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RWCMD Director of Drama wins International Golden Pin Award for lifetime achievement in Stage Design
Sean Crowley, Director of Drama and Head of Design Performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, has been awarded the prestigious Golden Pin Award for lifetime achievement in Stage Design by OISTAT at the World Stage Design exhibition 2025.
Sean Crowley, Director of Drama and Head of Design Performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, has been awarded the prestigious Golden Pin Award for lifetime achievement in Stage Design by OISTAT (International Organisation of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians) at the World Stage Design exhibition 2025, held this year in Sharjah.
Sean, who celebrated 25 years in his post at RWCMD last year, is a leader in British and international theatre design. In this time his focus on ‘art school training’ within a conservatoire setting, and his passion for making the College’s Design for Performance course as accessible as possible, encouraging people who wouldn’t normally think of studying at a conservatoire to apply, has led to an unrivalled track record for winners and finalists in the Linbury Prize for Stage Design.
‘I’m absolutely delighted to receive this award. It’s a meaningful recognition of my long-standing commitment to OISTAT, over nearly twenty years, to creating opportunities for practitioners and students to come together, share experiences, and celebrate the work we produce.
I’ve always found inspiration in being able to offer my students the chance to participate in international events. These experiences not only enrich their learning but also help us raise the profile of the design department and the College, expanding our international community.
I’m deeply honoured to have been nominated by such wonderful designers.’Sean CrowleyDirector of Drama, Head of Design Performance, RWCMD
Sean is committed to fostering international collaboration, artistic exchange, and educational development, as shown in his work with OISTAT over many years, particularly through his enduring engagement in both the Education Commission and the Executive Committee.
In 2013 he was Director of World Stage Design when it came to the Royal Welsh College in Cardiff. Under his guidance, WSD 2013 became not only an outstanding exhibition, but also a vital meeting point for dialogue, innovation, and interdisciplinary exchange among theatre professionals, educators, and students.
More recently, his work with OISTAT has included coordinating the WSD 2025 International Volunteer programme, combining leadership, educational impact, and international project management.
‘Sean is a pivotal figure for students and young designers around the world. Through his generosity, deep knowledge, and collaborative spirit, he inspires and mobilises professionals and educators across borders, helping emerging practitioners pursue further study and career opportunities.
Many of them continue to follow and support his work by volunteering at the events he leads. Sean Crowley’s extraordinary dedication and influence make him a truly deserving winner.’OISTAT award
Editors notes
World Stage Design (WSD) is the first and only designer-based exhibition to showcase and celebrate performance design from individual designers. Held every four years, WSD has now travelled to five cities: Toronto, Seoul, Cardiff, Taipei, & Calgary. The sixth WSD exhibition was held in Sharjah, UAE.
Linbury Prize
The prestigious Linbury Prize, the UK’s only nationwide award for emerging design talent, is awarded every two years and supports designers to develop a sustainable career in the creative industry.
RWCMD’s Linbury Prize winning designers embody the spirit of training across the College, embracing collaboration, and a fearless approach to taking their art into new places, exploring the space and its relationship with an audience to challenge and engage.
