Stage or set designers (sometimes called production designers, particularly in the film and television industry) create the overall visual style of a theatre, television or film production. Working closely with the director and production team, they plan the design style for sets, locations, costumes, props and lighting, taking into account the available budget and any logistical problems that outdoor locations or complex scenery changes might bring.

Designers study the script, discuss ideas and production requirements with the director and producer, and calculate the costs for the work. They often carry out considerable research to create the right historical, contemporary or futuristic look for the production. Once the initial proposals are accepted, designers draw sketches and build three-dimensional models to produce a ‘storyboard’ showing what the sets will look like scene by scene. They prepare a production schedule for the technicians who will carry out the work, and oversee the construction and decoration of the sets.

Computer aided design (CAD) is increasingly being used in theatre, film and television work, and designers are also often skilled model makers.

In theatre, the designer is likely to work alone or with a small team. In television or film, the production designer hires and oversees a large art department team to carry out particular aspects of the design process. Other art department roles and duties vary according to the size and budget of the production, but normally include:

• Assistant Art Director – translates the designer’s sketches and ideas into scale drawings and 3-D models, and monitors set construction
• Art Director – project managers for the art department, they find practical solutions to realising the designer’s vision, while tightly controlling the budget.

Skillset’s website has more detailed information on specific art department roles in film and TV – see Further Information.

Hours and Environment

Designers work long and variable hours which may involve evening and weekend work, attending meetings and rehearsals.

They will usually have a design office base (sometimes at home), but spend much of their time on site in theatre workshops, or film and television studios or locations. Depending on the production, work may also involve travel, sometimes overseas.

Skills and Interests

To become a stage or set designer you should:

• have artistic flair and creativity, with practical skills in drawing and model making
• have good presentation skills to communicate your ideas to others
• be interested in film, theatre and the performing arts
• be able to work in a collaborative way and have the ability to lead a team
• have research skills
• be able to show a high degree of attention to detail
• have creative problem-solving skills and be able to work on your own initiative
• be able to work within a budget and to deadlines
• have IT skills for using computer-aided design software.

Entry

Stage/set designers need a combination of knowledge and experience. There are no set educational qualifications, but most designers have taken an art-based higher education course. There are some specific degrees and BTEC HNDs in theatre design, set and props design, performance design and design for film and television. Other useful degree subjects include art and design, interior design, fine art, 3-D design and architecture.

To enter a degree course you will usually need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two A levels/three Highers, or equivalent qualifications such as an art foundation course. An Access to Higher Education qualification may be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Courses that include stage design are available at a large number of colleges and universities, and increasingly at drama schools. The Society of British Theatre Designers publishes a list of relevant courses on its website.

It is usual to start in a junior position such as designer’s assistant in theatre or art department trainee in film/TV. The key to finding a trainee position is to gain relevant practical experience and to make contacts in the industry. Experience can come from student theatre or film, local community theatre or amateur dramatics, or low-budget independent films or fringe theatre. A portfolio/showreel of previous design work is as important as qualifications for demonstrating experience to potential employers.

It can also be possible to become a stage designer through following a relevant theatre craft route, for example, an apprenticeship in carpentry, scenic painting, props or costume within a theatre setting.

Training

Training is normally obtained on the job, working as an assistant to a theatre designer, or as an art department assistant in film/TV, helping with the preparation of drawings and models.

For film and TV, new entrants can gain professional training through the apprenticeship-style schemes offered by Film and Television Freelance Training (FT2). The New Entrant Technical Training Schemes combine short course training with industry work placements and assessment, and cover a variety of roles including art department assistants and props assistants.

Places on the schemes are strictly limited. Applicants must show evidence of having tried to gain relevant work experience in the industry, be over 18 and be prepared to live in London. See website for further details.

Postgraduate diplomas and degrees are available in theatre design or scenography, or in design for film and television.

Short professional development and technical courses are available in various areas of art and design for film and TV, and in computer-aided design software. Skillset provides a media course search database listing relevant courses - see the Skillset website for more details.

Opportunities

Competition for jobs in stage and set design is extremely strong. It is a job where talent, flair and reputation are the main factors that determine promotion.

In film and TV, career progression is usually from art department assistant/runner to draughtsperson to assistant art director, then art director and finally production designer after several years’ experience. Designers may also progress through the props department (see Prop Maker).

About 85% of film and TV production is based in London or the south of England. There are also opportunities with television commercials and music videos. Some designers move into film/TV after starting in the theatre. Designers may also become involved in exhibition and corporate events design in between working in film, TV or theatre.

Most designers are self-employed, working on a freelance basis. Established designers often use an agent to gain work and negotiate their fees. Permanent work is rare, but is possible in larger theatres that present their own productions, or design consultancies/agencies that employ staff on a full-time basis.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Income varies widely according to experience, reputation, type of production and budget available. Freelance rates may be calculated per job, or on a daily or weekly basis. Fees can be negotiated individually or from guidelines provided by the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU). Theatre design fees are likely to be lower than for TV and film.

New entrants in film are likely to start at the equivalent of around £14,000 per year.
Experienced designers can expect to earn the equivalent of around £20,000 to £40,000.
Well-established freelance designers with exceptional talent or reputation may earn considerably more.

Further information

Fourth Floor
55 Farringdon Road
London
EC1M 3JB
Tel: 020 7242 9200 Tel: 08080 300 900 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Tel: 0808 100 8094 for Scotland Prospect House
80-110 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1HB 4th Floor
Warwick House
Warwick Street
London
W1R 5RA Upper Ground
South Bank
London
SE1 9PX
Tel: 020 7452 3388
http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

373-377 Clapham Road London SW9 9BT