Set Builders, Props Makers, Scenic Artists
Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.
| Job Prospects |
Average; employment in this occupation is expected to grow strongly to 2014-15. |
| Salary Range |
$40,000 to $60,000 |
| Brief |
Set Builders, Props Makers and Scenic Artists are scenery construction technicians who build and art finish scenery and props for all kinds of live productions and events, film and television productions, trade shows, museums displays and exhibitions. They work closely with each other and with designers and other technicians to create the ‘look’ required for shows. They work in scenery construction workshops using many of the same workshop plant and machinery, power and air tools you would find in any timber joinery or fabrication and finishing workshop. |
Quick Profile Navigation
TAFE SA courses that may be relevant for: Set Builders, Props Makers, Scenic Artists
Accredited (Award)
Introduction
With the redevelopment of Glenside into new studio facilities for the South Australian Film Corporation demand for Set Builders, Props Makers, Scenic Artists is expected to increase.
Peaks in demand can be seasonal so most technicians have skills in all three skill areas, and related skill areas such as staging, to maximise their employability and continuity of employment. Technicians have to be proactive in seeking employment and are often organising employment several months in advance.
Graduates are employed in all sectors of performing arts, entertainment and other creative industries including theatre, opera and dance companies, film and TV productions, arts centres, festivals and events, conventions and corporate theatre, museums, theme parks and other tourism linked entertainment.
Similar Interests?
Not quite the career you are looking for? Please try the related course profiles below:
Artistic and Creative
Set Builders, Props Makers, Scenic Artists, Lighting, Sound, Staging, Vision Technicians, Stage Managers, Theatrical Costume Maker (Costumier), Designers for Theatre, Performance and Events, Graphic and Multimedia Designer, Photographer, Event Coordinator, Baker and Pastry Chef, Make-up Artist, Film, Stage, TV and Radio Director, Jeweller and Gem Cutter, Dancer and Choreographer, Upholsterer, Musician, Computer Animator, Sound Engineer / Sound Technician, Author/ Book Editor, Landscape Gardener, Artist, Beauty Therapist, Florist, Actor, Copywriter, Aromatherapist, Interior Decorator, Painters and Decorator, Signwriter, Hairdresser, Webmaster/ Website Administrator, Marketing and Advertising Specialists, Fashion Designer
Practical and Manual
Set Builders, Props Makers, Scenic Artists, Lighting, Sound, Staging, Vision Technicians, Food and Beverage Attendant, Baker and Pastry Chef, Miner, Chefs, Viticulturist and Vineyard Hand, Jeweller and Gem Cutter, Horticultural Tradesperson (Gardener), Upholsterer, Animal Attendant, Nursery Worker, Butcher, Sports Coach, Aquaculture Farmer and Technician, Shearer, Kitchen hand, Landscape Gardener, Transport Services Manager, Artist, Automotive Spray Painter, Shoe Maker / Repairer, Cabinet Maker and Furniture Maker, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Boilermakers/Welder, Automotive Technician, Plumber, Floor Finisher, Electrician, Wool Hide and Skin Classers, Painters and Decorator, Signwriter, Carpenter, Flat Glass Tradesperson, Management Consultant, Computer Service Technician, Bricklayer
Education Requirements
You need an industry specific Certificate or Diploma or trade skill qualifications in carpentry and joinery. Occasionally, a few work places will take on a trainee or apprentice without much training or experience but this is less common than entering employment with a completed qualification.
Desirable Entry Skills and Personal Attributes
To have the best chance at success you need basic computer skills - Word Processing & Spreadsheet, E-communication, and research skills. You also require good hand skills and basic tool skills, creativity, imagination and initiative. Maths or Science to year 10 level, good personal time management skills and proficiency in written and spoken English are also desirable skills for this occupation.
You also need to be,
- a good communicator, able to work collaboratively with a wide range of people
- able to think and plan ahead and think and work creatively
- able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- able to work as part of a creative team
- able to use creativity and innovation to troubleshoot and problem solve
- able to work in a constantly changing environment
- highly motivated about pursuing a professional career in entertainment or related industries
- and have a mature work ethic
These are a physically demanding occupations and you need to be reasonably fit.
