About

James Stibilj is a set and costume designer based between London and Sydney, working across theatre, opera and film. He is a 2025 recipient of the Linbury Prize for emerging stage designers.

James received a BFA in Design For Live Performance at the National Institute of Dramatic Art, where he was mentored under leading stage designers including Bob Cousins and Stephen Curtis. His work on NIDA productions Sweeney Todd (costume design) and Sandaime Richard (set design) were both nominated for the 2024 APDG Emerging Designer Award, with the latter winning.

James was the recipient of the Robert Helpmann and Tim Fairfax scholarships during his study, and was recognised by the APDG as an Outstanding Production Design student of 2023. Upon graduating in 2024, James was awarded the Leslie Walford AM Award to move his practice overseas, and complete design and assistant directing internships with theatres including Toneelhuis Antwerpen and the Bayerische Staatsoper. He has additionally undertaken secondments at the Teatro dell'Opera Di Roma and Polish National Opera.

James has worked as a design assistant for theatre companies including Sydney Theatre Company, Opera Australia, Griffin Theatre, Belvoir St Theatre and Sydney Festival, with designers including Mel Page, Kim Barrett and Tim Chappel.

Alongside his work in stage and screen design, James is an award winning illustrator.