Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The Technical Invention Prize (TIP) competition for World Stage Design (WSD) 2025 is now open for entries, inviting theatre and live performance technicians worldwide to showcase their innovative creations. Organized by the OISTAT Technology Commission and WSD 2025, the competition seeks creative, simple, and original inventions developed by current or former theatre technicians. These devices must serve practical purposes on stage, backstage, or front-of-house within the entertainment industry. Set to take place in Sharjah from October 18 to 25, WSD 2025 will host the TIP competition, providing a platform for creative problem-solvers to gain global recognition. The competition aims to celebrate the ingenuity of theatre technicians who often go unnoticed despite their significant contributions to the performing arts industry. “The creative problem-solvers in the live events and performance industries often go uncelebrated for the innovative tools and solutions they develop to simplify challenges,” said Jacqui George, Project Director of World Stage Design 2025. “TIP offers a remarkable opportunity to showcase these inventive minds and their brilliant applications from theatre technicians around the world, allowing us to celebrate their contributions and share them with the global performance arts community.” The competition is free to enter, and submissions will be accepted until June 15. A panel of eight international judges will review the entries, selecting 20 finalists. The top three winners will receive cash prizes and an opportunity to exhibit their inventions at the event’s venue sponsor, the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park. World Stage Design, which occurs once every four years, highlights the work of both professional and emerging designers engaged in live events worldwide. Co-produced by Sharjah Performing Arts Academy and OISTAT, the event will feature a variety of segments, including the WSD Exhibition, Theatre Architecture Competition, and the highly anticipated Scenofest, which offers talks, workshops, immersive activations, and performances. Registration for WSD 2025 will be available soon via sharjahwsd2025.com. ICA/Expat Media
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