Interested in Set Design? 3 Degrees to Consider

If you’ve ever been to a live theatre performance or even watched a movie or television show, then you know how important set design is. The background pieces provide the setting that the actors use to make the performance come alive. Without an accurate and attractive set, the entire performance will seem off, no matter how good the actors are.

If you want to get into set design, there are several options for you to consider. In this career, experience helps but so does having a college degree that teaches you the technical basics. Here are three options to consider when pursuing a career in set design.

Standard Theatre Degree with a Specialized Concentration

Bachelor’s degree programs in theatre often come with concentrations that you can choose from. No matter the concentration that you decide on, you’ll need to take a few technical theatre classes in order to fulfill your degree requirements. Among these technical theatre courses are ones in set design.

Wondering about these concentrations? At Dean College, students can choose from concentrations in acting and musical theatre, both of which require auditions, as well as theatre studies, where students dive deep into the history of theatre, gaining important skills that can help them in their careers as directors, program managers, and more.

There’s also a technical theatre option, which covers all of the areas in the background that go into making a performance run well. Lighting, set design, costume design and even music are all included in this category.

Earn Your Degree in Arts and Entertainment Management

For students who want to gain the skills necessary to work behind the scenes, running theatre programs, producing television and radio shows and more, a degree in arts and entertainment management may be the best option. At Dean College, this degree program includes both arts-based courses and business courses in subjects like management, accounting and marketing, all of which students will need for a career in the field.

And of course, some technical theatre courses are included on that list. Set design is just one of many, because it’s important for people who want to work in arts and entertainment management to be as well rounded as possible. After all, you never know what which skills will be needed on any particular day.

Earn Your Degree in Technical Theatre

Another option is a degree in technical theatre. This specialized area of expertise is occasionally included under the umbrella of a larger theatre program, where students can major in theatre and choose technical theatre as their concentration. However, in other cases, it might be a standalone major that’s simply connected to a college theatre program.

Either way, the degree includes courses in set design, lighting, sound engineering and more, all of which will come in handy for a student who wants to get into the more technical side of the theatre. With more courses in set design than a standard theatre program, this is a good option for students who really enjoy the construction and design process. Interested in learning more? Request more information, today!