Production Design

Ideate. At the outset of pre-production, do a tour of a reuse centre (i.e. Reverse Garbage Sydney), a venue’s storeroom, or a set/prop warehouse to get inspiration for how your design can be based on reused materials. Try to embody a circular design ethos for your production.

Draft Better. If feasible, request digital scripts instead of hard copies. Alternatively, ask your stage manager for double-sided scripts that have page breaks for new scenes/acts. That way, if major edits occur, the entire script does not have to be reprinted. See if you can make model boxes from entirely recycled materials without the use of tape or hot glue - try pins, clips, or PVA. Or better yet, look into CAD modelling software for virtual model boxes.

Challenge. Challenge your designers to “do more with less”. The less you use, the more sustainable your designs inherently are.

Shift Paradigms. Try not to think of it as an obstacle, but rather like a creative provocation or parameter - like money, time, or space - that we indie artists would normally work around (and thrive under!).

Set Goals. With the rest of your team, set goals relating to material sourcing, use, and disposal. Maybe you want to use more than 75% recycled materials. Or you’re going to use whole sheets of material, so they can be reused more easily. Or you want 100% of your props and costumes to be able to be donated to charity.

Reuse. As much as possible, source recycled or reused materials. See our Sustainable Suppliers Directory for more information.

Source Responsibly. When you have to buy products, new or reused, follow principles of sustainable sourcing, paying particular attention to the most common materials (by volume), which is generally timber and/or steel.

• Buy as locally as possible to reduce your transport emissions. This can have a huge impact on your production’s overall footprint.

• Avoid environmentally harmful materials and chemicals. See our Sustainable Materials Guide for more information.

• If buying virgin timber, ensure its chain of custody is certified with either an FSC or PEFC/Responsible Wood certification.

• Use products that can have a life after the show, and try to reduce the amount you alter them in such a way that limits their reuse (i.e. cutting to bespoke sizes).

Record. Document your materials as you order them so you can track your goals and streamline their end-of-show life. To do this, use this Production Materials Inventory template that you update in collaboration with your Producer/Stage Manager/Production Manager.

• It will be much easier if you update your inventory as you acquire materials, rather than having to do it retrospectively.

• As part of this inventory, record your anticipated disposal methods (including transport) and if you like, who will be responsible for this disposal. Include your team to make it easier!