The essential skills of a great designer

Lighting, set and costume designers from around the country share insights into their craft.
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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.

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Richard Watts is ArtsHub's National Performing Arts Editor; he also presents the weekly program SmartArts on Three Triple R FM, and serves as the Chair of La Mama Theatre's volunteer Committee of Management. Richard is a life member of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, and was awarded the status of Melbourne Fringe Living Legend in 2017. In 2020 he was awarded the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards' Facilitator's Prize. Most recently, Richard was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Green Room Awards Association in June 2021. Follow him on Twitter: @richardthewatts