The Royal Ballet and Opera (RBO) has announced two major new initiatives designed to shape the future of dance and lyric theatre. Created to nurture emerging talent, spark artistic innovation, and safeguard the long-term development of the performing arts sector, the landmark programmes establish a sustained pathway for creating new work.
The announcement is anchored by two flagship projects: The Royal Ballet: FUTUREWORKS and The Royal Opera: NOW (New Opera Works). FUTUREWORKS is a five-year initiative focused on classical ballet choreographers, offering consistent development infrastructure in partnership with London City Ballet. World-renowned choreographers Wayne McGregor, Pam Tanowitz, and Christopher Wheeldon will lead the initial residential workshops and act as creative mentors.
Simultaneously, The Royal Opera: NOW establishes a long-term strategy to commission, develop, and support ambitious new operatic productions. Moving away from isolated individual commissions, both initiatives aim to provide artists with the essential time, space, and resources needed to experiment, take creative risks, and refine new ideas.
Key leaders across the institution highlighted the importance of establishing a thriving creative ecosystem. Kevin O’Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet, and Oliver Mears, Director of The Royal Opera, emphasized that the creation of new work remains the lifeblood and essential artistic identity of both companies. Netia Jones, Associate Director of The Royal Opera, added that the new framework will actively invest in the next generation of operatic voices across multiple scales.
Chris Marney, Artistic Director of London City Ballet, praised the joint venture as a crucial launchpad for nascent dance-makers, noting the shared mission to uncover innovative creative voices. Arts Minister Ruth Mackenzie also welcomed the announcement, congratulating the RBO on offering vital opportunities for composers, choreographers, and directors to build the classic works of tomorrow.
Utilizing RBO's world-class facilities—including the Main Stage, Linbury Theatre, and Clore Studio—these flagship programmes ensure that both art forms continue to evolve, flourish, and maintain cultural relevance for generations to come.
