Behind the Scenes of Production Design
Published 4th March 2026
Design and Technology teachers recently had the opportunity to step behind the scenes of world-class performance design in a CPD webinar delivered in partnership with the Royal Ballet & Opera Schools Create & Design team.
The session explored the creativity, collaboration and technical expertise required to bring large-scale productions to life, offering teachers insights they can connect to classroom learning.
Participants heard from professionals working across production design, including a Stage Designer, Production Manager and Senior Lighting Visualisation Technician, each sharing how they respond to creative briefs and solve complex design challenges within live performance environments.
The webinar highlighted how production design combines artistic vision with technical precision. Teachers were introduced to the full production process, from early concept development through to final performance, demonstrating how designers move through stages of design, making, rehearsal and performance.
A key focus of the session was the use of physical and digital modelling to develop and communicate ideas. Early-stage sketch models are used to experiment with layout and composition, while more refined white card models help present design concepts to wider teams and collaborators.
Speakers also explained the roles of the wider technical team. Production managers oversee budgets, safety and project delivery, while scenic draughtspersons and CAD specialists translate creative concepts into precise technical drawings and digital models that can be built and staged safely.
Teachers also gained insight into the growing role of digital technologies within the industry. Lighting visualisation technicians use 3D modelling and rendering tools to simulate how lighting will interact with sets and performers before a show reaches the stage.
For D&T teachers, the webinar highlighted the links between curriculum and the creative industries. Themes such as user-centred design, collaboration, modelling, sustainability and problem-solving were explored through examples from live production environments.
The session demonstrated how the design process used in theatre and opera mirrors the approaches used in Design and Technology classrooms, reinforcing how creative and technical disciplines combine to produce innovative solutions.
The recording of the webinar is now available to watch on demand here, offering teachers inspiration for connecting D&T learning with careers across the creative industries.
Images: ©2025 Mihaela Bodlovic and ©2024 Marc Brenner
Resources and Links
Create and Design: Schools Resource
Inside the Royal Ballet & Opera Production Workshops
Go behind the scenes at the production workshops in Purfleet, Essex. Meet Production Manager Sarah O’Connor, Model Room Draughtsperson Flo Hazard and Nathan James, Draughting Assistant Manager, as they work on the design for the opera Rigoletto.
From the Workshop to the Royal Opera House – Les Troyens
Follow the journey from workshop to stage at the Royal Opera House.
