define set materials
Make set construction drawings, define a proper set building and select painting materials and methods.
Set designers develop a set concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Set designers develop sketches, design drawings, models, plans or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew. They may also design exhibition stands for fairs and other events.
Competences and skills
78 ESCO relationsEssential skills and competences 44 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencessketch set images
Quickly sketch ideas for set layouts and details.
Sector-specific
32 competencesadapt existing designs to changed circumstances
Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.
adapt to artists' creative demands
Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.
analyse a script
Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.
analyse music score
Analysing the score, form, themes and structure of a piece of music.
analyse the artistic concept based on stage actions
Analyse the artistic concept, form and structure of a live performance based on observation during rehearsals or improvisation. Create a structured base for the design process of a specific production.
analyse the scenography
Analyse the selection and distribution of material elements on a stage.
coach staff for running the performance
Give instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.
communicate during show
Communicate efficiently with other professionals during a live performance show, anticipating any possible malfunctioning.
conduct costume research
Ensure that costumes and pieces of clothing in visual artistic productions are historically correct, based on research conducted in primary sources as literature, museums, newspapers, pictures, etc.
contextualise artistic work
Identify influences and situate your work within a specific trend which may be of an artistic, aesthetic, or philosophical natures. Analyse the evolution of artistic trends, consult experts in the field, attend events, etc.
create set models
Create three-dimensional models of the envisioned set layout.
define artistic approach
Define your own artistic approach by analysing your previous work and your expertise, identifying the components of your creative signature, and starting from these explorations to describe your artistic vision.
define prop materials
Decide what materials the props will be made from, and document the conclusions.
design props
Draw prop sketches and define prop materials and building methods
develop design concept
Research information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production. Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff members, in order to develop design concepts and plan productions.
develop design ideas cooperatively
Share and develop design ideas with the artistic team. Conceptualise new ideas independently and with others. Present your idea, gain feedback and take it into account. Make sure the design fits with the work of other designers.
develop the look of a production
Develop the overall look or style of a theatre, opera, television, or film set.
draw prop sketches
Make sketches of envisioned props to help develop the concept and to share with others.
draw stage layouts
Manual drawing or sketching of stage layouts.
gather reference materials for artwork
Gather samples of the materials you expect to use in the creation process, especially if the desired piece of art necessitates the intervention of qualified workers or specific production processes.
model sets
Produce plans, drawings and models of sets.
monitor developments in technology used for design
Identify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one’s personal design work.
monitor sociological trends
Identify and investigate sociological trends and movements in society.
perform quality control of design during a run
Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.
prevent fire in a performance environment
Take steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are aware of fire prevention measures.
propose improvements to artistic production
Assess past artistic activities with a view to improving future projects.
safeguard artistic quality of performance
Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.
understand artistic concepts
Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.
update design results during rehearsals
Updating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.
use communication equipment
Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.
digital
work safely with chemicals
Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision
Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.
- Scope note
- This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, workers are only alowed to perform this kind of actions under supervision of a qualified person.
Cross-sector
10 competencesattend rehearsals
Attend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.
keep up with trends
Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.
meet deadlines
Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.
present artistic design proposals
Prepare and present detailed design suggestions for a specific production to a mixed group of people, including technical, artistic and management staff.
research new ideas
Thorough research for information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production based.
use specialised design software
Developing new designs mastering specialised software.
digital
use technical documentation
Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
verify feasibility
Interpret an artistic plan and verify whether the described design can be executed.
work ergonomically
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
work with respect for own safety
Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.
Optional knowledge 2 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
2 competencescopyright legislation
Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.
labour legislation
Legislation, on a national or international level, that governs labour conditions in various fields between labour parties such as the government, employees, employers, and trade unions.
Optional skills and competences 32 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
22 competencesadapt artistic plan to location
Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.
adapt props
Adapt existing props for use in a specific production.
analyse the need for technical resources
Define and make a list of the required resources and equipment based on the technical needs of the production.
assemble the rehearsal set
Put together all prepared scenic elements to prepare the rehearsal set.
build props
Build props from a variety of materials, working with the design staff to create the appropriate prop for the production.
calculate design costs
Calculate design costs to make sure the project is financially viable.
define prop building methods
Decide on how to build the necessary props and document the process.
define set building methods
Decide on how the set will be built and document the conclusions.
define set painting methods
Define painting methods and materials.
document your own practice
Documenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc.
draw up artistic production
File and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.
draw up stage layouts digitally
Draw and design stage settings and layouts using software like CAD.
digital
ensure visual quality of the set
Inspect and amend the scenery and set-dressing to make sure the visual quality is optimal with in constraints of time, budget and manpower.
make set construction drawings
Visually describe the various pieces of the set in order to develop the plan and to share with others.
mark the stage area
Interpret the designs and other scenic drawings to clearly mark the information from the ground plans to the stage area.
paint sets
Painting set constructions and stage props.
prevent technical problems with scenic elements
Anticipate possible technical problems with scenic elements.
prevent technical problems with stage equipment
Anticipate possible problems with mechanical and electromechanical stage equipment.
prospect new customers
Initiate activities in order to attract new and interesting customers. Ask for recommendations and references, find places where potential customers can be located.
purchase props
Buy the required props for a performance.
set up equipment in a timely manner
Make sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.
update budget
Make sure that a given budget remains up to date using most recent and most accurate information. Anticipate possible variations and ensure that the set budgetary goals can be reached within the given context.
Cross-sector
10 competencesdevelop professional network
Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.
- Scope note
- This includes the development of social relationships with patients and customers.
follow safety procedures when working at heights
Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.
keep personal administration
File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
lead a team
Lead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind.
manage personal professional development
Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.
research
organise resources for artistic production
Coordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.
provide technical documentation
Prepare and distribute documentation to ensure all people involved in the production receive relevant and up-to-date information.
translate artistic concepts to technical designs
Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.
use personal protection equipment
Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
work safely with machines
Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.
- Scope note
- Includes more generally used small electrical and mechanical tools like drills, manual sawing machines, washing machines, sewing machines, etc. that are also used in non professional environment.