Scenic Designer

DESCRIPTION: Creates the visual scenic environment of a play or musical. Working with the director and other designers, the scenic designer decides what the stage setting will look like, from large or abstract scenic elements to furniture and backdrops based on the script and the director’s interpretation/vision of the play. The scenic designer will coordinate color palettes with the other artistic team designers.  

REPORTS TO: Director, Production Manager and Technical Director 

EXPECTATIONS:  

• Provide the following: 

• sketches for the director 

• full design elevations for the shop to build from 

• a color rendering or white model of the set 

• paint elevations for the shop to mix and create a scenic painting process to be able to paint the designer’s vision 

• ground plans for the stage manager and director 

• ground plan and section for the lighting designer and technical director 

• Help with the mixing and application of paint to scenery  

• Check on the construction of scenery regularly   

• Co-ordinate props and set dressings with the property master 

PRODUCTION TIMELINE

9 Weeks Before Opening: Play Discussion

8 Weeks Before Opening: Ideas/Dreams Meeting    

7 Weeks Before Opening: Preliminary Designs

6 Weeks Before Opening: Design Meeting and Cost Out/Priorities; Ground Plan Due

5 Weeks Before Opening (and ongoing) Production Meeting

4 Weeks Before Opening: Company Meeting/First Rehearsal/Scenic Presentation

3 Weeks Before Opening: Rehearsal furniture

2 Weeks Before Opening: Designer Run

1 Week Before Opening: Paper Tech, Looks & Levels (if needed), Q2Q

Week of Opening: Tech, Dress Rehearsals, Performances