Set Designer for Ibn Battuta Travels- Seenaryo Lebanon

About Seenaryo

Participatory theatre and play can transform an individual’s sense of agency, giving them the power to shape their own narrative and expand what is possible individually and collectively.

Working in Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine, Seenaryo uses theatre and play to support people to heal, lead, and learn. We co-create performances with under-served communities, train future leaders, and transform classrooms through play.

Since 2015, Seenaryo has reached over 155,000 children, youth, and women, winning the Resilience in Action Award (HundrED 2024), the Arts, Culture & Heritage Prize (UK Charity Awards 2023), and being recognized among Expo 2020 Dubai’s Global Innovators.

Project Overview – Ibn Battuta Play

The Ibn Battuta Play is a large-scale participatory theatre production with 100 participants from across Lebanon. The performance is inspired by Ibn Battuta’s travels and explores themes of journey, discovery, and human connection through theatre, movement, and music.

Participants are divided into several groups — including main actors, movers, and choir — working collaboratively to create a unified performance that blends storytelling, movement, music, and song.

The set will be a central component of the play, helping to create immersive environments, support narrative transitions, and provide visual cues that enhance storytelling. The Set Designer will be responsible for the conceptualization, design, and coordination of all physical stage elements.

Note: The Set Designer may also collaborate closely with the group responsible for creating the scenography, ensuring consistency between scenic design, visual storytelling, and performer interaction.

Objectives

Seenaryo is seeking a Set Designer to:

Conceptualize and design the visual environment for the play in alignment with its narrative and themes.

Collaborate with the Director, Movement Director, and other artistic teams to ensure the set supports performers’ movements and storytelling.

Select and supervise materials, props, and scenic elements to achieve functional and aesthetic goals.

Ensure the set is safe, accessible, and adaptable for all performers.

Coordinate installation, technical rehearsals, and adjustments as needed to finalize the stage design.

Work in partnership with the scenography group to maintain a unified visual and spatial vision for the play.

Scope of Work

The Set Designer will be responsible for:

4.1 Concept & Design

Develop initial design concepts, sketches, and visual references aligned with the play’s story and themes.

Collaborate with the Director and creative team to refine the set design.

Plan set elements that integrate with lighting, movement, and performance flow.

4.2 Materials & Construction

Identify and source materials for the set, considering budget, safety, and durability.

Supervise or coordinate construction of set pieces, props, and scenic elements.

Ensure all set components are completed on schedule and meet quality standards.

4.3 Technical Coordination

Collaborate with technical staff for installation, transitions, and adjustments during rehearsals.

Ensure the set works harmoniously with movement, lighting, and other performance elements.

Troubleshoot design or functional issues that arise during rehearsals.

4.4 Collaboration & Communication

Work closely with the Director, Movement Director, Assistant Facilitators, and scenography group to align the set with the play’s artistic vision.

Attend planning and creative meetings, and provide progress updates on design and construction.

Document designs, materials, and installation plans for team reference.

Deliverables

Complete set design concepts, sketches, and technical drawings.

Construct and install all scenic elements, props, and stage components.

Ensure integration of the set with main actors, Movers, and Choir performances.

Collaborate with the scenography group to finalize the visual and spatial design.

Participate in technical and dress rehearsals to make adjustments as needed.

Submit a final report reflecting on the set design process and recommendations for future projects.

Duration & Timeline

January to April 2026 (dates to be confirmed).

Sessions required during the period mentioned are 11 Sessions , plus or minus based on the needed assessment.

The Set Designer must be available for design development, installation, rehearsals, and the final performance.

7. Qualifications & Experience

Proven experience as a Set Designer or Scenic Designer for theatre productions.

Strong skills in conceptual design, technical drawing, and construction supervision.

Experience facilitating large-scale participatory or community-based theatre projects is an advantage.

Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and adapt to project needs.

Knowledge of safe construction practices and materials for stage use.