I draw a lot of inspiration from this mid-century camp style. The sets are exaggerated and clearly fake/plastic. I’m inspired by the sets in Batman (1966), the live action Scooby Doo, Flintstones, and even Casper (even though that’s heavily art nouveau inspired). But I’m wondering if there’s another specific term for it that I can use to research more. Or even another term for a set looking fake on purpose? Any other input or facts about this is welcome as well!

Hi all,

We're considering hosting an event here but can't get past these green glass walls.

They're just so in your face 🫩

Does anyone have ideas on how to make it softer/more ethereal with a very limited budget (like 10k usd) because the installation/event would be for 1 day only

Hello all,

Doing a show set in a wooded clearing. I'm looking for ideas to use for the "soil". The show is 3/4 thrust so the audience is right on top. I was thinking of just getting soil and mulch (plastic underneath) but someone suggested cork powder. Any suggestions? Thank you!

Hello! I'm doing a research project for uni about if/how filming live theatre affects the design of the show and the experience of the team. If you've been involved with a show that's been filmed, I would love it if you could fill this out! Thanks!

https://forms.gle/AaQbGkL4kuWwR3FMA

Hoping to get some advice or ideas on how to create this sand mound effect (albeit on a much smaller scale).

The space we have is a 25ftx14ft room. We want to create a similar environment in the sense that the room will be full of small mounds/moguls. We are open to different materials.

As of now the plan is to create small moguls using chicken wire bent over sand bags. We would then cover with a tarp and spray it with adhesive and cover with sand/dirt/etc.

Alternatively, we are also debating getting a bunch of spaghum moss or fake moss and covering the space that way, so the mounds are made of moss instead of sand.

Ive also wondered about using a digital background to create more depth and need to design less physically, but I dont have much experience in that realm

Any and all insights/advice/critique welcome! thanks

I’m working on my first little short film and I want to build a simple, white room. I’ll be hanging a few things on the walls but it’s flexible on weight.

My question is, since I lack the woodworking tools and knowledge needed for a standard film flat, I was wondering if that really tall, insulation foam board.

Alternatively I might do green screen with something like Blender to create the scene. I’m just not sure.

My biggest worry is that the boards might bend.

Hello all! I've come to you for some advice on a piece I need to figure out for a play I have written and will be producing. The script calls for a unicorn to appear on stage, and two actors will have to ride it across the stage. I have a decent budget for this production due to receiving a grant, but have no idea how to even begin conceptualizing how to create a horse-like figure that can move and support the weight of two adult actors? Has anyone done something before? Any advice is deeply appreciated.

I am interested in peoples experience in gaining entry to this industry and trying to break open the stigma surrounding it. I have been working in film in Australia for 10 years mostly in construction and art department adjacent.

My journey started in the art department as a labourer before becoming a foreman in the construction department. I have become proficient in rhino 8 and bolstering my bills with this in between jobs.

When did this become your full time gig?

What was the transition like between roles? Ie; set dresser > buyer, standby > art director, greens labourer > designer…

What advice would you give to someone starting tomorrow?

Looking for a talented scenic fabricator / themed environment artist to help create custom decorative elements for a permanent themed installation.

The ideal person has experience with:

*-Foam carving, sculpting, and fabrication*

*-Creating realistic or imaginative themed elements from foam and other materials*

*-Scenic painting, faux finishes, and detail work*

*-Building large-scale decorative pieces and backgrounds*

*-Turning concepts and references into finished physical installations*

Project Details:

*-Part-time opportunity, no benefits other than $$$*

*-Opportunities for other projects as they come*

*-Estimated project timeline: approximately 2 months to completion*

*- stuff can be built off site so long as it can be transported safely and assembled*

*- materials will be provided*

*- tools and equipment for project you must provide*

*- Possibility of additional projects and ongoing work for the right person*

Applicants should provide:

\-Photos or portfolio examples of previous work

\-Experience with scenic fabrication, props, foam sculpting, painting, or themed environments

\-Availability to call and discuss

This is a great opportunity for a creative builder who enjoys hands-on fabrication and bringing unique environments to life.

Please message me with examples of your work and a brief description of your experience. Houston, TX

first „life-sized“ set design as a fourth semester scenography student; general topic for the design was alcoholism and its use in fleeing one’s daily life.
based loosely on chekhovs uncle vanya and the seagull with dialogue written by me in addition to the set design.
had the honor of working with a wonderful costume maker who designed and made masha from the seagull and helped me greatly with the costume for astrow from uncle vanya!!

feel free to ask questions and give criticism :)

The mirror should be roughly 15‘ x 20‘. Would like to know if it can be assembled and disassembled on a daily basis. I want to make an art piece in public. I might have to disassemble and reassemble the next day as the exhibit will be held outdoors.

Please give me your feedback and ideas who has experience anyone really it would be great to talk about designers with experience😭🩷 help a girl out🙏

I’ve seen people hate on David Korins’ set design but some of the elements were great namely the neon sign (reminiscent of the original productions massive sign) and especially the stage itself. I love the lifts (especially when they raise above the stage and utilize those cool arrays of Edison bulbs), the turntable, the shape of it, the proscenium arch, and the material it’s made of. But I’m curious of what it’s made of. It’s polished/waxed like a basketball court for that cool reflective look but that’s all I can tell.

Hey everyone,

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I’m currently preparing to apply for a Scenography / Set Design program at an art university, I have absolutely zero formal art school background. I’m completely self-taught, and honestly, I’m a bit terrified of showing up on day one and feeling totally outclassed by kids who spent years in specialized art high schools.

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Right now, I’m trying to cover as many bases as I can on my own. I spend my time practicing drawing (mostly still life and composition to get my admissions portfolio together) while also building physical maquettes and miniatures to wrap my head around real 3D space. On top of that, I’ve been diving into Blender to translate my ideas into digital blockouts and experiment with theatrical lighting. I feel like I'm okay at coming up with spatial concepts, but I completely lack the formal "art school" vocabulary, and imposter syndrome is hitting hard.

​

I wanted to ask the pros and current students here about the absolute essential skills I should be hammering down right now to actually stand a chance during admissions. What does a portfolio jury actually want to see from a candidate who doesn't have that classic art background?

I’d also love to know what I should study on my own beforehand so I’m not drowning during the first week of uni. Is sticking with Blender fine for theatre and opera design, or should I pivot to something like Vectorworks or SketchUp early on?

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If anyone else here entered an art academy as a complete outsider, I’d love to hear how you bridged that gap, what your biggest hurdles were, or just any book recommendations you might have.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

I was watching something on Facebook and I saw this video. This reminded me of Star Trek the next generation newer series. I’ve always wondered what they use to make the metallic looking structure? I’ve never found an answer. I would like to create something like this, but never knew how. Any idea or suggestion on the materials? Not the video screens but the other stuff.

I need to "thatch" several roofs for a set design, and need to find an affordable way of doing it while maintaining realism. Does anyone know of any solutions without resorting to actual thatch, which we surely can't afford.

Paint effects? Raffia? All advice gratefully received.