The Life of a Scenic Designer in the Performing Arts

A scenic designer needs to have several different skills. You can think of a designer as a Jack or Jane of all trades. You have to know a little bit about color theory. You have to know a little bit about how to draw as well as art and architectural history. You have to know how buildings are constructed. These are all things that you can learn on the fly, but it’s a good idea to practice them as you’re starting out. I recommend that everyone aspiring to be a scenic designer take some drawing classes. Doing that alone will help propel you toward a career in theater design more quickly.

One you’ve developed some basic skills, you’re going to need to learn how to draft. You can do so using a pencil or pen, but most people will be using AutoCAD or Vectorworks or some other CAD drafting program. Fortunately, these are technology skills that are actually quite easy to learn. In fact, you might start with a program like SketchUp and import something that you designed there into another program so that you can turn it into a more clear drawing. This way, it will be easier to understand when you give it to others.

You might also need to learn how to paint digitally. Oftentimes, I will choose to work in different programs. For example, I’ll do my drafting in Vectorworks; then, I will do my painting in Photoshop. After that, I’ll combine the two and make a 3-D model with either Vectorworks or SketchUp. From there, I’ll make a walkthrough of my set so that a director and the actors can see what it will look like from various points in the house or even on stage.

I’ve had 3-D models used to sell products. I’ve had 3-D models used in film. I’ve even had to create 3-D models to be used in projection work behind live theater as well. As a theater designer, you never stop learning because technology changes all the time, and your ability to communicate with other people needs to adapt as well.

To learn more about the world of theater design and the performing arts, consider getting started with online performing arts education. This form of performing arts education allows you to gain valuable experience and learn from the comfort of your own home.

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