World Stage Design 2025 secures key global and local partnerships ahead of Middle East Debut
WSD is the only international event that showcases excellence in performance design from individual designers. This year marks its sixth edition and the first-ever in the Middle East. WSD is co-produced by the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) and the International Organisation of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians (OISTAT). The event is supported by the Department of Culture Sharjah and the Ministry of Culture Taiwan.
Onboard as the Official Build Partner of WSD, are Taylex Group Middle East, a creative solutions production company at the heart of the Live Events, Exhibitions, and Brand Experience industry. As the region's exclusive beMaster partner for beMatrix, the leading sustainable frame system, they offer a smarter approach to event construction.
Taylex Group Middle East will provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional custom-builds for exhibition stands. This solution allows designers and participants to place sustainability at the forefront without compromising creativity.
International logistics consultant EFM Global is the Official Logistics Partner. The partnership offers special rates to participants bringing their work and performances at WSD2025 to get materials transported safely and efficiently from their location to Sharjah.
Charcoalblue – a globally reputed theatre, acoustic, and experience consultancy service – is the sponsor of the Theatre Architecture Competition. Entries closed on 14th April, and the competition received submissions from over 50 countries.
First Star Computer, Sapsis Rigging, and ShowTex are the first, second, and third prize sponsors, respectively, of the Technical Invention Prize. The competition is free to enter and open for submissions from technicians who have developed a gadget or solution for the live events industry.
WSD2025 features a Design Exhibition, Theatre Architecture Competition (TAC), the Technical Invention Prize (TIP), and Scenofest - a celebration of scenography with a wide range of seminars, workshops, performances, and presentations by theatre practitioners and artists.
About Sharjah Performing Arts Academy
Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) is the only dedicated performing arts academy in the Middle East, offering comprehensive education in both performing and production arts. SPAA trains students for various roles, from actors and dancers to stage managers and scenic designers, preparing them for success in the competitive global industry. The Academy's mission is to develop confident, creative professionals who can lead and collaborate in any global context.
About OISTAT
OISTAT was founded in Prague in 1968. It stands for 'Organisation Internationale des Scénographes, Techniciens et Architectes de Théâtre' in French, and 'International Organisation of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians' in English. OISTAT is a global network for theatre practitioners celebrating design, technology and architecture in live performances.
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Al-Masrah Magazine: Global theatre insights and developments
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His Highness expressed his pride in these initiatives, highlighting how they support the arts and the people who create them. His Highness, "This knowledge is a knowledge that can change many errors, whether in nations or individuals. Thank God, we are proceeding with very calm steps. We do not set foot in a place where there is error, but rather we are correcting this person who will carry the knowledge and who must be upright." His Highness congratulated the graduates on their graduation from the Academy and extended his congratulations to their families on this joyous occasion. Dr. Peter Barlow, the Executive Director of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, delivered a speech welcoming His Highness and the attendees at the third graduation ceremony. He praised His Highness for his vision and efforts, which have significantly contributed to the advancement of the Academy. Dr. Barlow also highlighted His Highness's commitment to education, which has enhanced the arts in the Emirate of Sharjah and inspired thousands of its residents. He emphasized that true progress is rooted in knowledge, compassion, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Barlow spoke about the important work being done by the President of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy in the field of education. He described Sharjah as a shining example of academic excellence, home to a large university city with more than 40,000 students. Barlow emphasized that education in Sharjah is top-notch and accessible to everyone, covering learning from preschool all the way to postgraduate studies. He noted that the focus on education goes beyond just what happens in classrooms. It's about sparking curiosity, encouraging creativity, and nurturing a sense of responsibility in the young people of today. He also highlighted that the love for the performing arts shows the President's commitment to creating a bright future in areas like theater, scriptwriting, and artistic performances. The Executive Director of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy expressed deep appreciation for the strong support from His Highness. This backing has played a crucial role in the Academy's achievements in arts, technology, and education, all while being guided by highly skilled teachers. He highlighted that the Academy offers students excellent chances to grow, be creative, and build successful careers