Faculty: Chiara Sofia Drossoforidis
1. Applicants
The course is open to a maximum of 6 candidates of any nationality who have reached the age of 18 at the time of submitting the application. This is an exclusive educational opportunity designed to ensure intensive, personalized, and high-quality training.
2. Course Objectives
The course aims to train professional figures who, as part of the production process, contribute to staging theatre, television, or film performances by designing and executing makeup and hairstyling, including special effects, wigs, and prosthetics—from the initial concept (in collaboration with costume designers and directors) to final execution during performances. This includes rehearsal makeup, ensuring smooth operation during shows (e.g., quick changes, touch-ups, etc.), as well as maintenance, storage, and archiving of materials.
The educational program is designed to develop specific skills through a historical, technical, and artistic learning pathway: Technical: basic hairstyling and makeup techniques, special effects, knowledge of tools and materials; Artistic: study of the evolution of historical hairstyling, techniques for working with different materials; Safety: best practices in handling and applying specific materials, protecting both the makeup artist and the model, including updated COVID-19 safety regulations.
The learning process includes multiple work experience periods, including direct support to the head of the makeup department, participating in work planning and task allocation within Teatro Coccia.
The course is designed to be compatible with academic or professional commitments and offers participants free access to all Teatro Coccia productions, allowing full immersion in the operatic world.
3. Course Period and Format
The course will take place at Teatro Coccia in Novara, and will be organized into non-consecutive modules from JANUARY 2027 to DECEMBER 2027. Each module will include written materials, and an assessment will be held at the end of each module to verify acquired competencies.
Lessons will be scheduled in agreement with the theatre’s calendar, with a focus on opera productions, and planned on dates arranged according to availability and needs. For those unable to attend in-person theoretical-practical lessons, an online format will be made available, with the exception of work experience hours, which must be completed on-site during selected performances.
In the event of interruption of the course due to force majeure, the lessons and work experience periods will be postponed; alternatively, the theoretical lessons will be delivered through distance learning via the dedicated online platform.
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 involved in future collaborations or recommended for professional opportunities. The Academy maintains strong ties with its alumni, creating opportunities for debuts, concerts, and career referrals.
Attendance is mandatory for at least 80% of the course. This level of attendance is also required for participation in any theatre productions. Any circumstances that may partially hinder participation in lessons or productions must be communicated to the Academy’s administration.
4. Curriculum
The course consists of 150 hours of theoretical and practical lessons and 32 days of work experience. The curriculum is designed to introduce students to working methods and the specific techniques of a stage makeup artist. While centered on the figure of the theatrical makeup artist, the skills acquired may also serve as a foundation for further development in television and film makeup and hairstyling.
Work experience days, embedded within the productions of Teatro Coccia, represent a crucial part of the training and are mandatory for all participants. Professionalism, dedication, and flexibility are required, as theatre productions often involve non-standard working hours.
The instructor will select candidates considered suitable for inclusion in scheduled productions. The nature of the engagement and any additional conditions will be discussed during the assignment of roles and tasks.
The lesson calendar is subject to change; any updates will be promptly communicated to students.
5. Applications
Requirements:
Applicants must demonstrate good manual skills and an excellent command of the Italian language.
To apply for selection, candidates must send the following documents by email (subject: “AMO – CORSO TRUCCO E ACCONCIATURA”) to the address below:
- 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: IT80 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 5. They are not required to resend video materials, but they must include a new payment receipt for the €40.00 registration fee. The participation fee for students admitted to subsequent years will remain the same as in their first year.
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 2026.
7. Deadlines
- Applications (as per point 5) must be submitted by October 10, 2026 at 24:00 GMT+1 via email segreteria.amo@fondazioneteatrococcia.it
- By October 17, 2026, 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: IT80 X 05034 10100 000000042424
Send proof of payment to: segreteria.amo@fondazioneteatrococcia.it
- First installment deadline: November 15, 2026
- Second installment deadline: January 15, 2027
Failure to meet payment deadlines will result in termination of course attendance.
Thanks to the Academy’s agreements, students can access reduced-price meals by presenting specific coupons at food service venues located near the Theatre.