World Stage Design 2025, held at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, UAE from October 18 to 25, successfully brought together participants from over 50 countries for the International Theatre Design Exhibition, Scenofest, Theatre Architecture Competition Exhibition, Technical Invention Prize Exhibition, OISTAT Corner, and the World Congress. Thank you for an inspiring 8 days of international exchange, creativity, and connection. We look forward to welcoming you at the next OISTAT event!
Click here to watch highlights. WSD 2025 Catalogue. OISTAT Flickr.
OISTAT members elected new President Aby Cohen and seven Executive Committee members at OISTAT World Congress 2025:
New OISTAT President
Aby Cohen (Brazil)
New OISTAT Vice Presidents
Mia David (Serbia)
Samuel Shih-Hsing Wang (Taiwan)
New OISTAT Treasurer
April Viczko (Canada)
New OISTAT Secretary
William Kenyon (USA)
New Executive Committee members
Mia David (Serbia), William Kenyon (USA), Johan Mansfeldt (Sweden), Suzanne Osmond (Australia), Jan Štěpánek (Czech Republic), April Viczko (Canada), Samuel Shih-Hsing Wang (Taiwan)
We thank Jan K. Rolník, Sofia Pantouvaki, Patrick Rizzotti, and Lise Klitten for their contributions and legacies they brought during their tenures as Executive Committee members from 2021 to 2025.
Click here to see complete Executive Committee members.
The Architecture, Technology, Education, and Publication & Communication Commission, and Space Design Sub-commission had elected new Chairs during the online meeting on September 19, 2025 and OISTAT commission meetings during World Stage Design 2025. The new Chairs are:
Architecture Commission: Maaike Westinga (The Netherlands)
Technology Commission: Chih-Feng Chen (Taiwan)
Education Commission: Kathrine Sandys (UK)
Space Design Sub-Commission: Soledad Sanchez Valdez (Peru-USA)
Publication & Communication Commission: Richard Bryant (USA)
We also thank Loren Schreiber, William Kenyon, and Jennifer Ivey for their contributions and legacies they brought during their tenures as Commission and Sub-Commission Chairs.
Click here to see complete Governing Board members.
At Scenofest 2025, OISTAT Headquarters hosted the session “A Global Network for the Next Generation: Building International Collaboration between NGOs” on October 18. This gathering brings together theatre NGOs including OISTAT, ASSITEJ International, the European Theatre Convention (ETC), and the Arab Theatre Institute (ATI) to explore new pathways for cooperation. More Info.
On October 22, OISTAT HQ was delighted to welcome our dear friends, Prague Quadrennial Artistic Director Barbora Příhodová and Head of Production Anna Chlíbcová, for the talk “A Glimpse into PQ 2027: The Journey and Vision of Prague Quadrennial.” They shared insights into the theme, programmes, and internship opportunities of PQ 2027, which celebrates its 60th anniversary at the Prague Exhibition Grounds, the historic venue of the first PQ in 1967. Under the theme “Absences and Silences,” PQ 2027 will feature national and regional exhibitions, student exhibitions, and curated programmes for performance designers worldwide. More Info.
Hosted by OISTAT UK Centre, ABTT, this fully participatory conference will explore “Continuing to Learn Beyond Education.” on April 16, 2026 at University of Greenwhich. This edition focuses on bridging the gap between formal education and the employment sector. By bringing together active trainers and employers, the event aims to foster meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and strategies that enhance the career journey of future backstage professionals. Click here to register your interest. More Info.
Get ready for MEET 2026, hosted by OISTAT Austria Centre, OETHG! As an international trade fair for event technology combined with a conference for events and theatre, MEET brings the latest innovations in stage and event technology to Vienna with over 80 exhibitors. It serves as a vibrant discussion platform for theatre and event professionals, blending technology and art. Book your stand now and be part of this dynamic exchange! Click here to book your stand. More Info.
