Theatre and Performance student secures prestigious Assistant Director Internship with Opera North

Ellie Rose Amit, a Level III Theatre and Performance student at the School of Performance and Cultural Industries (PCI), has been selected for an Assistant Director internship with Opera North. 

The student had just completed the Level II Theatre Directing module, just before starting this Assistant Director role. This exciting role placed Amit as the Assistant Director on Opera North's Youth Company production, The Secret of the Black Spider, a performance which opened the company's autumn season on 26th and 27th September 2025.

Ellie Rose Amit

Reflecting on the experience, Amit commented, "The two performances were fantastic and I’m so proud of the performers. I am entirely grateful to the creative team on this project that welcomed me and empowered me to be as useful as I could be."

Throughout the rehearsal process, Amit worked closely with director Rosie Kat, meticulously documenting the show's staging, transitions, and props. This responsibility allowed Ellie to lead understudy cover rehearsals and provide specific feedback to the young performers.

The Assistant Director duties expanded during an intensive residential in York, where Ellie supported rehearsals, stepped into scenes when needed, and helped foster a positive and productive environment. Amit was also tasked with tracking all script amendments, a critical role that involved liaising with the English Surtitles Supervisor to ensure accuracy for the captioned performances.

During technical rehearsals at the Leeds Grand Theatre, Amit joined the creative team on the production desk, contributing notes on lighting, staging, and props before delivering them directly to the cast.

This internship provided Ellie Rose Amit with invaluable, hands-on experience at a leading national opera company, showcasing the high calibre of training and talent developed within the School of Performance and Cultural Industries.