Sho was actively involved in the performing arts in Japan as a child, performing in various children’s television and film productions as well as on stage with ‘Les Miserables’ directed by John Caird and ‘Waiting for Godot’ directed by the late Yukio Ninagawa.
He then moved to UK in 1995 and graduated from London School of Economics and Political Science in 2005 with a degree in Philosophy and Social Psychology. His studies gave him a theoretical understanding of how discrimination and segregation come about in social settings. After graduation, Sho worked at Arts Council England, South East and joined Stopgap Dance Company in 2008 to manage touring, outreach and dance development projects.
Sho began producing Stopgap’s outdoor productions in 2009 with ‘Tracking’ and built its profile in the outdoor arts sector. His endeavours culminated with a Cultural Olympiad tour of ‘SPUN Productions’ in 2012. After successfully completing ‘SPUN’, Sho joined the company’s senior management as the company’s full-time producer, then progressed to Executive Producer.
Sho is a trustee of ISTD, Play to the Crowd (umbrella organisation for Winchester Theatre Royal, Hat Fair and Playmakers) and a member of the South East Area Council for Arts Council England.
Related Stories
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Our Executive Producer Sho Shibata elaborates on how Stopgap's artistic and developmental work strategically align to make a difference in the wider world and the industry.
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Stopgap gets back on the road with outdoor arts, but can Dance really build back better for disabled artists?
The Future of Inclusivity in Dance, post-pandemic | Signature Blog
Our Executive Producer, Sho Shibata, writes about what we learned from sustaining inclusive dance classes during a pandemic...
2020 ... A year in review | Sho reflects
2020 has been a challenging year for all of us, but there have been some triumphs against many a adversities... In this blog, Executive Producer Sho Shibata reflects on some of the achievements.
Journey to Inclusion
Our Executive Producer Sho Shibata, sheds some light on Dancer Chris Pavia's dance journey and what he brings to the company as an artist, and more importantly, as an individual.
Why we made The Awakening | Part 1
Prior to the London premiere of Chris’ new outdoor work at Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, Company Producer Sho Shibata talks about what makes Chris’ work so appealing (Part 1 of a 2 Part blog).
Why we made The Awakening | Part 2
Our Company Producer Sho Shibata gives his insight into producing The Awakening, which was the first touring dance production ever to be made by learning disabled choreographer.
Sho's response to The Telegraph article
Company Producer Sho Shibata responds to the article 'How I shamed the ballet world' by Chief Political Correspondent of The Daily Telegraph. This response is also published by The RAD Gazette in October 2015.