BTU Designer Initiative
overview
Focused on supporting emerging and early-career professionals, the BTU Designer Initiative offers information, access, and exposure to the many disciplines of theatrical design—including scenic, lighting, costume, wig and hair, makeup, sound, projection and video, and special effects design.
The BTU Designer Initiative is divided into three phases:
- Phase 1: “Before the Curtain Rises” The Designer Series - BTU Youtube Series now in its second season
- Phase 2: The Black Theatre United Design Hub - Fellowships, grants, internships across all design
- Phase 3: BTU Design Expo - A full day of panels, discussions, panel reviews and demonstrations
why it
matters
Design is often invisible but always impactful. This initiative ensures that artists behind the scenes are seen, supported, and celebrated.
what it
supports
- Mini-documentary series featuring working designers
- Centralized database of grants, fellowships, and job opportunities
- A live industry expo
gallery
past events
design hub
Black Theatre United presents The Design Hub – a directory of resources and opportunities in multi-disciplinary fields of design on-and-off the stage.
Before the Curtain Rises: The Designers Series Season 1
Before the Curtain Rises: The Designers Series is a mini-documentary series featuring the creative lives of artists in the design world. It will have two seasons and eight episodes introducing artists, their journeys and their work.
Before the Curtain Rises: The Designers Series Season 2
Step into the world behind Broadway’s magic. Season 2 of Black Theatre United’s Designer Initiative invites you into the creative minds of the artists who make the stage come alive — from sound and lighting to wigs, costumes, projections, special effects, and more.
Curious about this program OR want information on how to get involved?
Get in touch to learn more.
