Backstage and offstage skills will form the basis of a new agreement between the Royal Opera House (ROH), the National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills and the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing. The partnership aims to exchange cutting-edge theatrical techniques and training to raise the level of skills in the theatre production in both countries. This follows the cultural exchanges made through the Royal Ballet’s performances in China last year and visits by NCPA’s backstage staff to the ROH (pictured). Deng Yijiang, Vice President of NCPA pointed to the “phenomenal development” of theatre and performing arts in China, and said that “this collaboration will help fulfil the NCPA’s current and long-term goals in building a skilled and experienced workforce and will create greater job opportunities”. Tom Bewick, Chief Executive of Creative & Cultural Skills, called the possibilities of the exchange “limitless”.