We offer flexible internships across our Production, Marketing, HR, Finance and Development departments, providing those new to the industry with the opportunity to build a strong foundation, gain valuable experience, and improve their prospects for future paid employment. Interns are supported throughout by Opera Holland Park staff, ensuring a rewarding and informative experience.

Under this internship scheme, participants will receive:

  • An introduction to the world of work

  • Hands-on, relevant experience

  • Networking opportunities

  • Support with future employment

Placements are unpaid; however, travel expenses within London are covered.

As these are internship roles, if there are any responsibilities within the department you are applying to that you would be particularly interested in, we will work with you to ensure you gain a valuable and well-rounded learning experience. Each responsibility outlined should be seen as an opportunity to develop new skills within a professional environment, supported by the relevant department team.

We encourage all applicants to review each department overview to gain a better understanding of the roles on offer. If you would like further information about the skills involved or a more detailed description of any internship beyond the summaries provided below, please contact us and we will be happy to provide additional details.

PRODUCTION INTERN
The production team offers 3-week long internships to people interested in gaining valuable experience and skills within a professional production office in an arts organisation. Including, but not limited to:

Normal office hours are 11am – 6pm Monday – Friday, but there may be some events and rehearsals that take place outside of these times. Should you have other commitments, the role can be adapted to suit these. There is no salary available for this role, however travel expenses in London will be reimbursed.

MARKETING INTERN
In the Marketing Department, you will have the opportunity to learn and gain experience across a range of tasks and areas, including but not limited to:
  • Assisting with the organisation and coordination of print materials, including brochures, flyers, and programmes
  • Scheduling and publishing content across social media channels in line with campaign timelines
  • Drafting engaging copy for digital, print, and email communications
  • Supporting the creation of visual assets, including basic design work for marketing materials
  • Maintaining and updating audience databases, ensuring accuracy and consistency of records
  • Contributing ideas to marketing campaigns, audience development initiatives, and content planning
  • Supporting email marketing activity, including building and testing campaigns
  • Assisting with general marketing administration and campaign delivery across the season

DEVELOPMENT INTERN 

In the Development Department, you will have the opportunity to learn and gain experience of a small but busy fundraising team.  Placements are offered all year round and can vary in length depending on the requirements of the Intern.  You will gain an in depth knowledge of how a fundraising team works and learn about the roles of the Head of Development, Development Manager, Development Coordinator and Trusts and Foundations Manager.  You will mainly be working on Trusts and Foundations, experiencing:

  • Compiling funding proposals
  • Researching trusts and foundations
  • Gathering information for reports
  • Using the Spektrix database
  • Attending weekly Development meetings
  • Attending funded projects, such as schools’ matinees, Music for Dementia, and community concerts
  • Analysing project participants
  • Attending donor events

Supporting colleagues on site at the theatre (summer only)

INSPIRE (Community & Education)

The Inspire programme is our education, outreach and community programme, delivering projects across Kensington and Chelsea and wider London to engage communities through music. This internship provides an introduction to learning and participation work within an arts setting, including programme management, event delivery, facilitation, and evaluation.

The student will work closely with the Inspire Lead to support with:

  • Organisation, planning and administrative tasks
  • Supporting the delivery of workshops and interactive sessions
  • Creating resources and marketing materials

This internship is best suited to people aged 18+ interested in learning and participation within an arts setting. They should should demonstrate:

  • The ability to be flexible and think on their feet
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • A warm, empathetic nature
  • Commitment to the internship
  • Genuine interest in community and/or education work

Internships are offered throughout the year and can be flexible depending on the student. They normally last between 2 weeks and 3 months, with flexible start times and working patterns. The role may include a mix of on-site and remote working, and the ability to travel across London is essential as events take place in various locations.

 

HR INTERN

The HR team offers internships to people interested in gaining valuable experience and skills within a professional HR department in an arts organisation. Including, but not limited to:

  • Supporting recruitment processes for artistic and administrative positions
  • Assisting with employee onboarding and induction processes
  • Updating HR systems and maintaining employee records and databases
  • Supporting employee engagement and internal communications
  • Assisting with training coordination and staff development activities
  • Contributing to diversity, equity, and inclusion projects
  • Carrying out administrative and research tasks to support HR projects

FINANCE INTERN

The Finance team offers internships to people interested in gaining valuable experience and skills within a professional finance department in an arts organisation. Including, but not limited to:

  • Assisting with budget preparation and financial reporting for productions and programmes
  • Supporting monthly reconciliations and maintaining accurate financial records
  • Updating and working with financial systems and databases
  • Assisting with tracking project expenditure and basic cost analysis
  • Supporting grant reporting and funding-related administration
  • Carrying out research and administrative tasks to support finance projects
  • Assisting the finance team with day-to-day operational tasks