POR 3. Preparing an Operatic Production, for Stage Designers

Period of the EOA module in 2025-2026

08 October 2025 – 28 January 2026

and/or

11 March – 11 July 2026

This Module is divided into two parts:

A – Background knowledge and experience and

B – The preparation of an Opera

A. Background knowledge and experience: Stage Design with Technical Supervision (Costume, Set and Light Design)

8 October 2025 to 28 January 2026

Open for: 1-3 students

Stage Design is, of course, divided according to specialties (Costume, Set, and Light Design), and the aim of each module now offered within each specialty is to facilitate technical and artistry improvement through the use of different and specialized techniques and knowledge, according to the philosophy of building up costumes, sets and light designs within the preparation and performance of specialized operatic repertoire (from Baroque to Contemporary repertoire). The emphasis is on artistry within the process of making an opera. Each year, there will be a different Opera Production, which will be the aim (Part B) and consequence of this Module development (Part A). This module (within the various specialties now offered) has as the goal to enable student autonomy, both in achieving methodological processes as well as the consolidation of a Stage Design and an artistic identity. This process will give the student a new approach to opera and opera making, enabling the student to experience a live performance in front of an audience.

Names of the professors of this module:

  • Costume Design – Manuela Bronze/Manuela Ferreira;
  • Set Design: Helder Maia;
  • Light Design: Rui Damas

Until 20 ECTS – 10 -12 hours individual tuition & 45 hours group work

B. Preparation of an Opera Performance in a fully staged Opera Production with orchestra in Porto*

11 March to 11 July 2026

Open for: 1-3 vocal students

This Module is only open to students who have completed Part A of the Module and have acquired the knowledge and experience necessary and sufficient to construct costumes, scenery, and light designs for the upcoming opera production. It is also open to those who can demonstrate through portfolios their ability and knowledge in constructing costumes, sets, and light designs.

* The Opera Production for 2025 – 2026:

Der Massnahme by Hans Eisler

Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module

10 -12 hours of individual tuition & 45 hours of group work.

Number of ECTS

20 ECTS

Description of final examination:

full staged Opera.

Possible extras: 

Porto is a culturally interesting and beautiful city. Here, you can profit from the musical and cultural activity at Casa da Música of Porto, a very active cultural point in the city, as well as the Teatro Nacional de São João, Rivoli Theatre, and the Coliseum of Porto.

Entrance examination

Portfolio – Interview

Video recording or link to video recording

Description of the final examination

Public performance on stage with piano

Teaching language

English – level 3

Total expenses of the EOA

1) This module is available within Erasmus exchange (Master´s level) only during the academic year 2025 – 2026.

2) Prices are applicable for 2025-2026.

3) Prices do not include travel or living expenses

Module Code : POR 3
Institution : Porto
Dates : POR 3A. 08 October 2025 – 28 January 2026 AND/OR POR 3B. 11 March – 11 July 2026
Student : Stage Designer
Language : English
Activity : Design
Module Type : Training