Performing Arts Students Inspired in Italy

Cronton Sixth Form’s Centre of Excellence for Performing Arts students have enjoyed a breath-taking visit to one of Europe’s most historic cities, Florence, Italy, to experience the local culture and visit the magnificent Opera Houses.

The four-day excursion allowed the students the chance of an experience that many dream of; backstage passes to a recital at the world famous Teatro della Pergola, Florence’s main Opera House. The students were stunned by the acting on display and can take inspiration from the show into their own upcoming productions, The Phantom of the Opera, which will open the College’s brand new Cronton Playhouse on the 27^th and 28^th of March 2019.

Following the performance, the students were taken on a spellbinding tour of the lower cellars of the Teatro della Pergola, where famous props and items from the theatre’s 350-year-old history were displayed.

The students also got to take in the beautiful Italian city through visiting the Uffizi Gallery, attending a symphony at the Teatro Verdi and visiting the stunning Leonardo da Vinci Museum which holds some of the finest art produced by the world famous artist.

Matt Plant, Programme Area Leader of the Centre of Excellence for Performing Arts said, “Having been backstage at both the Moulin Rouge and the Palais Garnier with the Centre of Excellence, it was a fitting visit that prepares us for our forthcoming productions of The Phantom of the Opera, but it was also quite breath-taking at times, being taken into the cellars of this extraordinary theatre and to share in some of its incredible history.”

Performing Arts student Emily Sharples, currently playing the lead in the College’s forthcoming production of The Phantom of the Opera said, “It was wonderful to experience so much in such a short amount of time. The opportunity to see a performance at the Teatro Verdi and then to explore another spectacular Opera House was amazing!”