Behind the scenes
The world of Dutch National Opera & Ballet extends beyond the magic you see on stage. Every day, hundreds of employees practice their own particular craft – from lighting technology and wig making to painting and set building. We make everything here ourselves. Always wanted to know what goes on behind the scenes? On this page we take you inside the different departments of our magical world behind the scenes!
Production Workshop
The day-to-day work of the Production Workshop comprises sketching, drawing, building, welding, sawing and painting. There’s nothing they can’t build, which means audiences can look forward to beautiful mise-en-scènes time and time again.
Lighting Department
The Lighting Department also works tirelessly to provide audiences with magical performances!
Wigs and Make-up Department
Comprising around 15 people, the Wigs and Make-up Department is always on the go – from working on wigs and make-up during the day to ensuring artists are ready to go on stage in the evening.
Photo: Liza Kollau
Costume Department
The Costume Department is literally responsible for decorating performances, from classic tutus to heavy coats and from knights’ helmets to elegant slippers.
Photo: Liza Kollau
Production and Stage Management
The Production and Stage Management department is responsible for ensuring the smooth production and running of opera and ballet performances. Making the dream come true – that is the very essence of their work.
Props
The Props department is where the ideas, wishes and dreams of designers and directors become reality. The props managers act as sounding boards and turn ideas into reality.
Photo: Jurgen van Tiggelen
Stagecraft
Audio, Video and Media
The Audio, Video and Media department (AVM) provides the audio and video technology for the performances and events of Dutch National Opera & Ballet. The department also makes audio and video recordings and edits for trailers, livestreams, radio and TV broadcasts, documentaries, podcasts, and the archive.
Stage Machinery Maintenance
The department for Stage Machinery Maintenance looks at everything that goes on stage and behind the scenes from their own unique perspective. What they see is an environment full of technical and industrial installations that always brings new, exciting challenges.