in the arts. Impressively, 90% of the Academy's graduates are working in creative fields, both in the local area and around the world. Barlow also thanked the Academy's faculty and staff for their dedication and tireless efforts, emphasizing that they not only create artists, but also creative leaders with ethics and vision. He spoke to the graduates, reflecting on their time at the academy. He said, "You have transformed from newcomers into skilled professionals. Along the way, you have dealt with challenges, setbacks, and moments of difficulty, but you have also found success. You've learned from amazing teachers, received support from the dedicated staff, and benefited from the help of the technical team. You have developed and flourished in a place that fostered your growth and encouraged excellence." He said, "You have learned and grown in your skills, and now you are about to enter a new world filled with unknowns. This world is not your enemy; rather, it will teach you. You don't have a clear plan to follow, and there are no guarantees. Instead, you face the biggest challenge of all: creating something from nothing. If you succeed, you will experience the true joy of achievement. Be flexible, come up with new ideas, and keep pushing forward. If you think the journey will be easy, this may not be the right path for you. You will encounter difficulties, some of which you cannot control. Don't limit yourselves and don't hold on to resentments. Learn to forgive yourself and others. Stay positive, because a hopeful attitude helps you handle life's challenges better." During the ceremony, artist Zainab Al Askari gave a heartfelt speech as the guest of honor. She expressed her joy and excitement about being part of such a prestigious event that celebrates upcoming artists. The occasion was made even more special by the attendance of His Highness, the President of the Sharjah Academy of Performing Arts. Al Askari highlighted that the Academy has made a long-awaited dream come true for artists who want to develop their skills and share important messages with society. In a time when the world of art faces various challenges, she stressed how vital it is to have such an academy. She also acknowledged the support and care that His Highness offers to artists, helping them grow and shine. 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12th Theatre Architecture Competition winners and finalists announced
Sharjah, UAE: The winners and finalists of the Theatre Architecture Competition (TAC) taking place during World Stage Design (WSD) 2025 from 18-25 October in Sharjah, UAE has been announced. This is the 12th edition of the competition with the theme ' Theatre of Possibilities' and co-organised by Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) and the International Organisation of Scenographers Theatre Architects and Technicians (OISTAT) Architecture Commission. Charcoalblue – a globally reputed theatre, acoustic, and experience consultancy service is the sponsor of the Competition this year which received 50 entries from 17 countries around the world. The site for TAC is Bait Obaid Al Shamsi - the large two-storey building with a central courtyard which used to be a house was built around 1845 for merchant Obaid Bin Hamad Al Shamsi. Renovated in the late 1990s, the building is presently managed by the Sharjah Art Foundation and hosts a series of artists' studios and events. Participants had to submit ideas for a flexible structure to transform the central courtyard into a new 100-seat temporary performance space, but which also deals with the site's specific climate. The proposals had to also consider the heritage of the venue and the region, sustainability and to offer a maximum construction and dismantling time of no more than three days. The first, second and third place winners are: Kuo, Chun-Hao, Taiwan - The Dynamic Fold Janae Van Panahon, New Zealand - Diwaniyat Al-Masrah: Theatre's Gathering Cynthia Bou Chebl, Lebanon - The Crossroads Theater Additional prizes: Zachary Wong, Hong Kong - Wanderer Vladislav Dudyrev and Aleksei Vorobev, Russian Federation - AL-BAYT THEATRE The list of finalists is here: 'We were delighted to receive so many compelling entries for TAC. The proposals were brilliant and beautiful which made the jurying process tough and exciting. Congratulations to the winners and finalists. We look forward to showcasing these incredible architecture design proposals at Bait Al Shamsi during WSD 2025. I extend a warm welcome to all professional and emerging architects in the region to come see this exhibition and attend the Middle East debut of World Stage Design', said Jacqui George, Project Director, WSD 2025. Tickets for WSD 2025 is available here: PR & Partnerships Officer: Ancy Alexander Email: ancyalexander@ About Sharjah Performing Arts Academy Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) is the only dedicated performing arts academy in the Middle East, offering comprehensive education in both performing and production arts. SPAA trains students for various roles, from actors and dancers to stage managers and scenic designers, preparing them for success in the competitive global industry. The Academy's mission is to develop confident, creative professionals who can lead and collaborate in any global context. About OISTAT OISTAT was founded in Prague in 1968. It stands for 'Organisation Internationale des Scénographes, Techniciens et Architectes de Théâtre' in French, and 'International Organisation of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians' in English. OISTAT is a global network for theatre practitioners celebrating design, technology and architecture in live performances.
