The Theatre Architecture Competition (TAC), one of the three competitions during World Stage Design (WSD) 2025, is open for entries from students and emerging architecture practitioners worldwide. ‘Theatre of Possibilities’ is the motto for this issue of TAC and the competition invites innovative ideas for a performance space that can maximize the use and value of a cultural site.
For this edition, the site is the courtyard of Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, a merchant’s home built in 1845, located in Sharjah, UAE.
The deadline for applications is 14th April 2025. Submissions will be evaluated on how they encapsulate the heritage of the site and the culture of the region, incorporating sustainability, accessibility and inclusion, and its overall practicality.
Three winning entries will receive cash prizes and the best entries will be displayed at Bait Obaid Al Shamsi during WSD2025 taking place from 18th – 25th October 2025 in Sharjah, UAE.
This year is the 12th edition of the competition organized by the International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians (OISTAT) along with Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) and the OISTAT Architecture Commission with support from Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF) and Sharjah Architecture Triennale.
“The venue of a performance also plays a key role in it. It is a part of the storytelling and contributes to the overall experience for an audience. This competition encourages collaboration between established and emerging architects and theatre practitioners such as directors, designers, technicians, actors, dancers, and musicians. There is massive interest from international and local universities offering architecture programs, keen on getting students to participate in TAC. I am excited to see the ideas submitted for this competition”, said Jacqui George, Project Director, World Stage Design 2025.
Conducted quadrennially, WSD is the only exhibition globally to showcase performance designs from individual designers. After successful shows in Toronto, Seoul, Cardiff, Taipei, and Calgary, the sixth edition of the event – WSD25 Sharjah, UAE, is its first time in an Arab country. The event is co-produced by the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) and the International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians (OISTAT).
Further information for TAC is available here: https://www.sharjahwsd2025.com/theatre-architecture-competition
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.
