Biography
Jon Goodwin has become a leading authority in Scenic Art and is very proud to be the Senior Lecturer in Scenic Art at the HKAPA. Working for more than 40 years in the UK theatre, Jon has amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience within the entertainment industry.
His career started in Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre in the UK when he was only 14 years old. At 20, he was awarded an Arts Council bursary to formally train as a Scenic Artist at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London, where he went on to become a Senior Scenic Artist.
A long and successful freelance career saw him working with leading international opera and ballet companies, whilst also expanding and promoting theatrical arts to other disciplines within the entertainment industry.
There have been many collaborations with internationally renowned theatre designers, choreographers, and directors with notable success. Amongst the highlights: a year spent as Head Scenic Artist overseeing the West End production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; a commission from Sir David Bintley to design and paint the backdrop for Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of Flowers of the Forest; a contract from Japan’s leading ballet company, Star Dancers, to paint a series of backdrops for their production of Nutcracker; serving as the lead scenic artist for Sarasota Ballet, Florida, USA in the research and reproduction of historical Royal Ballet productions by Sir Peter Wright and Sir Fredrick Ashton.
Since being at the HKAPA, Jon has had the opportunity to expand his artistic practice and research within scenic art. Working with students, they research projects exploring the history, techniques, and modern adaptation of scenic art for the stage.
Jon continues to be called upon for consultation and practical leadership in scenic art projects worldwide. Exploration through education, research and practice is a priority and passion of Jon as the industry changes and adapts.