Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
- Research the career to learn whether it appeals to you. Sites such as College Board or the Princeton Review give information about the typical workload of a stage designer.
- Study theater-related courses at a college or design institute. Focus on courses in art, art history, technical drawing and computer-assisted drafting. Theater production classes can get you started in hands-on training, and shop classes are also helpful for building and painting sets and props. These courses usually lead to a degree in theater or fine arts.
- Train in stage design. Start small by working in school productions or local community theater, then work your way up to Broadway or Hollywood. Gain skills in researching time periods for a scene, studying scripts and designing with freehand sketches and scale models. Learn what it's like to oversee construction of a set from start to finish.
- Create your portfolio. Collect your artwork, sculptures and other designs that you've done for any theater, television or film productions.
- Find a job as a stage designer. Search newspapers or arts-related magazines and websites to find opportunities at performing arts companies, movie studios, museums, fairs, festivals, and even zoos and parks.
- Meet with the directors and other designers. Attend an interview or an audition. Prepare a resume that includes your related work experience and plan to show off your portfolio in hopes of getting the job.