Set Designer
Set designers design and plan settings, scenic environments and properties (props) for theatre, dance, opera, television, video, gaming and film productions.
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Designer, Production Designer, Scenographer, Stage Designer, Theatre Designer
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
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Duties and responsibilities vary from one type of production to another but, in general, set designers:
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.
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.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to create settings, scenic environments, properties, costumes and lighting for theatre, film, video productions, operas and ballets; and in preparing working drawings, creating special stage lighting patterns and selecting colours, decor and accessories
Interest in precision working with tools to construct miniature sets in cardboard, plaster and other materials; and in sketching and painting plans and submitting them to directors and producers for approval
Interest in speaking with workers when overseeing construction of sets
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Set designers need:
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.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 49 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 02, 2022 and Oct 04, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
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 | 19 |
---|---|
Attention to detail | 18 |
Construction Specialization: Reliability | 17 |
Tasks: Theatre designers design and create settings, scenic environments, properties, costumes and lighting for theatre, film and video productions, operas and ballets | 17 |
Construction Specialization: Team player | 16 |
Tasks: Fashion designers design and create clothing and accessories for men, women and children | 16 |
Construction Specialization: Organized | 14 |
Construction Specialization: Dependability | 13 |
Women's clothing | 13 |
Experience: Will train | 12 |
Set designers must be able to interpret scripts and written texts into visual images, and convert those images into functional set designs. This requires:
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.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Set designers work for:
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.
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.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta 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.
Source: 2023-2025 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.
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:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
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.
Most set designers work on a contract basis. Their incomes therefore vary considerably from one designer to another and from one year to another.
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.