OCTA SET & PROP DESIGN COMPETITION

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. 

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Applications for the 2026 Set & Prop Design Competition are officially open! Download the entry form here!

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Criteria/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, downloadable here

• 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.​

  • 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. 

• 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 snapshots of the set or prop: all snapshots should be mounted on 8 1/2 x 11 paper, be either 3x5 or 4x6 in dimension, and compiled in a folder or binder.

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

  • A maximum of forty (40) 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 encouraged, 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. 

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

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Deadline to submit is July 18, 2026. Questions? Contact chair Sue Cohen: sue.c@octa1953.org

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