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Set Designer: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Do you like designing new worlds? Are you creative and artistic? Do you have a good sense of space and great interpersonal skills? Then you could set the stage for a career as a set designer.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Set Designer

Set designers design and plan settings, scenic environments and properties (props) for theatre, dance, opera, television, video, gaming and film productions.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Designer, Production Designer, Scenographer, Stage Designer, Theatre Designer

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 5243.1: Theatre Designers

2006 NOC-S

  • F143: Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit and Other Creative Designers

2011 NOC

  • 5243: Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers

2016 NOC

  • 5243: Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers

2021 NOC

  • 53123: Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers

2023 OaSIS

  • 53123.01: Theatre designers
Duties
Updated May 20, 2021

Duties and responsibilities vary from one type of production to another but, in general, set designers:

  • Read and analyze the script and consult with the director and others to develop themes, objectives and design concepts
  • Use a variety of artistic techniques to explore traditional, conventional or abstract methods to visualize the production
  • Research architectural styles and building interiors appropriate to the time period depicted
  • Research stylistic elements such as paintings and art objects
  • Propose concepts that may include the use of metaphorical, psychological or mythological approaches
  • Create technical drawings, sketches or scale models to work out lighting, cameras and prop placements with other department heads
  • Develop production plans for the construction crews or digital modellers to build from
  • Work within budget, labour and space restrictions
  • Select materials and supervise the construction and painting of sets and props
  • Attend rehearsals and oversee the integration of set design with performance

Most set designers supervise the construction and painting of sets and, in small theatres, help with these activities as well.

For many film, video or gaming productions, set designers may be required to develop partial or full virtual sets, using digital 3D modelling software to build a computer-rendered scene. Where real life actors or their recorded movements will be merged into these digital sets, set designers often are required to construct green screen sets. These special sets have basic key objects or shapes built with the exact same dimensions and locations physically as are modelled on the digital set. The shapes are then covered with a special green material that allows footage of those areas to be erased using computer software, and replaced by footage from the 3D modelled version of the set. The green screen sets have many spatial coordinate markers placed at key locations throughout the set (which remain visible to the camera, and special mapping software), so the footage and camera movements from the real-life performance can be accurately reproduced and mapped onto the digitally-rendered set.

Working Conditions
Updated May 20, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Set designers often work long hours to meet deadlines. Most work on a freelance basis out of their homes or studios during the creation phase of a production. Later, they may work indoors or outdoors to supervise set construction. Set designers working on film or television productions are often required to be on hand to supervise the current day’s set location during shooting, while also remotely managing the construction of sets for the next day’s shooting as well. Sets for touring shows or concerts require repeated management of set-ups and take-downs for each venue.

Due to the freelance nature of the occupation, a designer may have to work on many projects at once. Projects may be at different stages of production and for a variety of companies. This may result in long periods of working at home or at a personal studio, and long periods of travelling.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
A
Artistic
This occupation
You
R
Realistic
E
Enterprising
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Theatre designers
2023 OaSIS: 53123.01

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Artistic

    Artistic jobs involve being creative and expressing yourself. People in these jobs like to draw, write, act, or design. They often work with shapes, colours, patterns, music, or words. These jobs do not always follow strict rules and often let people work in their own way. Examples include artists, writers, and musicians.

  • 2
    Realistic

    Realistic jobs focus on working with your hands, tools, machines, or animals. People in these jobs often fix, build, or take care of things. They like clear tasks and working in a physical way. These jobs usually don’t need much paperwork or teamwork. Examples include mechanics, farmers, and builders.

  • 3
    Enterprising

    Enterprising jobs are about leading, selling, or starting new projects. People in these jobs like to take charge, make decisions, and reach goals. They often work in business or politics. These jobs may involve some risk and require strong people skills. Examples include managers, salespeople, and entrepreneurs.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Theatre designers
2023 OaSIS: 53123.01

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated May 20, 2021

Set designers need:

  • Creativity and artistic vision
  • Design rendering skills, both for physical construction plans and digital design
  • Management skills, to coordinate builders and stick to timelines and budget
  • Flexibility to adapt to problems and changing ideas
  • Spatial awareness
  • Physical fitness to work long hours
  • Self-discipline in time management and work ethics
  • Communication and interpersonal skills required to work effectively with others and market their ideas or services
  • An ability to work under pressure

