These collaborative hubs bring creative professionals together to tackle some of the biggest topics in modern theatre. From advancing eco-friendly production methods in the Sustainable Design group to shaping future talent through Mentoring, Upskilling, and Education, these spaces foster vital industry growth. They are also leading powerful conversations around Accessibility and Inclusive Aesthetics and creating exciting opportunities for New Collaborations across directors, digital artists, and makers.
This brilliant digital showcase highlights the diverse, eclectic, and visionary work of professional theatre designers across the UK. From breathtaking set concepts to intricate costume designs, the gallery is celebrated internationally, alongside a dedicated space for 'New Professionals' who have graduated within the last three years.
The SBTD has a rich history of bringing the magic behind the curtain out into the open, having curated major national exhibitions everywhere from the Victoria and Albert Museum to the international Prague Quadrennial. Even more excitingly, they have just announced their upcoming National Exhibition Project, design | stage, set to take over Coventry in early 2027! This upcoming showcase will feature everything from large-scale costumes, puppets, and physical installations to a fascinating look at the sustainable and ethical design processes behind them.
The creative industry thrives on visibility, and the Designers' Gallery serves as a brilliant virtual showroom for UK-based talent. This curated space allows professional scenographers, costume designers, and puppet makers to showcase their portfolios to directors, production companies, and the public. Crucially, the gallery features a dedicated "New Professionals" section, ensuring that recent graduates have a powerful digital platform to launch their careers alongside established industry leaders.
Theatre doesn't happen in a vacuum, and the SBTD's Working Groups prove that collective action drives progress. These member-led hubs gather professionals to solve real-world industry challenges. Key focus areas include:
Mentoring & Upskilling: Fostering the next generation of creative talent through structured education and career guidance.
Sustainable Design: Innovating eco-friendly production methods to reduce the ecological footprint of live performance.
Accessibility & Inclusive Aesthetics: Ensuring stage design is welcoming and representative of all audiences and performers.
Every four years, the SBTD steps out from behind the velvet curtain to share its world with the general public through large-scale national and international exhibitions. Having previously partner-exhibited at iconic venues like the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and represented the UK at the prestigious Prague Quadrennial, they have officially announced their next major project, design | stage, which will take over Coventry in early 2027. These exhibitions display everything from massive physical installations to digital design processes, bringing the invisible artistry of theatre directly to local communities.
"The Society of British Theatre Designers supports Designers at every stage of their career, from students to professional designers running their own studio. We have a membership of over 600 worldwide and have just announced our new National Exhibition, design | stage, taking place in Coventry in 2027.
SBTD enable, facilitates, and champions designers at every stage of their career; helping in negotiations and representation, building the design and artistic community, providing mentoring opportunities, skills sharing, and so much more.
We forge links with companies, venues, workshops and establishments that support, promote and enable theatrical productions and live events to happen."
