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Scenic Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TheatreSquared

Scenic Charge Artist

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Read and interpret designer drawings, elevations, and research to fully understand each production's visual design and finish requirements. * Budget scenic art supplies and paint labor for each ...

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How much do scenic designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for scenic designer in the United States is $58,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a scenic designer do?

A scenic designer typically works in the set production department for theatrical, film, or television productions. They can also work for museums, zoos, and other industries that produce special exhibits that require background scenery. Your duties and responsibilities in this career are to create scenery that mimics a physical environment, such as backgrounds used on a sound stage or theater stage, in consultation with other members of the art department and the director. From these consultations, you sketch rough drafts and, with approval from supervisors, begin to build the sets or backdrops, adding any props or fixtures necessary to complete the scene.

What is the difference between Scenic Designer vs Set Designer?

AspectScenic DesignerSet Designer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in theater, design, or related field; experience in theater or filmBachelor's degree in theater, design, or related field; experience in film or television
Work EnvironmentTheater productions, film sets, television studiosFilm and television set construction, studio environments
Industry UsagePrimarily theater, some film and TVPrimarily film and TV, some theater
Role FocusDesigning the overall look of the scenery for stage productionsDesigning the physical environment for film and TV sets

While both Scenic Designers and Set Designers create environments for visual storytelling, Scenic Designers focus mainly on theater productions, designing scenery that enhances live performances. Set Designers typically work in film and television, creating sets that appear on camera. The roles overlap in design skills and industry knowledge but differ in their primary media and specific responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a scenic designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scenic Designer, you need strong skills in visual arts, spatial design, and an understanding of theater production, typically supported by a degree in scenic or theatrical design. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and traditional drafting techniques is commonly required. Creativity, collaboration, and effective communication are vital soft skills for bringing directors' visions to life and working with production teams. These abilities ensure that the scenic environment enhances storytelling while meeting technical and logistical demands of stage productions.

What is a scenic designer?

A scenic designer, also known as a set designer, is a professional who creates the visual environment for stage productions, films, television shows, and other performances. They are responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of sets that reflect the story, mood, and style of the production. Scenic designers work closely with directors, lighting designers, costume designers, and other members of the production team to ensure the set complements the overall artistic vision. Their work involves creating sketches, models, and technical drawings, as well as selecting materials and collaborating with construction crews.

How much do scenic designers make?

The average salary for scenic designers is around $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level scenic designers typically earn less, while experienced professionals working on large productions or in major markets can earn higher salaries. Many scenic designers also work freelance or on a project basis, which can affect income levels.

What do you need to be a scenic designer?

To become a scenic designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in theater design, fine arts, or a related field. Strong skills in drawing, model-making, and knowledge of stagecraft and materials are essential, along with proficiency in design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp. Experience through internships or assistant roles is also valuable for building a portfolio and industry connections.

How does a scenic designer typically collaborate with directors and other design departments during a production?

Scenic Designers work closely with the director to ensure the visual environment aligns with the overall artistic vision of the production. Collaboration extends to other design departments such as lighting, costume, and sound to maintain consistency and address practical needs like scene changes or actor movement. Regular meetings and design presentations are common, and Scenic Designers often adjust their plans based on feedback from the team. This collaborative process is essential for creating cohesive and functional stage environments.
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Scenic Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scenic Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,549 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Theatrical Designer, Scenic

Denison University

Granville, OH • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Note: Please include a portfolio of design work in the Additional Documents section of your application, or provide a link to your online portfolio in your application. If you are unable to submit the portfolio in this section, please email HR@denison.edu for it to be sent to the Hiring Managers.
Serve as the resident and primary scenic designer for the Eisner Center for the Performing Arts by creating original scenic designs for up to six productions per academic year in the departments of theatre, music, and dance. Share the design process with undergraduates through teaching and hands-on realization. Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and guest artists to create scenic designs that range in style and approach. Mentor undergraduate students and teach one design course per semester in the theatre department.

Department/Division Overview:
The Michael D. Eisner Center, named after one of Denison's proud alumni, is the vibrant heartbeat of creative life at Denison University. Bringing the departments of Dance, Music, and Theatre under one spectacular 108,000-square-foot roof, the Center is specifically designed to champion interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and risk-taking. From our 400-seat Sharon Martin Hall to our intimate black box and recital spaces, we provide a dynamic environment where student curiosity meets professional-grade performance. We produce over 100 performances a year in five performance spaces, including four plays, two musicals, and three dance concerts, and a wide array of student music ensembles and guest artists.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide clear, timely communication of design work including, initial research and concept ideas, preliminary sketches, final renderings, and technical drafting.

  • Participate fully in the production process by initiating concept conversations with directors and the design team, attending production meetings, and adhering to deadlines established by the Production Manager. Attend technical and dress rehearsals and respond to rehearsal and production report requests in a timely manner.

  • Ensure designs meet conceptual aims of the production through collaboration with directors, designers, and choreographers, and work closely with production staff to ensure adherence to resource limitations of time and budget.

  • Work closely with the Eisner Center Technical Director-Production and student scene shop staff in the realization of the scenic design.

  • Train and supervise scene shop staff in scenic painting techniques.

  • Collaborate with the technical staff to oversee the props and furniture stock and utilize student assistants for organization and inventory management.

  • Supervise and train student stagehands in production-specific work during the technical rehearsal process.

  • Teach one introductory design and production course per semester in the Department of Theatre, such as Elements of Scenic Design.

  • Mentor and advise directed studies, senior projects, and design assistants.

  • Participate with faculty in theatre department curricular and season planning.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelors Degree of Arts

  • Demonstrated expertise in drafting and rendering utilizing both hand and CAD techniques

  • Demonstrated scenic painting skills

  • Demonstrated scenic design work in professional or educational setting (via portfolio)

Preferred Requirements:

  • Master of Fine Arts or terminal degree in related area or extensive professional design and teaching experience

  • Experience teaching and/or mentoring at the undergraduate level

  • A secondary area of expertise such as projection design, lighting design, or production management.


Why Choose Denison?
Denison University is a leading, fully residential liberal arts college in Granville, Ohio, located just outside the Columbus metro area. Established in 1831, Denison blends a rigorous academic foundation with an award-winning approach to student mentorship and career readiness. With a vibrant campus community of 2,400 students and around 2,000 employees, Denison offers employees a supportive, forward-thinking environment dedicated to educational excellence and professional growth.

Denison provides a number of staff-focused benefits, with some highlights:

  • 10% contribution to your retirement

  • 22 vacation days

  • 3 floating holidays

  • Paid campus closure from Christmas to New Years

  • Free parking and gym membership

  • Free classes for employees

  • Full tuition coverage for dependents

Want to learn more about us? Visit Denison.edu for more information.

Salary: Up to $62,000

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