Curtain Up!: Behind the Scenes at the Royal Opera House
on Goodreads (37)
What’s inside...
A behind-the-scenes tour of the magnificent Royal Opera House in London, thirty minutes before curtain up, led by Figaro the cat. It's opening night of The Nutcracker, and the performers at the Royal Opera House in London are busy getting ready to step out onto the stage. Meanwhile, Figaro - the opera house's resident cat - is poised to take readers on a behind-the-scenes tour to meet the many people working to make tonight's performance a resounding success. This backstage tour of the Royal Opera House takes readers from department to department to discover what's involved in putting on a performance such as The Nutcracker. Featuring examples from key works of opera and ballet, highlights of the tour include trying on the Mad Hatter's wig from Alice in Wonderland; practising for a fighting scene from Romeo and Juliet; putting the finishing touches on the Sugar Plum Fairy's tutu; learning to 'play dead'; and creating explosions on stage. Including an introduction to a classical orchestra, key ballet terms and basic stage directions, the book encourages readers to explore the many ways they can get involved.
Age
7-10
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think happens in a day at the Royal Opera House?
How do you imagine the sets and costumes might look for different performances?
Why do you think rehearsals are important for performers?
Can you think of any other jobs people might do at the opera house besides singing?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the book by asking them to describe their favorite part.
After reading, you can watch a short video of an opera performance together to bring the scenes from the book to life.
Discuss the variety of roles and jobs in an opera house and relate them to teamwork and the importance of every role in achieving a successful performance.
Prompt your child to think creatively by asking them to design a costume or set for their favorite story or song.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The book showcases the interconnected efforts of various individuals at the Royal Opera House, from performers to backstage crew, highlighting how collaborative efforts lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working together and respecting different roles, which can be applied in group projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Dedication
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate commitment to their roles, whether rehearsing for performances or preparing the stage, illustrating the value of persistence and hard work.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of dedication in achieving goals, be it in academics, hobbies, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Arts and Culture
Explanation: The book provides an inside look into the opera world, encouraging an understanding and appreciation for this form of art and the cultural heritage it represents.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and appreciate diverse forms of art and culture, enhancing their cultural competence and empathy.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: Through the lens of opera production, the book celebrates artistic expression in music, dance, and theatrical performance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to express themselves through various artistic mediums, fostering creativity and emotional expression.