World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08) organisers are delighted to announce Michael Scott-Mitchell as the Set Designer for the Stations of the Cross production.

The Stations of the Cross will be held on Friday 18 July 2008 and is one of the major events of the World Youth Day week, 15 - 20 July 2008. The event will be televised live to audiences in Australia and overseas.

In his role, Michael will design 14 separate sets to depict the last stages of Jesus' life, also known as The Passion of Christ.

"With a potential global audience of millions of viewers and the opportunity to design the set for one of the world's most renowned scenes, I am looking forward to rising to what may be my greatest design challenge yet," said Michael.

During the 2002 Toronto World Youth Day, the Stations of the Cross event attracted over one billion international viewers.

Michael's best known work is designing the Cauldron and Ceremonial Stage for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. He also designed the Cauldron and Ceremonial Stages for the 2006 Asian Games and designed Australia's first original Ring Cycle in Adelaide in 2004. He was also the production designer of the Opening Ceremony for CHOGM 2002.

His award-winning portfolio of work also includes production designs for the hit musical Shout!; designing 23 Sydney Theatre Company productions including set and costume design for Ying Tong; and designing and refurbishing Sydney's Rockpool restaurant in his position as Founding Director and Partner with D4DESIGN.

WYD08 Liturgy Director Father Peter Williams said he has complete confidence in Michael to deliver a memorable spectacle to commemorate the Passion and Death of Christ.

"Michael's extensive experience designing productions of various scales and subject matters gives him the necessary vision and skills to successfully bring the Stations of the Cross production to the world's stage," said Father Peter.

More than 500,000 people are expected to take part in at least one WYD08 event from 15-20 July 2008. The event - hosted by the Catholic Church, but open to all - will mark the first visit to Australia by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

Only 231 days to go to WYD08!