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Dissecting Geometry

STEAM Workshop

Term 2, 26-30 June and Term 3, 23-24 August & 20-21 September

Students in years 5 - 9 will learn about architecture, perspective, geometry and Jorn Utzon and Ove Arup’s Spherical Solution to gain an understanding of the mechanics, engineering and sheer creativity involved in constructing the iconic Sydney Opera House.

In the Centre for Creativity | Sydney Opera House Presents | Schools

COVID-19 safety information

The health and wellbeing of everyone attending the Opera House is our top priority. We’re committed to making your experience safe, comfortable and enjoyable, with a number of measures in place including regular cleaning of high-touch areas, air conditioning systems that maximise ventilation, and hand sanitiser stations positioned in all paths of travel. We encourage you to wear a mask in indoor settings or when physical distancing can’t be maintained, and please stay home if you feel unwell. If you need to discuss your ticketing or booking options, contact our Box Office team on 02 9250 7777.

Suitable for Stages 3 - 4

This program is recommended for Years 5 - 9

Program runs in Term 2 on 26 - 30 June and Term 3, 23-24 August & 20-21 September

Monday 26 June 2023, 10am and 12.30pm
Tuesday 27 June 2023, 10am and 12.30pm
Wednesday 28 June 2023, 10am and 12.30pm
Thursday 29 June 2023, 10am and 12.30pm
Friday 30 June 2023, 10am and 12.30pm
Wednesday 23 August 2023, 10am and 12.30pm
Thursday 24 August 2023, 10am and 12.30pm
Wednesday 20 September 2023, 10am and 12.30pm
Thursday 21 September 2023, 10am and 12.30pm

Standard tickets from $15
Minimum 25 students per workshop

Ticket description Price
Standard $15

This workshop is $15 per student. Minimum group rates may apply for classes with less than 25 students. Ratio required for supervision is 1 teacher per 15 students. The only authorised ticket agency for this event is the Sydney Opera House. For more information about Authorised Agencies, see the FAQ below. 

The duration of this event is 90 minutes

Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change

Learning areas and curriculum links

Exploring geometry, sculpture, architecture, engineering, collaboration and real-world problem-solving techniques in Mathematics, Visual Arts, Design and Technology and STEM.

Download full curriculum link

Exploring mathematics through visual arts

Utilising the charismatic and thought-provoking Eddie Woo Maths at the Sydney Opera House videos, students in years 5 - 9 will learn about architecture, perspective, geometry and Jorn Utzon and Ove Arup’s Spherical Solution to gain an understanding of the mechanics, engineering and sheer creativity involved in constructing the iconic Sydney Opera House.

In this workshop students will create a series of observational sketches, collaborative three-dimensional drawings and small sculptural models that replicate the geometry of the Sydney Opera House. Students develop an understanding of the Utzon Design Principles, in particular Utzon's use of additive architecture, counter balance, sculpture and form.

Presented by Sydney Opera House

Program information

These newly developed Creative Learning Modules use the site and building of the Sydney Opera House as a catalyst for learning about science, technology, engineering, arts, architecture and maths - transforming the way we understand STEM subjects and ideas through the creative and performing arts.

The Modules can be delivered alongside a schools tour of the House exploring First Nations perspectives, the architectural practice of Jorn Utzon and his collaborators, as well as the contemporary uses of the site as a world-class performing arts venue. All Modules include pre- and post-learning activities, as well as a range of video resources designed for students to develop lateral connections with content for deeply embedded learning experiences.

Ticket and Travel Subsidy

The Sydney Opera House is committed to providing the very best national and international performing arts experiences to NSW students as part of their educational studies.

The Sydney Opera House Arts Assist program provides the full cost of the Creative Learning performance ticket and $5 per student toward travel costs. School applications are assessed according to socioeconomic disadvantage, schools with special needs and individual responses regarding the School Profile and School Community.

The Sydney Opera House thanks and acknowledges our generous Arts Assist donors; The Greatorex Foundation and Sydney Opera House Ladies’ Committee.

Venue Information

Performances are being sold to 100% capacity in line with the NSW Public Health Order. This includes all shows in the Concert Hall, Joan Sutherland Theatre, Studio, Playhouse, Drama Theatre, Utzon Room and Forecourt. Please note that you will be seated directly alongside other ticketholders.

Our foyers will be open 90 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and two hours pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. Refreshments will be available for purchase from our theatre bars. Please remember to maintain physical distancing whilst consuming drinks in our foyers.

All Sydney Opera House foyers are pram accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to all foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators). Pram parking will be available outside the theatres in the Western Foyer consistent with COVID-safe rules.

Transport options

  • We encourage you to use private transport options to minimise crowding on public transport (in line with NSW Government advice). 
  • The Sydney Opera House Car Park, operated by Wilson Parking, is open and available to use. Wilson Parking offer discounted parking if you book ahead. Please see their website for details.
  • Please check the Transport NSW website for the latest advice and information on travel and COVID-19 safety measures. You can catch public transport (bus, train, ferry) to Circular Quay and enjoy a 6 min walk to the Opera House. 

Frequently Asked Questions - Schools

What time do I need to arrive before the event?

We recommend your group arrives early at the venue, at least 45 minutes prior to the performance start time.

If you are late, we will seat you as soon as possible, but please be aware that some events have lock out periods where late comers cannot be admitted until a suitable break in the performance.  Occasionally this is not until the interval, and in some instances late comers won’t be admitted at all. 

Please call Front of House on 02 9250 7134 to notify us if your group is running late.

Where is the closest location for bus parking and drop off?

