The new year always starts with positive resolutions set to make us a different and better person. Unfortunately, we rarely keep these promises to ourselves, so to avoid invalidating another long list of aims and objectives, opt for just one resolution – be inspired and learn a skill. A suggestion? Try taking part in one of the stage design and construction inspiration days organised by the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London.
At the moment there are three chances to discover more about the ballet and operas performed on the stages of the Royal Opera House, with specific days dedicated to stage make-up (29th January 2016), costume (4th March) and model box (20th May).
The events take place in the purpose-built Bob and Tamar Manoukian Production Workshop, home to scenic painters, carpenters and metalworkers, and in the Costume Centre, where more than 20,000 costumes from the current ROH repertory, as well as historic costumes, musical instruments and furniture from the archive collection are preserved (both these institutions are part of a cultural hub located at High House Production Park, Purfleet).
Each day is divided in three sections, and comprises a tour of the Bob and Tamar Manoukian Production Workshop and Costume Centre; an exploration of design and backstage processes and a hands-on practical workshop in a backstage craft.
The Inspiration Days provide therefore an in-depth look at the work behind the scenes of the Royal Opera House, but also give people the chance to learn more about a specific career or job.
If you discover you're really talented and want to get on with your costume studies, you can also get further information about the new BA (Hons.) Costume Construction degree course, launched in partnership with the ROH, South Essex College and the University of the Arts London, and taking place in the Costume Centre's bespoke workrooms.
The year has just started so there's no excuse not to embark in something new and adventurous – just pick up a discipline and learn a new skill (come on, at least one!).
Image credits in this post
The ROH Collection team packing the tutu worn by Margot Fonteyn as The Firebird in the 1954 Sadler's Wells production. Nicholas Hare Architects © Alan Williams Photography
Collections Assistant, Paris Hart, packing the headdress for Peter Rabbit from The Royal Ballet's Tales of Beatrix Potter. Nicholas Hare Architects © Alan Williams Photography
Costume worn by Joan Sutherland as Lucrezia Borgia in The Royal Opera's Lucrezia Borgia. Nicholas Hare Architects © Alan Williams Photography
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