Set Designer
Comprehensive Sites
Princeton Review: Set DesignerA day in the life of a set designer is described for you at this comprehensive source of career information. Following information on the quality of life you can expect, you will also find related links to useful college major selections, possible graduate programs, internships available, and a career search tool.
Theatrecrafts.comHoping to be a leading source of practical information for technical theatre techniques, this page includes links to theatrical effects information, a glossary of technical theatre terms, a home page just for marketing details, props, rigging, and other sub-specialties of the theater and stage technical design.
Occupational Titles
Set Designer
Set Decorator
Set Dresser
Production Designer
Theatre Technician
Theatre Craftsperson
Scenic Designer
Technical Director
Accredited Academic Programs
Princeton Review: Set Designer College MajorsClick on “Industrial Design,” or “Art” to link to the college majors that might be good choices for you if you are interested in becoming a set designer. Once you select a major, click on “schools offering the major” at the left of the page to connect to a large A to Z listing of possible colleges.
U.S. News: America’s Best Colleges 2008, Theatre/Theatre Arts ManagementVarious theatre programs across the U.S. offer specializations in visual arts management and set design. Click on any one of these top-rated schools to access their academic departments and help narrow down your search.
Salary Levels
Indeed.com: Theatre Technician SalariesThe average salaries of theatre technician professionals are posted at this site, along with a graph depicting the average salaries of jobs with related titles. Click on any job link to find further information on that specific profession. You can also narrow down your search by entering a specific city.
PayScale: Set DecoratorThe median hourly rate by employer type is shown at the first graph at this page, with additional charts displaying median rate by industry and state.
Salary.com: Set DesignThe average base salary for a set designer is shown at this graph, depicting the 25th, median, and 7th percentile earnings across the U.S.
Professional Organizations
Entertainment Services and Technology AssociationSupporting the entertainment technology industry, this site offers information on its membership programs that include key industry information, cost-savings plans, educational opportunities, and obtaining certification in technical standards.
International Association of Theatrical Stage EmployeesThis organization is dedicated to supporting the talents of stage craftspeople in the entertainment industry and has links to a local union directory and links, as well as news and event information, details on scholarships, and the official bulletin of the organization. This is the union for stage technicians and set decorators. It is worth knowing that some employers will only hire union members.
Set Decorators Society of AmericaExclusively dedicated to the art of set decoration, this organization will help you find out more about the set decorating craft through its online quarterly magazine and news about the field.
United States Institute of Theater TechnologyThis organization is involved with many activities of interest to theater professionals, such as creating standards throughout the industry and hosting exhibitions in the United States and abroad. Fellowships and grants are available in support of young members’ creative design and technology for the theatre.
Job Opportunity Sources
BackstageJobs.comBehind the scene jobs in the entertainment industry are the focus of this job board, which includes last minute listings, internships, tours, and jobs by city. You can also narrow the search by type of technical work, such as electrics, sets, props, costumes, sound, or management. The positions at this site are recent and continuously updated.
ShowBizJobs.comA professional network of entertainment employers, this site maintains a list for job seekers that can be searched by keyword, job type, and salary. Simply select “tech/operations” in the job category search, and browse by company, posting date, and specific theatre tech sub-industry. You can also post your resume for potential employers to view.
Licensing & Certification
Entertainment Services and Technology Association: Certification ProgramPart of the main organization website, this page offers information on becoming a certified technician through an alliance of several organizations in the entertainment industry. Learn more about testing, and find out how to become certified at this page.
Publications
CenterpieceA publication of the Theatre Communications Group, this online newsletter offers those employed as theatre staff a look behind the scenes in development, marketing, education, and research issues in American Theatre.
Set DécorThis is the official publication of the Set Decorators’ Society of America and is a quarterly magazine full of interesting photos of current sets and art. Tools for learning about set decorating and design are available in the free online issues, as well as a resource directory that could be very valuable as a student.
Online Forums & Blogs
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists, and Allied Crafts of the U.S.In addition to a list of local unions for stage and technical employees, this site may lead visitors to online forums and local blogs in the industry.
Career Videos
CollegeGrad.com: Arts, Audio-Video Technology and CommunicationsWorking in the arts and communication at the creative and technical level is described in this video, including various clients, jobs, creative services, budget, and needed skills in the industry.
