Held every four years, World Stage Design (WSD) is the first and only designer-led exhibition showcasing and celebrating performance design from individual designers worldwide. With previous editions having taken place in Toronto, Seoul, Cardiff, Taipei, and Calgary, the 2025 event is set to make its Middle East debut when it arrives in Sharjah from 18-25 October.
“Think of it as the ‘Expo’ for the global performance industry,” began WSD Project Director Jacqui George, when asked to describe what we can expect from the event, which will be co-produced by Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) and International Organisation of Scenographers Theatre Architects and Technicians (OISTAT).
WSD will comprise four main components: a Design Exhibition, the Theatre Architecture Competition (TAC), the Technical Invention Prize (TIP), and Scenofest. “SPAA will host an exhibition of 100 outstanding designs from professional and emerging designers, selected from over 1,000 entries,” George described. “At Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, visitors will be able to explore the top 20 ideas from the TAC, selected from entries submitted by designers in over 50 countries, envisioning performance spaces for this historic site,” she continued, adding that the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park will showcase the winning submissions for the TIP.
Described by George as “the most dynamic element of WSD, Scenofest will bring together a wide range of talks, workshops, performances and masterclasses by theatre practitioners from across the region and world following the central themes of heritage and sustainability. “It’s like the festival element of the whole event,” she added.
“We have performances from New Zealand, Nigeria, Indonesia, Hungary, KSA and homegrown here in the UAE. We have numerous talks, such as the Use of Robotics in Designing Performance Spaces, multiple workshops, Creating a Geolocated Soundwalk, which I know is going to be popular, and Lighting for Puppets, which promises to be fascinating,” George revealed. We also have panel discussions on Ecological Design in Lighting and Technical Innovation in Costume; immersive experiences from Sana Akram and Victor Zapareto; the launch of the Arabic Theatre Green Book, Sound Kitchen and much, much more. So, there’s something for everyone!”
The fact that the event is coming to Sharjah is a major boost for the emirate and, according to George, it aligns perfectly with SPAA’s mission to develop confident, creative professionals who can create work for and collaborate on a global stage. “What could be more valuable than bringing some of the industry’s top professionals and practitioners to the students’ doorstep – allowing them to see their work firsthand, interact with them, and learn directly from them?”
Clearly delighted at the once-in-four-year opportunity for the performance industry in the UAE and the wider Middle East, the Project Director called on the professional community to take full advantage. “It would be wonderful to see both established and emerging professionals from our community actively participating – visiting exhibitions, attending events, sharing ideas, and networking with their counterparts from around the world,” she commented. “We are welcoming submissions for TIP till 15 July 2025, so if you have an idea for an innovative production invention that could change the way we work, get involved.
“We also welcome companies that see the value in partnering with us and supporting this landmark event,” she continued. “Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the industry or someone passionate about the performing arts, you should attend World Stage Design 2025. Miss it this year, and you’ll have to wait another four years for the next edition, and that won’t be on your doorstep!”
Photos: World Stage Design
