Beth Mason, a sixth form student from Hull’s Ron Dearing University Technical College, has garnered significant recognition in the prestigious Design Challenge run by the Royal Opera House.
- Beth’s creativity stood out among 730 participants, earning her a High Commendation in the wig design category.
- The aspiring designer received her award from Royal Opera House Chief Executive Alex Beard CBE and gained an insightful backstage tour of the iconic venue.
- Beth’s award-winning work was displayed at the Royal Opera House, highlighting her exceptional talent and ingenuity.
- The Design Challenge experience has been instrumental in refining Beth’s creative skills, underlining the importance of such opportunities for young talents.
Beth Mason, a talented student at Hull’s Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC), has been celebrated for her exceptional creativity in the high-profile Royal Opera House annual Design Challenge. This national competition allowed participants to work to a live brief inspired by Gioachino Rossini’s opera, The Barber of Seville. Beth’s innovative approach earned her a High Commendation in the challenging wig design category, which saw submissions from nearly 730 contestants.
The Year 12 student, who is pursuing English Literature and Language, 3D Design, and Fine Art, was honoured at a special ceremony held at the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden. There, she received her award from the Royal Opera House Chief Executive Alex Beard CBE. Additionally, her impressive work was showcased in an exhibition alongside 19 other winners, further highlighting her notable achievement.
Beth’s journey in the Design Challenge was enriched with a backstage tour of the Royal Opera House and the opportunity to interact with a senior member of the wigs team. This behind-the-scenes experience provided valuable insights into the preparation and responsibilities involved in theatrical wig design, enhancing her understanding of the theatre industry.
The Design Challenge, now in its 13th year, serves as a platform to nurture young talents in costume, set, marketing, wig, and makeup design. It aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry skills, giving students like Beth a chance to test their creativity against real-world briefs while promoting employment in the theatre sector.
Beth expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “It was such an inspiring and fun project, and I feel honoured my work has been chosen from so many other entries. It’s a brilliant opportunity to work to a live brief and the experience has given me valuable skills.” Her bold and imaginative design required a deep dive into 18th-century wigs, pushing her to think outside the box and come up with something truly original.
The competition’s significance is echoed by Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley, who praised Beth for her outstanding work and emphasised the importance of such platforms in showcasing and nurturing young talent. The event marked the first participation of Ron Dearing UTC students in the Design Challenge, with other students also being commended for their excellent contributions in set design, costume design, and marketing campaigns.
The success of Beth and her peers in the Design Challenge underscores the effectiveness of Ron Dearing UTC’s unique model of employer-led education, which focuses on creative arts, digital technology, computing, and engineering. This initiative not only recognises individual talent but also enhances students’ practical skills, setting a foundation for future career opportunities.
Beth Mason’s commendable achievement at the Royal Opera House Design Challenge highlights the importance of nurturing young creative talents through industry-relevant opportunities.