An international ideas contest is being held for a new theatre inside Sharjahs waterfront Bait Obaid Al Shamsi complex (Deadline: 14 April)The Theatre of Possibilities competition invites architecture students and emerging practitioners to draw up innovative concepts for a new performance space within the courtyard of the historic Bait Obaid Al Shamsi merchants house which was originally built in 1845.Supported by the Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah Architecture Triennale and Sharjah Performing Arts Academy the call for concepts is the latest edition of the Theatre Architecture Competition which has been held by the OISTAT Architecture Commission every four years since 1978.Competition site: Bait Obaid Al Shamsi theatre, SharjahKey aims include promoting innovative theatre design and interdisciplinary cooperation. Collaborative submissions featuring both architects and theatre practitioners are encouraged.According to the brief: We are interested in seeing innovative ideas for a performance space that could be built to provide the best use and highest value for an area of cultural activity. Performance is more than the visual, there are many ways to tell a story and at the very beginning of this process is the space it happens within.What is the audience interaction and experience from the beginning of their visit to the time they leave? They are part of that experience, not merely an observer. A theatre space should envelop the audience, feel safe for the artists and have a plethora of opportunities and flexibility.Constructed for the merchant Obaid Bin Hamad Al Shamsi the former private house is a large two-storey structure featuring a courtyard. The building was renovated in the late 1990s, is now run by the Sharjah Art Foundation and features a series of artist studios and events.The latest ideas contest seeks flexible proposals to transform the central courtyard into a new temporary 100-capacity performance space. Proposals should respect the heritage of the site and the region while also offering a maximum build and deconstruction time of no more than three days.Competition site: Bait Obaid Al Shamsi theatre, SharjahProposals which harness sustainable construction methods, promote accessible design, and provide opportunities to experience and engage with the performance are encouraged.The competition features a 43 (200 AED) entry fee with teams from the 22 Arab-speaking countries eligible for free entry. Submissions must include a single A0-sized display board featuring images along with a 200-word project description and short video.The overall winner to be notified in June will receive a 3,240 (15,000 AED) prize while a second prize of 1,730 (8,000 AED), third prize of 1,080 (5,000 AED) and three further prizes worth 320 (1,500 AED) will also be awarded.The best entries will also be exhibited at the World Stage Design summit taking place within Bait Al Obaid Shamsi in October 2025.How to applyDeadline: 14 AprilCompetition funding source: Not suppliedProject funding source: Not suppliedOwner of site(s): Not suppliedContact details: infowsd2025@spaa.aeVisit the competition website for more information2025-02-24Merlin Fulcher Share