Faculty
Silvia Lumes
1. Applicants
The course is open to a maximum of 3 candidates of any nationality between the age of 18 and 30 years old. This is an exclusive educational opportunity designed to ensure intensive, person-alized, and high-quality training.
2. Course Objectives
The course aims to train support staff for costume departments, focusing on dressing, basic maintenance, repairs, and tailoring adjustments. The professional figure of the stage cos-tume assistant finds application not only in theatres and opera houses but also in touring companies, the concert industry, television, film, trade shows, and fashion.
This is a 100% hands-on course, structured to offer concrete, on-the-job learning: partici-pants will immediately begin working alongside the costume department of Teatro Coccia, engaging in work experience directly within productions. This allows students to fully immerse themselves in theatre activities and actively participate in the current opera season, with the goal of acquiring professional skills and beginning a career in the field.
In addition, the course offers students free access to all Teatro Coccia productions, allowing them to fully experience the operatic world.
3. Course Period and Format
The course will take place at Teatro Coccia in Novara and will be held over several non-consecutive periods from 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 case of interruption due to force majeure, 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 alumni, creating opportunities for debuts, concerts, and professional referrals.
4. Training program
The course will follow the 2026 opera season of Teatro Coccia and will include at least 90 days of work experience, ensuring students are well-prepared to contribute to productions throughout the season.
Work experience days, embedded in the productions of Teatro Coccia, represent a crucial part of the training and are mandatory for all participants. A high level of seriousness, constant commitment, and flexibility is required, as theatre production schedules often include unconventional working hours.
The instructor will select those candidates considered suitable to be involved in scheduled productions. The nature of the commitment and any additional conditions will be agreed upon at the time of role and task assignment.
The educational program will be defined and tailored to the skill level of the selected candidates, ensuring a personalized and effective training path. A theoretical module on the history of costume will also be included, with particular focus on the evolution of styles and the specific characteristics of theatrical costumes across different historical periods.
The lesson schedule is subject to change, and students will be promptly informed of any updates.
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.
5. Application
Requirements:
To participate in the course, candidates must have basic knowledge of sewing, both by hand and machine. Applicants should demonstrate familiarity with basic stitches, proper use of a thimble, and the ability to operate a sewing machine to perform simple tasks.
To apply for selection, please send the following documents via email (subject: “AMO – CORSO SARTORIA”) to the address provided below:
- This completed and initialed application notice;
- Completed Application Form (Annex A) with front/back copy of ID and tax code;
- 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.
Note: Foreign candidates must also include valid residency documents or proof of renewal.;
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.
6. Interview and Selection
Applicants deemed suitable based on the evaluation of their résumé by the Instructor will be admitted to an in-person interview and a subsequent practical-hands-on test, both of which will take place at Teatro Coccia in Novara in late October 2025.
7. Deadlines
- Applications (as per point 5) must be submittedby 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€ 1,200.00 (VAT included). The fee must be paid in 2 installments of €600.00 each via bank transfer to:
Fondazione Teatro Carlo Coccia di Novara
IBAN IT 80 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.