Black Theatre United Reveals Designers for 2026 Design Expo & Reveals New App

Black Theatre United has revealed the designers for this year’s BTU Design Expo, alongside the launch of the new BTU Design Expo App.

Hosted by NYU Tisch School of the Arts, the 2026 Expo will take place on Friday, May 22, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM at the state-of-the-art John A. Paulson Center in New York City.

The 2026 Expo brings together leading theatre designers from across every design discipline alongside emerging and early-career artists for a day of connection, inspiration, and access. Expanding its reach this year, BTU is also spotlighting the essential ancillary artists who support designers and form the backbone of theatrical design teams—opening the door to the full spectrum of creative roles that bring productions to life. All are welcome.

Confirmed designers and teams include Aurora Productions, Brett Banakis, Beowulf Boritt, Daniel Brodie, David Brian Brown, Robyn Bykofsky, Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche, Katia Carmichael, Jiyoun Chang, Jeremy Chernick, Alan Edwards, Peggy Eisenhauer, Dan Hanessian, Rachel Hauck, Gabby Irving, Natasha Katz, Hana Sooyeon Kim, David Korins, Scott Lehrer, Frank McCullough, Clifford Schwartz, Anika Seitu, Sightline Productions, Cherice Simmons,  Justin Stasiw, Bill Toles, Alejo Vietti, Teresa L. Williams, David Zinn and more.*

*Panelist attendance may change based on availability.

Participants will experience an energizing lineup of panel discussions, design demonstrations, small-group conversations, a curated resource session, and an expanded portfolio review creating unparalleled opportunities to engage directly with industry leaders and encounter the work driving the next era of theatrical design. The Expo will open with special welcome remarks from Tony and Academy Award–winning Costume Designer Paul Tazewell, who will share insights from his groundbreaking career.

Open to students, faculty, staff, and anyone passionate about theatre, the Expo is more than an event—it is a vibrant space for communication, collaboration, and community-building. Designers from all backgrounds are invited to connect with established professionals, build peer networks, and step boldly into the future of theatrical design.  Tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. The deadline to register has been extended to Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

This year, BTU is pleased to unveil the BTU Design Expo App: a dynamic digital hub that centralizes schedules and includes curated content to streamline the attendee experience. With integrated maps, designer directories, and up-to-date session information, the app ensures seamless navigation and real-time access to everything happening throughout the Expo. The Design Expo 2026 App will be available for download on the App Store and Google Play prior to the Expo.

Founded in 2025 by BTU leaders Lisa Dawn Cave (Broadway Stage Manager), Carin Ford (Broadway Sound Engineer), and Michael McElroy (Broadway Performer), the BTU Design Expo was created to champion emerging designers and early-career professionals. The initiative offers meaningful exposure, mentorship, and resources across Scenic, Lighting, Costume, Hair & Wig, Makeup, Sound, Projection & Video Design, and Special Effects.