Uni staff and students build set for opera
STUDENTS and staff from the Set Design and Production course at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) in Carmarthen, have been building and painting a set for the Charles Court Opera Company.
Charles Court Opera has been described as one of the leading and most versatile chamber opera and music theatre companies in the UK.
The set, built and painted by UWTSD, was constructed especially for their UK tour of one of Gilbert & Sullivan’s funniest operettas, Patience, this summer.
The work by the department was conducted from technical drawings and photographs of a scale model to create the scenery.
The scenery is all handmade and painted using traditional techniques.
UWTSD’S set design and production department thrives on integrating work-based learning to the course, as it gives the perfect opportunity to implement taught knowledge alongside industry experience.
This experience has also been beneficial for students as this opportunity has enabled them to accredit professional work to their CV before graduating.
Student Laurie Peric said: “When my lecturer asked me if I would like to help with the production of the set requested by Charles Court Opera I jumped at the chance.
“As a second-year student studying BA Set Design and Production at UWTSD Carmarthen, I am keen to get as many hands-on experiences as possible so I can strengthen my Portfolio.
“This opportunity gave me the space to practice my scenic art skills and industry communications.
“It has also been interesting to observe and recognise the distinctive design aspects needed to achieve a good working design, as a touring show it must be able to fit many diverse venues and their needs.
“Having extra-curriculum experiences like this is priceless for students in my position and it is nice to know that you’re part of a larger collaboration that will give the audience an enjoyable experience.”
Lecturer Dave Atkinson said: “Getting the UWTSD brand out into industry is vital and showcasing the highly skilled students to professionals and companies is what gives UWTSD Carmarthen’s Set design and production course its unique selling point.
“Practical work experience is the backbone of the set design course.
“The course lecturers are all current industry professionals and understand the importance of engaging with industry as early as possible.”
As Charles Court Opera Company goes on tour with their performance of ‘Patience’, the link between UWTSD and the company continues as they are currently building a new set for their next opera, Man in the Moon, which will tour around schools shortly as an education and outreach programme.