Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Stage / Screen Designer- from: Youtube Search
- 3 ways to Create a Space That Moves You, from a Broadway Set Designer- from: TED [video]
- Design Challenge - designing and making a set- from: Royal Opera House [video]
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Working Life
Theatre/television designers design and supervise the creation of exterior and interior settings for theatre, television and film productions. Designers read and analyse scripts then make decisions about the shape and sise of sets, colour schemes and scenic features.
Designers begin by carrying out detailed research. If they are working on a period drama they need to find details about how people lived in the past.
After the research stage, designers produce scale models and detailed working drawings called 'ground plans' and 'elevations'. Increasingly these will be done using computer aided design (CAD). These show how sets will look from above and from eye-level. Directors and performers can use these to determine entrances, exits and positions. Television and film directors can also use them to plan camera angles and to decide where to put sound equipment.
While sets are being built, designers find, buy, or hire props, which they use to dress the sets. At this stage, scenic artists can add all the finishing touches. They paint backcloths, gauses and floors, and create finer details such as paintings, tapestries and wall hangings.
Designers work closely with directors, producers, stage/floor managers, costume designers, lighting designers, craftworkers and technicians.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.
- Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.
- Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting.
- Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.
- Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.
- Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.
- Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements.
- Research architectural and stylistic elements appropriate to the time period to be depicted, consulting experts for information, as necessary.
- Observe sets during rehearsals in order to ensure that set elements do not interfere with performance aspects such as cast movement and camera angles.
- Collaborate with those in charge of lighting and sound so that those production aspects can be coordinated with set designs or exhibit layouts.
Further Information
- Stage / Screen Designer- from: The Theatre Design Website
- Stage / Screen Designer- from: BBC Bitesize Guides
- Stage / Screen Designer- from: Wimbledon College Of Arts
- Working In The Theatre: Scenic Design- from: American Theatre Wing
Qualities - Stage / Screen Designer
You will need to pay great attention to detail as audiences soon spot any inaccuracies. You need to be able to express your ideas clearly through the drawings and models you produce. You will also need a thorough knowledge of technical and production processes.
Flexibility will be required, as you will be working on tight deadlines often with changing plans and circumstances. Sets may have to be constructed or altered rapidly and issues in production may force you to rework aspects of the design.
Interests - Stage / Screen Designer
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Stage / Screen Designer
The most common route into television and theatre design is through an appropriate degree. Suitable degree courses include Theatre Design, Interior Design and Architecture. There are also specialist courses at postgraduate level. Applicants are advised to check individual prospectuses for exact course content. Gaining experience in theatre or screen productions, whether amateur or professional, is also valuable.
Recognised degree courses in architecture take five years of full-time study. Many students take a year out for practical experience between the third and fourth years. Achieving full professional qualification as an architect can therefore take seven to nine years.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: architectural design and technology, pre-university architecture, interior architecture, design.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: architectural design and technology, pre-university architecture, interior architecture, design.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: architecture, architectural technology, interior architecture and design.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: architectural design and practice.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Stage / Screen Designer
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €47k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Glassdoor/ Theatre forum/ Payscale
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Stage / Screen Designer
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Artists; Authors; writers; translators; Actors; entertainers; presenters; Dancers; choreographers; Musicians Arts officers; producers; directors; Photographers; audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators; Graphic designers Product; clothing and related designers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022, with an additional 7,300 persons employed. As illustrated in the CSO Census data below, employment is spread across a number of roles; since 2016, the strongest growth, in absolute terms, was for graphic designers and authors, writers and translators.
New employment permits issued for this occupation in 2022 were primarily for film/TV and animation/visual effects (VFX) roles but also for linguistics experts in the ICT sector. There was also a high volume of recent job hires in line with the recent employment increase. The data does not point to overall issues with recruitment for these roles.
Useful Contacts - Stage / Screen Designer
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The Arts Council of Ireland
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National Theatre of Ireland
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Institute of Designers in Ireland
- The Digital Hub, Roe Lane, Thomas St., Dublin 8
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- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Abbey Theatre
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The Irish Society of Stage and Screen Designers
