Faculty
Silvia Lumes
1. Applicants
The course is open to a maximum of 3 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 support staff for costume departments, focusing on dressing, basic maintenance, repairs, and tailoring adjustments. The professional figure of the stage costume 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: participants 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 JANUARY 2027 to DECEMBER 2027. 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 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 considered for future collaborations or recommended for professional opportunities. The Academy maintains contact with alumni, creating opportunities for debuts, concerts, and professional referrals.
Attendance is mandatory for a minimum of 80%. 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 will follow the 2027 opera season of Teatro Coccia and will include at least 70 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.
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. An excellent knowledge of the Italian language is preferred.
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;
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.