How To Become a Set Designer

Set designers play an important role in every theatre production. Scenery helps the audience envision the setting of the show and helps bring the production to life. A set designer is involved in taking the producer's and director's visions and making them a reality. They not only design the sets, but they are also in charge of procuring materials and managing the team that’s building it while staying on time and within budget.

With such a crucial job, it's no wonder that many students who love theatre, but prefer to remain behind the scenes, want to become set designers. Interested? Here’s what you need to know.

Learning More About Theatre with a Bachelor's Degree

Although some set designers start at the bottom in a theatre, working to put together the sets or procure the pieces that are needed for the design the director wants, many do that while obtaining a college degree in Theatre. This degree is essential for teaching students about the history of theatre and providing a solid foundation to working in the industry.

In addition to teaching students more about the history of theatre, a degree in the subject covers everything from directing to acting, allowing potential set designers to truly learn more about what goes on when creating a theatre production from the ground up. Also, students can take courses in things like production, design, lighting, studio art and more. This helps give them the background that they need in order to put together sets that make sense for the production.

Getting Plenty of Experience

On top of spending time in school getting a bachelor's degree in Theatre, future set designers need to have a lot of hands-on experience. This means volunteering for on-campus productions and working on the sets, as well as getting internships or jobs with community and professional theatre productions. The more time that students spend working in the field, making those valuable connections, the more likely it is for them to get a job once they graduate. There are plenty of productions out there that need motivated set designers.

Another Avenue to Explore

In addition to working in theatre, there's another type of set design for those who want to get into the field: movies and television. While set design for movies and television is slightly different than theatre, it provides a number of job opportunities. Those who want to be set designers in Hollywood might find themselves working other jobs at first, like tracking continuity or handling props, on top of assisting productions with set design. Every bit of experience counts when it comes to working in this field. Building that resume is key.

Students who want to go on to become set designers have plenty of options once they finish school. However, their career starts with a degree in Theatre. Ready to take the first step? Request more information, today.