Faculty
Deda Cristina Colonna
1. Applicants
The course is open to a maximum of 6 candidates of any nationality who are at least 18 years old at the time of application. This is an exclusive educational opportunity designed to ensure intensive, personalized, and high-quality training.
2. Course Objectives
The course aims to develop the skills needed to approach the stage primarily as a director, but also as an assistant director, stage manager, lighting director, or production stage manager. The course operates on various parallel and complementary levels: on one hand, it provides tools to "read" the specific musical dramaturgy of opera, learning to tell a story starting from the libretto in relation to the score. Based on this, students will develop a dramaturgical concept, analyze the character of each individual role, and manage the aesthetic creation of the show (sets, costumes, lighting). On the other hand, the course focuses on the practical realization of the project, including rehearsal planning and collaboration with all members of the artistic team and the theatre's production structure. Finally—though no less important—students will learn how to direct singers, refining interpretation with respect to the stage dynamics of musical theatre and vocal technique.
In addition to lessons, participants will have hands-on experience within the productions of Teatro Coccia in Novara, through an intense work experience program, aimed at guiding students towards a real artistic career.
The course is designed to accommodate other academic or work commitments and offers participants the opportunity to attend all Teatro Coccia productions free of charge, to fully immerse themselves in the world of opera.
3. Course Period and Format
The course is annual and will take place at the Coccia Theater in Novara in several non-continuous periods from JANUARY 2026 to DECEMBER 2026. Lessons will be scheduled in alignment with the Theatre’s calendar, with particular focus on musical theatre productions and alongside other course schedules. In the event of interruption due to force majeure, theoretical lessons will be held online, while practical lessons and work experience periods will be postponed.
At the end of the course, a certificate of attendance will be issued, provided the conditions outlined in point 8 of this announcement are met. The most outstanding students may be considered for future collaborations or recommended for professional opportunities. The Academy maintains contact with its alumni, creating opportunities for debuts, concerts, and professional referrals.
Attendance is mandatory for at least 80% of the course. This attendance is also required to take part in any Teatro productions. Any circumstances that may partially hinder participation in lessons or productions must be communicated to the Academy’s administration.
4. Curriculum
The course will be structured in 25 days of theoretical and practical lessons and 60 days of work experience. The program is centered on studying one repertoire opera, one operetta, and one contemporary opera from the 2026 season. Productions will be assigned during the course based on programming, students’ preparedness, and submitted project proposals.
Work experience periods, integrated into Teatro Coccia productions, is a crucial and mandatory component for all participants. Maximum seriousness, commitment, and flexibility are required, as theatre production schedules often involve unconventional hours.
The Artistic Direction, in agreement with the Faculty, will select students deemed suitable to be involved in scheduled productions. The nature of the engagement and any additional conditions will be discussed at the time of role assignment.
The lesson calendar is subject to change, which will be promptly communicated to students.
5. Application
Requirements:
No specific academic qualifications are required, though prior experience in theatre and excellent knowledge of the Italian language are preferred.
To apply, send the following via email (subject: "AMO – CORSO REGIA"):
- This completed and initialed application notice;
- Completed Application Form (Annex A) with front/back copy of ID and tax code;
Note: Foreign candidates must also include valid residency documents or proof of renewal; - A detailed artistic and academic résumé;
- Proof of payment of the €40.00 registration fee (incl. VAT) via bank transfer to:
Fondazione Teatro Carlo Coccia di Novara
IBAN IT 80 X 05034 10100 000000042424
Note: All bank fees are the responsibility of the applicant.
E-mail address segreteria.amo@fondazioneteatrococcia.it
IMPORTANT: All files must be sent in PDF format only (NO PHOTOS), complete and correct. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Students who have already attended one academic year of the course and wish to enroll again must also submit the required documents listed in points 1, 2, 3 and 4.
6. Interview and Selection
Applicants deemed suitable based on their résumé will be invited to an in-person or online interview, to be held at the end of October 2025.
7. Deadlines
- Applications (as per point 5) must be submitted by October 10, 2025 at 24:00 GMT+1 via email segreteria.amo@fondazioneteatrococcia.it
- By October 17, 2025,selected candidates will be informed by email of the date and time of their interview;
- After the interviews, the list of admitted candidates will be announced.
8. Costs and Participation Conditions
The annual course fee for admitted students is €1,750.00 (VAT included). The fee must be paid in 2 installments of €875.00 each via bank transfer to:
Fondazione Teatro Carlo Coccia di Novara
IBAN: IT80 X 05034 10100 000000042424
Send proof of payment to: segreteria.amo@fondazioneteatrococcia.it
Failure to meet payment deadlines will result in termination of course attendance.
Thanks to agreements with local facilities, students from outside the area may access housing at reduced rates (at their own expense). Furthermore, the Academy supports talent: scholarships or financial aid may be provided to deserving candidates or those with proven financial need.