Scrap Piles Into Wings: Spotlight on Sustainable Set Design

Driven by creativity and a zero-to-low-waste approach, students in the production crew have developed and embraced a mantra of "upcycle, recycle and reuse," using their skills to reduce environmental impact while breathing life into their artistic creations.

Most of our set pieces and props are transformed from existing materials, often scavenged from items that might otherwise go unnoticed. Old furniture, repurposed materials and found objects are repainted, reshaped and reimagined into something extraordinary. The costume team works with similar ingenuity, using thrifted items and adding embellishments crafted from unexpected finds—sometimes even sourced right off the street! This dedication to repurposing everyday items demonstrates how sustainability can be woven into the fabric of artistic expression, inspiring students to make a creative impact while conserving resources.

This approach not only reduces consumption and waste but also challenges students to reimagine items and think outside the box. They’ve turned felt scraps into magical flowers and used paper from the recycling bin to create costumes that tell stories beyond the script. They are experimenting with a huge variety of techniques that allow them to transform materials. For example, with a pioneering approach to textile dying, a student used water, green acrylic paint and a heat gun to “melt” colour and texture into a pair of second-hand curtains, turning them into a majestic sylvan cape for Robin Goodfellow. 

A crucial part of the process is also recording and tracking which donated or borrowed pieces can be altered or broken down, and which pieces need to be returned in good condition and to whom, helping refine students’ data management and organization skills. Through this creative process, students learn to see potential in discarded materials, developing critical problem-solving skills, record-keeping and resilience as they transform simple items into works of art.

Through sustainable practices in theatre, BSS empowers young women to lead in climate action. Girls' schools play a crucial role in equipping students with the skills to address global challenges, as climate change disproportionately impacts women and girls. Creative arts projects like this provide hands-on experience and transferable skills, preparing our students to champion equitable and impactful solutions for a sustainable future.