You come to see the performance, but what else goes on at Opera at Bearwood?

Have you ever wondered about what happens behind the scenes?

Would you like to get involved?

Of course we would be nothing without them, but there is more to an opera company than the singers and musicians. A wide range of things has to take place to help you be whisked away to a distant land to enjoy the spectacle, the excitement and the drama, as well as the music and singing.

Behind the scenes there are people arranging and altering costumes. Someone helps the cast with make-up. Who hands that fan to the leading soprano just before she builds up to the big aria? It takes many hands and some technical know-how to build the set, to rig and program the lighting. Much of this work takes place before the performance, all carried out by the members of Opera at Bearwood.

Then, even before you take your seat, you bought a ticket, you were shown to a parking space, you may have had a drink at the bar and bought a programme. There you are waiting for the curtain to open. Someone has to open the curtain, organise the movement of the set and organise the performers to be in the right place at the right time. The Stage Manager is in control, a big responsibility. She sends the conductor to his rostrum and we are away. Enjoy the show.

Next time you go to the Theatre or Opera, have a thought for all those people behind the scenes. Then, if you would like to know more or get involved, contact us through the website, e-mail or just give us a call. If you are interested in Opera but don’t like the idea of getting up on stage and singing, there are plenty of other ways to be part of the show. We are all part of the team that makes Opera at Bearwood, Come and join us.