Students go behind the scenes at theatre

THEATRE ROYAL SHARES ITS SECRETS WITH UNIVERSITY

- By IAN LEWIS

SIX students from Arts University Plymouth were given a rare insight into the practicalities of theatre set design when they took part in an exclusive five-part learning experience at Theatre Royal Plymouth's Production and Learning Centre, TR2, led by Sebastian Soper, head of project development.

The programme offered the students an insight into set design, scenic construction, budgeting and production for large-scale theatre and opera.

The collaboration grew from conversations at an Industry Liaison meeting between Arts University Plymouth and Theatre Royal Plymouth, the UK's largest and bestattended regional producing theatre.

Its state-of-the-art TR2 workshops house internationally recognised design and construction projects, rehearsal studios and an award-winning Creative Learning programme.

Over five sessions at TR2, students explored the creative and logistical foundations of live performance production, from the initial brief and design stages through to team management, communication and cost control.