They should enjoy synthesizing information, experimenting and finding innovative solutions to problems, doing precise work with tools and equipment, and supervising the work of others.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers

2016 NOC: 5243

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 63 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 02, 2022 and Oct 04, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Attention to detail
Reliability
Team player
Tasks: Theatre designers design and create settings, scenic environments, properties, costumes and lighting for theatre, film and video productions, operas and ballets
Tasks: Exhibit designers plan and develop permanent and temporary or moveable exhibits and displays for museum exhibitions, trade shows, conventions, retail spaces and other exhibitions
Organized
Client focus
Tasks: Supervise and co-ordinate activities of workers
Tasks: Prepare reports on sales volumes, merchandising and personnel matters
Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory
Attention to detail 28
Construction Specialization: Reliability 24
Construction Specialization: Team player 23
Tasks: Theatre designers design and create settings, scenic environments, properties, costumes and lighting for theatre, film and video productions, operas and ballets 23
Tasks: Exhibit designers plan and develop permanent and temporary or moveable exhibits and displays for museum exhibitions, trade shows, conventions, retail spaces and other exhibitions 22
Construction Specialization: Organized 21
Construction Specialization: Client focus 18
Tasks: Supervise and co-ordinate activities of workers 18
Tasks: Prepare reports on sales volumes, merchandising and personnel matters 18
Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory 18
Educational Requirements
Updated May 20, 2021
  • Minimum Education Varies

Set designers must be able to interpret scripts and written texts into visual images, and convert those images into functional set designs. This requires:

  • A working knowledge of artistic principles (such as colour and composition), theatre history, art history, architecture and historical interiors
  • An understanding of the principles of interior design and construction
  • An understanding of a wide variety of construction materials and their properties and limitations
  • A sense of architectural style
  • Drawing, painting and modelling skills
  • An ability to draft working drawings and produce renderings (computer-aided drafting skills are a definite asset)
  • Practical knowledge gained from related experience (such as carpentry)

Training in drafting, computer-aided drafting, 3D modelling and design, freehand drawing, scenic painting and scale model making are essential.

This is a very specialized field: a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fine art with a specialization in set design, or training at a specialized conservatory such as the National Theatre School of Canada is recommended.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Alberta University of the Arts
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Grant MacEwan University
Medicine Hat College
Northwestern Polytechnic
Red Deer Polytechnic
Thompson Rivers University
University of Alberta
University of Calgary
University of Lethbridge

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated May 20, 2021
  • Certification Not regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated May 20, 2021

Set designers work for:

  • Theatre companies
  • Film and television production companies
  • Opera and dance companies
  • Festival and concert producers
  • Computer gaming companies
  • Special event coordinators

Some theatre companies employ resident designers, but most set designers work as freelancers and negotiate contracts for specific projects. Therefore, aspiring set designers need to acquire related experience and develop a portfolio of their work. Working for amateur theatre companies or cable television stations provides valuable experience.

Graduates of design programs usually start as designers for smaller productions or as assistant set designers in larger ones. Advancement generally takes the form of more demanding assignments. Some set designers teach in university and college programs.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers
2016 NOC: 5243

81.9% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers
2021 NOC: 53123
Cool
Job Market
< 1500
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
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iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers
2016 NOC: 5243
2.1%
Annual Growth
(Below average)
13
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Occupational growth may be highly influenced by the number of productions companies will do in a year, and the scale of those productions.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated May 20, 2021

Most set designers work on a contract basis. Their incomes therefore vary considerably from one designer to another and from one year to another.

Related High School Subjects
  • English Language Arts
  • Fine Arts
    • Drama
    • Visual Arts
  • Media, Design and Communication Arts
    • Design Studies
  • Science
    • Physics
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Communications
  • Fine Arts and Performing Arts
  • Human Ecology, Fashion and Food Sciences
Other Sources of Information
Updated May 20, 2021

Associated Designers of Canada (ADC) website: designers.ca

Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology website: www.citt.org

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 212 in Calgary website: www.iatse212.com

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 210 in Edmonton website: www.iatse210.com

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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