We were very lucky that we were invited to send a number of children to Chichester Festival Theatre to participate in a backstage event as part of the theatre’s outreach programme this week. After a train journey from Pulborough via Barnham to Chichester, the children walked up to the theatre where a fascinating day of discovery awaited them.
After a briefing in the auditorium, the children spent time in the props department, learning how they make food last for a whole production (silicone moulds are made of the foodstuffs and a replica item is cast, bringing a new meaning to ‘long-life’) and how the sets are built. The children were very amused by the thought that even rat droppings have to be faked sometimes… They then moved to the costume department, where they learnt about the amount of work that goes into costumes and how the props department ‘break down’ some of the items, for example making hats, coats and shoes look as if they have been through the mud. Costume changes are practised several times in rehearsals as sometimes there is as little as 20 seconds to effect a costume change.
The children also learnt about the cost of wigs, which can run into thousands of pounds. They were able to try on ‘ghost’ masks, again made of silicone. After lunch, they all had a tour of backstage and were able to see how the stage works. After an enjoyable and enlightening day, the children made their way back to the station and home. Thank you to Chichester Festival Theatre for this wonderful opportunity and we look forward to welcoming you back to visit us next term.