The essential skills of a great designer

Lighting, set and costume designers from around the country share insights into their craft.
[This is archived content and may not display in the originally intended format.]

Construction of ​Mark Thompson’s set design for the 2015 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – Aida. Photo by Prudence Upton.

It’s no secret that design is increasingly important in the performing arts, with dance in particular leading the charge. But every stage needs a great design to complement and frame the performance taking place upon it, regardless of the art form being presented. Here, some of Australia’s most proficient set, costume and lighting designers share their insights into their craft, providing insights into their approach and aesthetic when designing for the stage.

Unlock Padlock Icon

Unlock this content?

Access this content and more

Richard Watts OAM is ArtsHub's National Performing Arts Editor; he also presents the weekly program SmartArts on Three Triple R FM. Richard is a life member of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, a Melbourne Fringe Festival Living Legend, and was awarded the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards' Facilitator's Prize in 2020. In 2021 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Green Room Awards Association. Most recently, Richard received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in June 2024. Follow him on Twitter: @richardthewatts