Our story

The Kitchen Youth Opera company was developed in 2015 by Deborah Gjeloshaj. It is open to all talented singers between the ages of 9 and 18 who are interested in developing their voices in a more classical way than the mainstream performing arts schools.

The skills involved in performing in an opera are skills that increase confidence and self-esteem. It helps childrens’ ability to perform and speak clearly in front of others and to work as part of a team. Singers not only have to sing as part of the chorus, often in four parts, they also learn solos, duets, trios and quartets.

The company currently presents one high quality production each year. Auditions are held around 4 months prior to the event and a cast of no more that 18-20 are chosen. A mixture of ages is essential for creating a fabulous learning atmosphere and individual attention. Boys and girls are auditioned on an equal basis, although boys whose voices who have broken are in high demand!

There are eight rehearsals, normally held on Friday evenings between 7:30pm and 9pm at Deborah's Sevenoaks studio and Saturday afternoons between 3pm and 5.30pm in a more formal theatre setting. There are occasional weekend breaks allowing children more freedom than an every weekend rehearsal schedule. Singers who have participated in Kitchen Opera productions have gone on to study at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Oxford and Cambridge.

For an idea of what goes on behind the scenes, have a look below!

Our 2025 Performance

For 2025 we will be performing a modern interpretation of Kurt Weill's "Down In The Valley". We will be teaming with a knife crime charity as the synopsis is completely relevant to the current day issues we face within our communities with knife crime. The story is compelling and dramatic and the music divine. We'd love to hear from anyone who'd like to audition, please click on the button below to register.

Performance dates March 15th and 16th 2025 at the Stag Theatre Sevenoaks.

We have had very generous help from some private individuals in the past, however this will be the first performance where we are trying to raise sponsorship, and we have set a target of £10,000 to cover the costs of using a professional venue, additional professional support in rehearsals and help with props and costumes.

We'll have more details available once we gauge the level of sponsorship which may be available to us.

Click Here To Register Interest for Next Show

Information for Parents & Guardians

Kitchen Youth Opera seeks to provide an engaging and safe experience for the cast. Deborah holds a Level 3 (DSL)safeguarding competency qualification, and manages our safeguarding policies which can be found here

Operas Performed