Drawing London's Theatres: Circus, Opera and Ballet

Take inspiration from London’s renowned theatre history and bring performance, dynamism and character to your drawing.

Drawing the Clothed Model
Drawing from Art

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Drawing London's Theatres: Circus, Opera and Ballet Image

Course details

Dates

16 September – 18 November 2025

Times

10:00 – 17:00

Duration

10 sessions

Fees

£478.00 Concessions available

Location

Shoreditch studios

Tutors

Melissa Kime

Susan Wilson

Phoebe Stannard Mother with Goldfinch

Overview

"A picture is a theatre" - Pablo Picasso

Artists have always worked in theatre; Canaletto and his father painted backdrops for Venice’s many theatres, Piranesi trained first in theatre, Osbert Lancaster, Laura Knight, Hockney and Degas have all designed for the stage and found themselves obsessed. We will explore the sets, the performers and their costumes. The course begins with visits to the National Theatre and Royal Festival Hall, a theatrical experience in and of itself.

In the studio we will work with models who have been on stage and they bring their unique insight and experience to the course. There will be a variety of poses from short to full day. We will draw clothed models using colour and a variety of media; music will play, dancers will dance, and the stage will be set. There will be other visits to the V&A, The Wallace Collection, London Circus School, among others.

Who is it for

Artists, creatives and image-makers of all levels welcome, including beginners.

What’s provided

For studio courses, easels, drawing boards, charcoal, newsprint and masking tape are provided in the studios for free. There is an added paper fee included at the time of booking which covers the use of cartridge and watercolour paper that is provided in the studios. Any other materials you would like to use please bring with you; we will send out a suggested material list before the start of your course.

What to bring

You are encouraged to bring your own additional materials for personal use only, to the studio. This is an example list of what may be needed; a full material lists will be provided one week before your course begins. Our suggestions include:

Drawing Pencils
Conté Crayons
Pastels
Ink Pens
Coloured Pencils
Putty and Hard Erasers
Pencil Sharpener
Sketchbook

Concessions

We offer a range of discounts. To apply, email admin@royaldrawingschool.org with the required proof. Please wait for confirmation before booking.

Available discounts

NHS Staff: 20%
Send a photo of your NHS staff badge.
Full-time Fine Art BA Students: 75%
Students on design or applied arts degrees may also be eligible. Send your student ID and proof of enrolment.
Primary and Secondary Art Teachers: 50%
Send a letter from your headteacher or head of art department.
Jobseekers: 50%
Send a recent DWP or JobCentre Plus letter confirming you receive Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit (if out of work). Appointment booklets are not accepted.
Disability Benefit Recipients: 50%
Send proof that you currently receive this allowance.
Tower Hamlets and Hackney Residents: 25% (Shoreditch courses only)
Send a copy of your most recent council tax bill.
Tower Hamlets and Hackney Businesses: 25% (Shoreditch courses only)
Send a staff ID, business card or a letter from your line manager.
Over 60s: 10%
Send a photo ID as proof of age.
Alumni: Postgraduate Programme or Foundation Year: 50% off short courses
Online Drawing Development Year: 50% off online short courses

Before you apply

Documents must be dated within the last 6 months (or 12 months for council tax)
Your name must be clearly visible
Accepted file formats: PDF, JPG, DOC or DOCX

All our courses are subsidised.

Tutors

Melissa Kime

Tutor, Drawing Year Alumni, 2012

Susan Wilson

Tutor