Kitchen Youth Opera Company

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!

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Our 10th Anniversary 2025 Performance 

What a fabulous Show this was! Congratulations to all who took part.

Keep an eye here for next year's production announcement!

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.

OUTPERFORMERS

Inspire. Empower. Perform.

Looking for a club that ‘really gets you?

THE MONDAY NIGHT CLUB FOR ASPIRING SINGERS & PERFORMERS For ages 10–18 With Mentors Deborah Gjeloshaj & Bryn Williams

A Unique, Tailor-Made Approach to Singing & Acting

Outperformers is a dynamic Monday night group designed especially for young people who want to develop their singing and acting skills in a way that suits them, their voice, their style and their pace.

Every session is packed with creativity, fun and expert guidance from two outstanding industry professionals.

Deborah Gjeloshaj - Opera Director • Vocal Expert • International Speaker

With a career spanning 30 years across UK and European stages, Deborah is a world class vocal coach, opera director, and speaker. She’s led over 12 opera productions and founded the ‘Kitchen Youth Opera Company’ to inspire young voices to thrive. Her students now perform worldwide.

Deborah brings her deep expertise and encouragement straight to the ‘Outperformers’ stage.

Bryn Williams - Drama Practitioner • Actor • Director • Coach

With four decades of experience across five continents - and a family line that traces back to Shakespeare himself - Bryn brings a unique energy and depth to every acting session.
His career as a child actor, performer, director, and teacher makes him an inspirational and supportive mentor for young creatives.

For young people aged 10–18 who want a tailor-made, supportive, and inspiring way to explore performance, build confidence, and express themselves through voice and drama.

Mondays, 7:00–8:30pm (Term time)

Seal Sevenoaks.

WANT TO JOIN US?
Limited places — contact us to reserve yours!

debgjeloshaj@gmail.com 07725 033182 www.deborahgjeloshaj.co.uk

OUTPERFORMERS

Inspire. Empower. Perform.

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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

2025: Down In The Valley by Kurt Weill

2024: Trial by Jury by Gilbert & Sullivan

2023: Brundibar By Hans Krása

2022: Gilbert & Sullivan Showcase

2020: The Zoo by Sullivan

2019: Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs

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2018: Trial by Jury by Gilbert & Sullivan

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2017: Dido & Aeneas

2016: The Mikado by Gilbert & Sullivan

2015: Hansel & Gretel by Humperdink