Northern Ballet Conducting Fellowship

Northern Ballet is delighted to announce the launch of its Conducting Fellowship, an exciting new initiative aimed at early-career conductors seeking hands-on experience within a major professional ballet company, focussing on our newly commissioned production of Gentleman Jack.

A powerful Yorkshire woman, it was only after her death when her secret diaries were decoded that a truly exceptional life was uncovered. Anne lived, dressed and loved as she desired, not as 19th century society expected her to. With her words dancing across the page, she vividly chronicled her adventures, heartbreaks and triumphs. 

Inspiring biographies, novels, a hit TV series and now a ballet, this thrilling production choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa is performed to new live music by Claire Cowan.

This immersive fellowship offers a rare opportunity to rehearse, tour, and conduct live performances as part of Northern Ballet’s artistic team. Working under the mentorship of our Associate Conductor, the Fellow will develop the skills, insight, and confidence required for a future career in conducting for dance.

• Lead performances with a world-renowned ballet company.
• Receive one-to-one mentoring and artistic support from Northern Ballet’s conducting team.
• Be embedded in all stages of production: from studio to stage, rehearsal to performance.
• Gain invaluable experience in a highly specialised and competitive field.
• Build lasting professional relationships within the UK arts scene.

Who Should Apply?

An ambitious, talented emerging conductor who is: 

• A recent graduate from a postgraduate course in orchestral conducting (MMus or equivalent).
• Experienced in rehearsal and/or live performance conducting.
• Comfortable learning complex scores quickly and working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Enthusiastic about developing skills in ballet or theatrical conducting.

What Can We Offer? 

• Full participation in studio rehearsals and company touring weeks (a total of 12 weeks).
• Conducting rehearsals and live performances as assigned.
• Supervision and ongoing mentorship by the Associate Conductor.
• Cover responsibilities for performances.

Support and Benefits

• A weekly stipend of £750.00.
• Travel and touring allowance in line with UK Theatre Rates.
• High-calibre professional development in a national touring company.
• Potential future opportunities through Northern Ballet’s artistic network.

How to Apply

Please send:

• A cover letter detailing your interest and suitability.
• Your current CV.
• A link to a video of recent conducting (rehearsal and/or performance).

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in-person audition in Leeds. Repertoire will include works from Northern Ballet’s repertoire.

Applicants must be UK residents or have the right to work in the UK.

Please submit applications to recruitment@northernballet.com.

• Deadline for submissions: 22 September 2025, 5pm
• Auditions to be held at the end of October

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Northern Ballet strives to understand, respect and champion diversity in all its forms. We believe in embracing diversity within our workforce, repertoire and practices and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Please contact us to talk through any access requirements you may need at any stage of the recruitment process so that we can ensure reasonable adjustments are in place. Adjustments could include providing documentation in alternative formats (large print, braille, or audio), adapting the interview environment, or allowing additional time for responses.

Header image from The Nutcracker featuring Saeka Shirai, photo by Kyle Baines.