Throughout the years, the Royal Ballet and Opera’s Youth Opera Company has created a free program that gives students the chance to learn music and drama in one of the world’s most important opera houses in the world. Made for children between the ages of nine and 13, the Company offers students from all different backgrounds the chance to pursue their passions and learn about the incredible world of live theatre, often in the context of some of the major productions taking place on its stage.

This summer, the Youth Opera Company is performing in Damiano Michieletto’s “Carmen, ” alongside a new, original opera aimed at young audiences called “The Wish Thief,” both prepared by Musical Director Patrick Barrett.

In anticipation of the Youth Opera Company’s participation in this production, the Royal Ballet and Opera selected one student to speak to OperaWire about her experience and participation in the program. The student selected was Thea Lashbrook.

OperaWire: How did you get involved in the children’s chorus?

Thea Lashbrook: I heard about the Royal Ballet and Opera’s Youth Opera Company (YOC) through my primary school and auditioned when I was 10-years-old. I really enjoyed the audition – it was really fun and the team were really nice!

OW: Is opera something you liked from an early age, or was it something you discovered from being in the chorus?

TL: I’ve always liked singing, and I’d heard of opera before, but it’s not something I’d ever tried before joining the YOC. The first time I ever sang a piece of opera was in my YOC audition – and I fell in love with it! I like how challenging opera is and how it lets me use my voice in lots of different ways.

OW: What is the major challenge of singing some of the music you have to perform?

TL: We have to tell lots of different stories when performing an opera and we have many words to remember. When the words are in another language, you also have to remember the meanings of all the words too. I find the pronunciation of singing in other languages the trickiest part! We need to pronounce things really clearly, just in case someone in the audience speaks that language and can understand us!

OW: How long have you been in the chorus, and what is your favorite part of performing in shows?

TL: I’ve been in the YOC for three years now. I was in Carmen last year and am in the show again this year. My favorite part of the shows is meeting all the adult chorus members and soloists – it’s really inspirational to hear their amazing voices. I especially love listening to the other sopranos in the room, who I hope to be like in the future! I also love looking out at the audience during shows – now that I’ve performed in the shows many times, it’s not as scary, it actually makes me feel really proud that they’ve come to watch us.

OW: How do you balance your responsibility as a chorus member and your school work?

TL: I join catch-up clubs and sometimes get extra homework, but it’s worth it because the YOC allows me to fulfill my biggest dream, which is performing on stage! My parents are really proud that I work hard to be able to do both, and my teachers are really impressed when I tell them why I have to miss school sometimes.

OW: What is the best part of being in the YOC?

TL: I think the best part of the YOC is making lots of new friends. When I joined the YOC, I didn’t have loads of friends at school, but I’ve made lots of new friends in the chorus – some that are best friends for life! I also love getting to sing every week, and it’s helped me with my music studies at school, too.

OW: What is your favorite production you have been a part of?

TL: “Carmen” – it’s the only show I’ve been in, but I’ve loved it so much! I’ve really enjoyed my character in the show, and I love my costume (I’ve always wanted purple dungarees)!

OW: Do you think singing is something you want to do as an adult?

TL: Definitely. I’ve always loved singing, and I’ve never given up on my dream to keep singing. Now that I’ve rehearsed with the adult chorus at the Royal Opera House, I would absolutely love to join it when I’m older.

OW: What is it like to perform with world-class singers, and what have you learned from them?

TL: The first time I performed in “Carmen,” our lead role was played by Aigul Akhmetshina, who was amazing! I was completely in awe when I heard her sing in our first rehearsal. She was so professional and inspiring – she seemed unstoppable!

OW: What do you love about the Royal Opera House?

TL: I love all the opportunities here, and I love feeling that I’m part of something really special.