Theater is magical, but it can also be pretty darn wasteful. Every show you produce requires new sets, new props, and racks of costumes — some of which end up collecting dust (or worse, they end up in the dumpster).
As more theaters look for ways to increase sustainability, it’s time to get on board. Whether you’re running a community theater or a professional company, these tips can help you more sustainable shows.
1. Plan With Sustainability in Mind
The best time to start thinking about sustainability is during the planning stage. During your first meeting with the creative team, ask questions such as:
- What materials do we already have?
- If we have to buy new materials, can we reuse them when the show is over?
- How can we design sets, costumes, and props to maximize what we already have?
By tackling these questions in the beginning, you can save money and shrink your carbon footprint.
2. Set Design: Embrace Flexible
Here are a few ways to reduce waste in set design.:
Find ways to reuse materials before buying new
Dig through the storage room in your theater —there’s a good chance you’ll find platforms or flats that can be re-skinned, repainted, or re-used.
Use modular design
If you build sets with standard-sized pieces, such as 4×8 panels or rolling flats, you can use them for lots of different shows. All you have to do is change the paint.
Find sustainable sources
Instead of buying new sets and materials, check these places:
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore
- “Buy Nothing” groups on Facebook
- Thrift stores
Recycle creatively
When you’re striking the set, take time to separate everything into categories such as lumber and hardware. Then, store them by group so you can find them easily for future productions. Make sure to label shelves and bins for easy identification.
3. Costumes: Keep it Green (and we’re not talking about Wicked)
When you’re ready to start designing costumes, here are some ways to
Shop your theater closet
Before buying, check what’s already in your costume shop. A simple alteration or dye job can make an old piece new again.
Choose fabrics that last
Opt for natural fibers — cotton, linen, wool — that breathe well and wear beautifully.
Rent, borrow, or swap
Look for local theaters or schools with rental programs, or organize a costume swap event with nearby groups. And if you need something, don’t be afraid to ask — it’s a great way for local theaters to collaborate and support each other.
Recycle consciously
Save buttons, trims, and fabric scraps. Even tiny bits can be useful for patching or crafting future costumes.
4. Find Ways to Reuse Your Theater Props
Props can pile up fast, especially if your theater group has some storage space. If you want to build a more sustainable theater operation, here are some ways to make the most of what you have:
Build a prop inventory
Photograph, label, and store items by type. Then, use them to create a searchable digital catalog in Google Drive or Airtable. It’ll save you from digging through piles of props later on.
DIY with sustainability in mind
Avoid single-use plastics and foam. Instead, use cardboard, papier-mâché, and recycled materials.
Partner with local shops
Thrift stores and reuse centers often donate unsold items to theaters. Offer them a credit in your program or a social media thank-you in return.
5. Plan an Environmentally Friendly Strike
Plan your strike with sustainability in mind:
- Label separate bins for items to keep, donate, recycle, and trash
- Encourage volunteers to take reusable materials that you can’t use any more
- Donate leftover sets and props to schools or smaller theaters
Try hosting a “green strike” — an organized event where your cast and crew takes time to disassemble, sort, and upcycle together. It’s efficient and it helps reinforce the bonds you’ve just built during the show.
6. Educate Your Cast, Crew, and Creative Team
Make sustainability part of your theater’s culture:
- Let your casts and crews know how you’re going green in the theater
- Set out recycling bins around the theater; add signs that explain what can be recycled
- Talk about theater sustainability on your social media profile
- Celebrate the wins (even small ones) after each production
When everyone can see how committed you are to sustainability, the more likely they are to join in.
Start Building a More Sustainable Theater
A sustainable theater doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice creativity — it actually requires you to be more creative. When you go the extra mile to reduce waste, you can save money and protect the planet, all while you’re entertaining audiences.
