Faculty: Marco Taralli
1. Applicants
The course is open to a maximum of 4 candidates of any nationality between 18 and 35 years old. This is an exclusive educational opportunity designed to ensure intensive, personalized, and high-quality training, alongside experienced industry professionals.
2. Course Objectives
The course is aimed at training compositional skills of a theatrical, musical and dance nature, through a path that addresses all the different problems related to the profession of "Composer for Musical Theatre". Starting from the dramaturgical analysis of a theatrical text, we will address techniques of vocal and instrumental writing, orchestration, reworking by and for various ensembles, from the chamber ensemble to the symphony orchestra, specifically for theatrical applications, up to the composition of a score for the incidental music of a prose show or for a ballet or the composition of an opera. It includes lessons and masterclasses, held by established professionals and artists who will allow you to experience the direct experience of the stage.
The course is designed to be compatible with other academic or professional commitments and offers students the opportunity to attend all theatre productions for free, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the operatic environment.
3. Course Period and Format
The course will take place at Teatro Coccia in Novara and will be held over several non-consecutive periods from from JANUARY 2026 to DECEMBER 2026. Lessons will be scheduled in coordination with the theatre’s calendar, with particular focus on musical theatre productions and in parallel with other courses. In the event of an interruption due to force majeure, lessons and work experience periods will be rescheduled.
At the end of the course, a certificate of attendance will be issued, provided the conditions outlined in point 8 of this call are met. The most outstanding students may be considered for future collaborations or recommended for professional opportunities. The Academy maintains contact with alumni, creating opportunities for debuts, concerts, and professional referrals.
Attendance is mandatory for a minimum of 80%. This level of attendance is also required for participation in any theatre productions. Any situation that may partially hinder lesson or production attendance must be communicated to the Academy’s administration.
4. Curriculum
The course includes a minimum of 8 meetings aimed at the creation of one or more works for musical theatre, to be agreed with the teacher following the admission interview to the course. Furthermore, within these meetings, students will attend rehearsals of the new works commissioned by the Coccia Theater or the co-producing theaters and masterclasses will be held with the composers included in the 2026 season calendar.
The Artistic Direction, in agreement with the Faculty, will reserve the possibility of entrusting the most deserving students with the composition of works and/or new orchestrations for the season's productions.
The lesson calendar may be subject to changes, which will be promptly communicated to students.
5. Application
Requirements:
No specific qualification is required, however a good knowledge of harmony, counterpoint
and musical theater is necessary.
To access the selection it is necessary to send the following documents by email (subject of
the email “AMO – COMPOSITION COURSE”):
- This application notice, filled in all its parts and initialed on each page;
- Completed Application Form (Annex A) with front/back copy of valid ID and tax code;
Note: Foreign candidates must also include valid residence documents or adequate documentation proving renewal. - A detailed artistic and academic résumé;
- Max n°5 scores, possibly related to musical theatre, accompanied by recordings and/or midi files to be sent with a link to YouTube or similar service through www.wetransfer.com, with date and place of recording;
- Proof of payment of the €40.00 registration fee (VAT included) by bank transfer to:
Fondazione Teatro Carlo Coccia di Novara
IT 80 X 05034 10100 000000042424Note: All banking fees are the sole responsibility of the applicant.
Email address: segreteria.amo@fondazioneteatrococcia.it
IMPORTANT: All requested files must be sent exclusively in PDF format (NO PHOTOS), complete and correct. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Students who have already completed one academic year and wish to reapply for another year must still submit an application including items 1, 2, 3, and 5. They are not required to resend video materials, but they must include a new payment receipt for the €40.00 registration fee.
6. Selections
Students deemed suitable through the evaluation of their CV by the Faculty will be admitted to an in-person or online interview which will be held at the Coccia Theater in Novara at the end of October 2025.
7. Deadlines and terms
- Applications (as specified in point 5) must be submitted by October 10, 2025 at 24:00 GMT+1 via emai to:segreteria.amo@fondazioneteatrococcia.it
- by October 17, 2025, candidates eligible for the audition will be notified by email of the date and time of the interview;
- Following the in-person interviews, the list of admitted students will be announced.
8. Costs and conditions of participation
The annual course fee for admitted students is €1,600.00 (VAT included). The fee must be paid in 2 installments of €800.00 each via bank transfer to:
Fondazione Teatro Carlo Coccia di Novara
IBAN: IT80 X 05034 10100 000000042424
Send proof of payment to: segreteria.amo@fondazioneteatrococcia.it
Failure to meet payment deadlines will result in termination of course attendance.
Thanks to agreements with local facilities, students from outside the area may access housing at reduced rates (at their own expense). Furthermore, the Academy supports talent: scholarships or financial aid may be provided to deserving candidates or those with proven financial need.