The closest location to disembark from buses and coaches is on Macquarie Street. Please contact City of Sydney to confirm bus and coach set down areas. We recommend allowing an additional 10 minutes for walking from Macquarie Street. There is no bus parking onsite at Sydney Opera House. 

What are the transport options to the Opera House?

Circular Quay is the closest station for public transport via train, bus and ferry. We recommend allowing 15 minutes to walk from Circular Quay for school groups. To view timetable information and ensure your public transport needs can be met, please contact Transport NSW. Please check the Transport NSW website for the latest advice and information on COVID-19 safety measures for public transport.

Is there storage for school bags?

The safety and security of everyone visiting our site is paramount. We require all items larger than the dimensions of an A4 piece of paper to be cloaked. As our cloakrooms have limited space, we request that where possible teachers and students do not bring large bags/backpacks with them to the performance.

Does Sydney Opera House have a Risk Assessment policy?

Download our Risk Assessment Information 2022 here

Where can I eat nearby?

If your students are bringing a packed lunch, Royal Botanic Gardens adjacent to the Opera House is quite pleasant in fine weather. Or our restaurants offer everything from casual snacks to kid friendly meals. See our Restaurants. 

Can I take food and drink inside the venue?

Food and drink are permitted inside the foyers, but not in the venues.

What if our school can't attend the performance/workshop?

Please contact our Creative Learning Ticketing Specialists on 02 9250 7770  as soon as possible to advise if your group can no longer attend. If your group can no longer attend because your school is located in a hotspot, or has had a positive case of COVID-19 symptoms, the Opera House has introduced flexible ticketing options to help you. 

Frequently asked questions – COVID-19 safety measures

What safety measures have you implemented?

Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of everyone on site, and we are closely following NSW Health guidelines and advice. The Sydney Opera House is registered as a COVID Safe business with the NSW Government. For detailed information about our COVID-19 safety measures and what’s required of you when visiting, please see our plan your visit page.

What am I required to do as an audience member?

Face masks are strongly recommended for all patrons while inside our theatres and foyers, including during the performance. Please bring your own mask.

As you move around the Opera House, practise physical distancing (1.5 metres whenever possible) and follow the guidance provided by our staff and signage.

Within venues, always take your allocated seat.

For detailed information about our COVID-19 safety measures and what’s required of you, please see our plan your visit page.

Do I need to be vaccinated to visit the Sydney Opera House?

The Sydney Opera House no longer requires patrons to show that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Am I required to wear a mask?

Face masks are strongly recommended for all patrons while inside our theatres and foyers, including during the performance. Please bring your own mask.

How are you managing contact tracing? 

Contact information is required when making a booking with us and upon arrival at the Opera House, as set out in our General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Attendance at Events and our Customer Privacy Statement.

As the ticket purchaser, you are responsible for recording the contact details of your guests. Contact information will only be used for the purposes of contact tracing, if required, and will be deleted at least 28 days after your event.

Frequently Asked Questions - Venue

What time do I need to arrive before the event?

We advise that you arrive 15 minutes prior to the event.

Ticket purchases and collection at our Box Office is discouraged and eTicket or postal delivery methods should be used, wherever possible. However, if you are collecting your tickets from the Box Office, we recommend doing this at least 60 minutes before the event starts.

Are there change tables in the CFC?

Baby change table and nappy bins are available in the Centre for Creativity, as well as the accessible public toilets in the below locations. View our map here for more info.

  • Western Foyers – close to the Centre for Creativity, Drama Theatre as well and the Playhouse
  • Lower level of the Concourse
  • Main Box Office accessible toilets
  • Concert Hall Northern Foyer (both Male and Female)

Will there be bag checks, and is cloaking available?

In line with our venue security procedures, Opera House security will be scanning and checking bags under the Monumental Stairs, or within the western foyers, prior to entering the building. Bags will be scanned by an x-ray machine, and staff will wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling your belongings, such as gloves. Cloaking facilities will only be open 60 minutes pre-show for Centre for Creativity activities. However it is strongly encouraged you travel lightly and do not bring items that require cloaking e.g. handbags bigger than A4-size, backpacks and umbrellas, which are not permitted inside our venues, this will assit with minimising contact and queuing.

What if I can't come to the event?

Please contact Box Office on 9250 7777 as soon as possible to advise if you can no longer attend. If you can no longer attend because you are unwell, or have been in contact with someone displaying COVID-19 symptoms, the Opera House has introduced flexible ticketing options to help you, find out more information here.

Will there be pram parking at kids performances?

All Sydney Opera House foyers are pram accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to the foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators). Pram parking will be available outside the theatres in the Western Foyer or as directed by Sydney Opera House staff, adhering to COVID-safe rules.

Who are the authorised ticket sellers for this event?

The authorised agency for this event is the Sydney Opera House. 

Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered reliable. If you purchase tickets from a non-authorised agency such as Ticketmaster Resale, Viagogo, Ticketbis, eBay, Gumtree, Tickets Australia or any other unauthorised seller you risk that these tickets are fake, void or have previously been cancelled. RESALE RESTRICTION APPLIES. For more details, please refer to our General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Attendance at Events.

Can my baby sit on my lap?

If you need to bring your baby to one of our activities that is not baby focussed, your baby may sit on your lap during the activity. Please note unless this is a baby-specific activity there is minumum pram parking onsite. Your baby will require a babes-in-arms ticket as they contribute to our venue capacities.

Does my child need to wear a face mask?

Children under the age of 12 are not required to wear a face mask.

Will there be food and beverages available to be purchased in the venue?

Food and beverages will not be allowed in the Centre for Creativity, unless specified in the event. Opera Bar, Opera Kitchen and Portside are also available to purchase food before your event. Please bring a credit or debit card for any on site purchases to enable contactless payment.

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