TAFE SA offers the following courses covering related occupations:
Certificate III in Live Production, Theatre and Events (Technical Operations)
Diploma of Costume for Performance
Diploma of Scenery and Set Construction
Diploma of Live Production, Theatre and Events (Technical Production)
Advanced Diploma of Design for Live Production, Theatre and Events
Advanced Diploma of Stage Management
Certificate IV Program in Media Arts
Certificate IV Program in 3D Ceramics and Sculpture
Certificate II, III and IV in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft
Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design
Certificate II in Construction Pathways (Specialising in Wood Trades - Carpentry, Joinery and Furnishing)
Career Path
Initially graduates start out as casual or part time employees and may work for many different employers within one year. Over time by developing a good reputation and gaining the recognition of employers, designers, production managers and workshop managers, they move on to be employed on a more regular basis and may eventually secure a permanent position. Most often employment is gained through ‘word-of-mouth’, on the recommendation of other professionals.
The career paths for scenery construction technicians include the following occupations;
Entry Level: Scenery Construction Assistant, Props Assistant, Scenic Art Assistant, Scenery Workshop General Hand/Assistant.
Middle Level: Set Builder, Props Maker, Scenic Artist, Multi-Skill Set builder/Props maker/Scenic artist, Set Dresser, Stand By Props.
Senior Level: Scenery Construction Leading Hand, Senior Props Maker Specialist, Senior Scenic Art Specialist, Head of Department, Workshop Manager, Construction Manager, Production Manager, Small Business Owner/Operator in Set Construction, Props Manufacture &/or Scenic Art.
Industry
Cultural and Recreational Services
Nature of the Job
Set Builders: use a range carpentry and joinery, metalwork and other fabrication skills. They use a range of materials including timber, steel, aluminium, plastics and fabrics to construct scenery and large props.
Typical tasks include,
- reading plans, taking measurements, making calculations
- Interpreting set designs, working out how to build them and how much they will cost to build
- Sketching construction details and making technical drawings of how a piece of scenery will be built
- Working with a team of others to construct sets
- Building sets to resemble earlier historical periods or fantastic imaginary environments
- Building mechanical sets and furniture props
- Working closely with Props Makers, Scenic Artists, Designers, Stage Management and Production Managers
- Using workshop machinery, air and power tools
- Installing sets in the performance venue
Props Makers: use a range carpentry and joinery, metalwork and other fabrication skills plus sculpting and moulding skills. They use a range of materials including timber, steel, aluminium, plastics, fabrics, leather, clay, plaster, resins, foams, motors and electronic components to construct props.
Typical tasks include,
- reading plans, taking measurements, making calculations
- Interpreting props designs, or specifications, working out how to build them and how much they will cost to build or buy
- Sketching construction details and making technical drawings of how a prop will be built
- Sourcing and buying props
- Building mechanical and furniture props
- Using sculpting and moulding skills to make props and set decoration
- Building trick props and special effects props
- Working closely with Set Builders, Scenic Artists, Designers, Stage Management and performers
- Using workshop machinery, air and power tools
- Instructing performers in the use of particular props
- Maintaining props
Scenic Artists: use a combination of industrial painting techniques, art painting techniques, texturing and other finishing techniques. Scenic artists paint, texture and otherwise art finish scenery and props according to specified requirements of the designs.
Typical tasks include,
- reading plans, taking measurements, making calculations
- Interpreting scenic art designs, working out how to achieve the finishes required and how much they will cost to achieve
- Painting and texturing scenery, backdrops and props to design requirements
- Working closely with Set Builders, Props Makers and Designers
- Art finishing sets and props to resemble earlier historical periods or fantastic imaginary environments
- Creating faux finishes to make scenery or props appear to be made of precious or expensive materials
- Using industrial painting and finishing machinery, air and power tools
- Working at height
Typical Physical Working Environment
Scenery construction technicians are usually based in capital cities or large regional cities. Most major production companies and some arts and convention centres have their own construction workshops and there are also stand alone scenery construction enterprises. Some Set Builders, Props Makers and Scenic Artists set up their own businesses.
Scenery construction workshops often work to building and construction industry hours so a typical week could be Monday to Friday, starting at 7.00 am or 7.30 am, with occasional work on weekends and nights when required.
These are highly transportable skills, with the opportunity to travel and work worldwide.
Typical Occupational Example
There are people doing these jobs in every sector of the entertainment industry. From drama, dance, musicals and for other production companies to the music industry, major events, conventions and trade shows, film and television productions.
One of the aspects that attract people to these occupations is that no two construction projects are the same. You are using the same skills but in innovative and creative ways to create a unique product every time.
Earning Potential
Rates of pay vary from state to state and according to the industry sector and enterprise agreements. As a general guide full time salaries fall within the range of $40,000 - $60,000 per year, with higher salaries for those in senior and supervisory positions.
Further Information
For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or enquire online