Introduction to Stage Design short course at the National Theatre

Sophie Jump has facilitated the National Theatre’s inaugural Introduction to Stage Design programme — a seven‑week series of workshops led by professional theatre designers.

An exhibition, in the Wolfson Gallery, National Theatre, showcases the work of 13 young people aged 16–19 who took part and can be viewed until 6 June 2026.

Responding to Nigel Williams’ stage adaptation of Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the group explored how design helps shape storytelling on stage. Through weekly masterclasses, they were introduced to the fundamentals of stage design — from researching a text and developing a visual concept, to experimenting with scale, materials and atmosphere.

The exhibition brings together the full creative journey behind their ideas. Visitors can explore scale models, costume drawings, collages and sculptural responses, each offering a fresh and contemporary interpretation of the play. Together, the works reveal how designers think through space, character and mood — and how many different directions a single text can inspire.

There’s also a hands‑on element: interactive models of the National Theatre’s three stages invite visitors of all ages to design through play, experimenting with wooden blocks to imagine their own stage worlds.

Congratulations to the young designers whose creativity and curiosity are at the heart of this show!

📸 Rory Murphy