In a unique, independent, purpose- scenic art studio in Carshalton, James Rowse of DAP Studio creates hand painted cloths, scenic finishes and murals for the entertainment industry and a wide range of other clients. The studio houses an 11.5m x 7.7m paint frame, a machine which scenic cloths can be stretched in order to be painted.
DAP Studio have created work for numerous West End productions, including the front cloth for current smash-hit Bend It Like Beckham (see above), and their client list includes such luminaries as Shakespeare’s Globe, Lyric Hammersmith, Buxton Opera, Moscow State Circus, Ballet Ireland, Menier Chocolate Factory, Donmar Warehouse, Hackney Empire, as well as many touring productions.
After originally training as a fine artist, James Rowse took a post-graduate diploma in Theatre Design and then began his career as a scenic artist at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry in 1991. With Kimpton Walkers Ltd, he worked on touring/West End productions of We Will Rock You, Starlight Express, Cats and for English National Ballet. He has also painted scenery for film and TV including programs such as Last of the Summer Wine and the third Harry Potter film, The Prisoner of Azkaban. James set up DAP Studio in 2005.
As well as work for theatre, DAP Studio have produced work for television, the music industry, corporate events, historic buildings, fine artists, architects and private clients. DAP Studio also runs courses in scenic painting. These offer students the opportunity to train in a professional working environment.
Weekend courses run throughout the year. This allows new students to join in at any point. Some are new to scenic painting but others use the courses to refresh skills. A number of scenery construction companies have sent their employees for training, including a theming company called The Halo Group, The London Dungeons, and Factory Settings. The modular approach allows students to continue working and so there is little or no loss of income while they train.
Each August, James runs all of the modules back to back, in one intensive four week summer school – the only of its kind in the UK.
Emphasis is placed on preparing a portfolio and how to approach companies for work. Students come from all walks of life and from far afield, and have gone on to work for many of the UK’s leading scenic workshops including the Royal Opera House, ITV Studio’s All Scene All Props, Set Up Scenery and Chris Clark Studio.
www.dapstudio.co.uk / 07973 406830 / www.scenicpainters.com