Set DesignA set designer is a key role that makes a show come to life and makes the audience feel as if they are involved in the performance.
A set designer creates the image and vision that the show will follow - lighting designer, costume designer and prop team. They are responsible for the whole look that reflects the mood on stage, the time period the scene is set, the climate, the country, the characters personality (e.g reflecting their wealth, or importance) and the time of day are a few. Becoming a set designer requires a broad imagination and the ability to come up with bold and creative visions of every genre of performance - Musical, Straight Drama, Comedy, Dance, or a Concert. |
Roles
A set designer has a variety of duties and tasks to do pre-show weeks up to opening night.They will have to study the script given in depth marking key set changes.
- .They will then have to discuss the script with the director of the show and share analysis and note what the director wants from the set, atmosphere, mood etc..
- A Set Designer will then have to communicate their ideas with wardrobe, make up, props, lighting and the choreographers .
- They will have to do a lot of troubleshooting throughout the course of rehearsals and during the show - if something were to go wrong with the set pieces, positioning or health and safety they would have to solve any issue efficiently and professionally. This can often occur whilst a performance is going on, they will have to solve this on the spot under a lot of pressure.
- A Set Designer will have a budget they need to work within - this involves a good level of maths skills and organisation to make the set effective with the amount of money given.
- It is important for the set designer to sketch every piece of set, scene by scene to clearly show his or hers vision of the stage.
- They will have to check up on the set constructor to make sure they are following the correct atmosphere the set is giving regularly.
Responsibilities
A set designer will be held responsible for all the duties they have to fulfil in the list above. If these needs are not met it could be their job on the line. It is their responsibility to make sure risk assessments are done, costs are within the given budget, the correct vision that reflects the script and the Directors thoughts, designing to the exact time period given and completing within deadlines so other sectors of the design team (Wardrobe, hair and make- up, lighting) can use their visuals as a starting point.
If these responsibilities are not taken care of, the production can become chaos. For example, if the designer has not put their ideas forward meeting the deadline, this can hold up the rest of the creative team and slow the process down which will then hold of technical rehearsals. Another problem could occur if the designer does not consider the budget and over spends on less beneficial materials. This can then impact the quality of the set design.
Day - Day Jane Musky
Film
RequirementsTo become a set designer a colourful imagination is a necessary.
Below are the musts that are needed to aspire to this job role: USEFUL
InterrelateA Set Designer will come into contact with most sectors of the production of a show.
Set Constructor - They will have to give and expand on their ideas and designs of how the set will be structured with what materials. Director - They will have to discuss what the director wants the audience to see the performance as a whole. They will share notes on key set change. Costume - Once the colour theme is decided by the set designer, costume department can then design relating to the colour schemes and what is needed from the costume to add to the atmosphere the set has created. Make up - Similar to Costume, they can then think about colours that will contrast with the set and costume. Lighting - They will have to discuss with the Lighting Designers how the set will be lit. Finance - The finance team will give the Set department a budget to design within considering the appropriate materials and costs. Health and Safety - When designing the set for a production you will have to consider the health and safety risks. This means a risk assessment will have to take place so that both production team and cast are safe throughout the show. |
Salary
A set designers salary can be very wide ranged. It can vary depending on the size of company or organisation you work for and depending on the amount of experience and the reputation you have as a designer.
A set designer can earn around £15,ooo - £20,000 a year once again varied on where and who you work for. These days the majority of Set designers go freelance. This means they will make contacts with different venues which can become a client if you work well with them and their team. Work EnvironmentExpect long hours that can be unreliable and unexpected and not paid for. If a job needs doing and it is your responsibilities it is expected of you to put all hours in.
You could be set in a studio, theatre, or an office. You will also be expected to travel to meetings with directors and other job sectors.. |
Gallery
Here are the most iconic set designs. ( left - right) Les Miserables , Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Matilda and Wicked.
The Society Of British DesignersA set Designer could belong to a variety of different Unions to have a powerful voice within the work place
The Society Of British Designers is most commonly used. "The Society of British Theatre Designers is a professional organisation run by designers for the benefit of designers. It was created to benefit theatre designers and their profession and to explore and further the role of the designer within the arts today." - The Society Of British Designers |
UnionClick link above to direct you straight to their homepage and find out more.
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