Guidelines for applicants
ELIGIBILITY
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The Linbury Prize is open to graduates from theatre design degree or postgraduate courses graduating in 2024 and 2025. Applicants without a degree qualification who can demonstrate equivalent skills are actively encouraged.
Applicants from all nationalities are welcome to apply providing they are officially a resident in the UK, have permission to remain and intend to base their practice in the UK. The Linbury Prize can not support or sponsor VISA applications.
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You may only apply to the Linbury Prize once.
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​If you have any doubt as to your eligibility to apply for this year’s prize, please contact: LinburyPrize@nationaltheatre.org.uk
​​Applications open:
Tuesday 1 July 2025
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Deadline:
10am Monday 1 September
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
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CV​
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10 page PDF Portfolio
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Portfolios over 10 pages long will not be accepted.
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The maximum file size is 100MB. ​
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The portfolio should be in A3 Landscape format.
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​16:9 and similar screen based ratios will also be accepted. ​​​​​​
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The first page should not be an intro or front cover, go straight into the first project.​​​
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Make it clear who your collaborators are on any project.​
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Please include the director and venue where applicable.​​​​
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Differentiate between realised and speculative / unrealised work.
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Avoid tiny images and text.
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​​We offer feedback to all applicants.​​​​
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
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Your portfolio will have to speak for itself to the judges, who are looking for a mix of technical skill, artistic ability and creative vision.
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Your ten portfolio pages must show the range of your work, but do not need to include every project you have worked on.
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Show your design process.
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Select images that show how you develop ideas e.g. through early sketches, storyboards and renders. ​
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​Choose your images carefully - making sure that every image tells a different story.
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Avoid using unnecessary reference images. We want to see your work..
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​ You can also show examples of performance design specialisms e.g. costume, puppetry, installation, video or prop design. ​​​​​​​​​
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Consideration should be given to environmentally sustainable design. ​​
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VIDEO
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It is not a requirement for submission, but video can be a useful medium for showing design elements such as animation, filmic storyboards, video design etc.
Video guidelines
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Maximum length 30 seconds.
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Maximum of 1 video per project
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Embed the video in the PDF or provide a link to a video sharing platform.​​​
​​If you have accessibility requirements or need support submitting an application, please contact linburyprize@nationaltheatre.org.uk