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Each year, OCTA honors an outstanding set and/or prop designer's work as it appeared in the theater at the time of the production. Each OCTA member theater is eligible to submit one (1) or more entries from their season. A separate, official entry form must be completed for each, and received by the deadline. 

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Applications are now open for the 2027 Set & Prop Design Competition!

Deadline for submissions is Saturday, July 24, 2027

Award form can be found here: 

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Questions? Contact OCTA Set Competition Chair Sue Cohen at (330) 348-1907 or sue.c@octa1953.org

 

Criteria: Submissions will be judged on the following criteria:

Presentation:

• Neatness

• Quality of required material

 

Storytelling:

• Supports the director’s vision

• Evidence of thoughtful and compelling storytelling

• Serves and elevates the script

 

Design Mechanics (Do they support the design?):

• Color Usage (Theory)

• Line/Mass/Texture

• Composition

• Technical Execution and Draftsmanship

 

Budget:

• Budget comparable to work show           

 

Eligibility to apply: 

• The set/props must be from a show performed in an OCTA member theater.

• Designers may submit as many entries as they want, however they must be sponsored by an OCTA member theater and produced in the current season.

• A designer cannot have been paid more than a nominal fee of $250 for their position.

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What you will need before you submit (i.e. an official entry will include the following): 

• The official entry form

• Two letters of recommendation from: 

  • The director of the show explaining how the set or prop enhanced the production and helped with stage action/blocking.​ (1 page)

  • The designer themselves explaining the concept of the set or prop and the problems which had to be overcome in designing and building the set or prop. (1 page)

• For set design: a scale drawing, top view, of the set as it appeared on the stage, giving the dimensions of the stage and seating arrangement. 

• For prop design: any working or construction plans indicating its use in the show.

• The following labeled snapshots of the set or prop, compiled in a folder or binder: 

  • A maximum of four (4) snapshots showing the stage without the set.

  • Labeled snapshots showing the completed set or prop, at different angles. These should show any special design features, such as revolves, moving walls, operating action, etc... 

    • At least four (4) snapshots should include actors.​

  • A video showing how certain parts of the set or prop operated or what made it special may also be submitted as part of the entry but is not mandatory.​

• One (1) copy of the show program

• A 3-D scale model of the set is optional, with color swatches and samples of fabric and/or any special materials used, if possible. 

  • The name of the theater, show, and dates of the production should be written on the model. ​

  • For reasons of transport, the maximum size for a model should be 24" wide x 20" deep x 12" tall and made of lightweight materials. 

  • NOTE: All entries need to have everything secured down or should not contain loose pieces.

• If physically practical, the prop may be sent as an exhibit.

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Please note: it is the submitter's responsibility to make sure arrangements are made for the pick-up of competition materials following the Annual State Conference.​​

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DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: Saturday, July 24, 2027

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