Four designers shortlisted for lucrative Siminovitch Prize in Theatre

OTTAWA – Four designers who have set the stage for productions across Canada and beyond have been shortlisted for this year’s lucrative Siminovitch Prize in Theatre.

The prestigious theatre award, which rotates on a three-year cycle to recognize excellence in different fields, is honouring the artists who tinker behind-the-scenes to design the lighting, sound and sets that can make or break a live performance.

The winner gets $75,000 and can choose a protege to receive $25,000.

Finalists include Itai Erdal, the artistic director of the Vancouver’s Elbow Theatre who has won awards for his creative lighting, and Montreal-based sound designer and musician Alexander MacSween.

Camellia Koo, a Toronto-based designer for theatre, opera and dance, is also vying to take home the award.

Rounding out the shortlist is Stephanie Jasmin, co-artistic director of the Montreal’s UBU creative company, who has designed video for more than 30 of the theatre’s productions.

This year’s winner will be announced Nov. 5 in Ottawa.