shown.
- Must live within a 25-mile radius of Glyndebourne.
- Applicants under 9 do not need to be GYO members but must have previous performance experience. If children have turned 9 since the most recent GYO workshops on February 7 and 8 they do not need to have participated in a GYO workshop to apply.
- Applicants 9 and over must be registered GYO members who have previously participated in a GYO workshop or performance. (Note: One Voice or Performance for Schools attendance does not qualify as GYO activity).
- Application Deadline: Wednesday 4 March at 11.59pm
- Notification of Audition Place: Friday 6 March by 7.00pm
- Preliminary round: Monday 16 March 2026
Group audition workshops run between 4.30pm and 7.30pm (4.30pm, 5.30pm, or 6.30pm). Your child will attend one session for one hour. No preparation is required. You will be notified that evening if they are selected for the final round. - Final auditions: Tuesday 17 March
Held from 4.30pm to 7.30pm. Your child may not be required for the full duration. Final auditions consist of group movement workshops with the assistant choreographer; no prior preparation is required.
Full details regarding the audition process and logistics will be shared if your child is selected to audition. Please note that children are only eligible to audition if they are available for all rehearsal and performance dates.
Taking part in Die Entführung aus dem Serail is free. If you need any other assistance to support your ability to take part in this project, please let us know through the audition application form.
We strive to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. If there are ways we can support individuals to participate in the application and auditions process please get in touch with us at takepart@glyndebourne.com.
Glyndebourne’s Learning & Engagement programme is made possible thanks to Arts Council England and generous donations through Glyndebourne’s New Generation Programme.
