Theater/Set Design Major?

littlesooyon92 · 11-10-2011, 01:09 AM

Hello! I have moved on from researching about graphic design,
and now I want to research more about theater design!

I have to admit, I never really went to any of my high school plays,
or gone to broadway shows, or theater plays.

But I really would love to!

I never wanted to be a actress, but I have become rather fond of
the design sets and backgrounds and things.

I was enrolled in a tech. school where I was studying interior design
but I felt that wasn't want I really wanted to do (residential and commercial).

I am more of a hands on type with lots of colors and building things.

I really loved working on projects in junior/high school and always tried
my best to stand out from other peoples' projects.

I really think this is what I want to do.

I have been searching for over a year on what I want to do as a career.

The only school I have looked at so far is UCLA.

I live in Southern California and would like to stay in that area.

I did look at some art colleges but I want to lean more towards a
university if possible.

Although money is a issue to consider, I really want to set that aside
and see what I can possibly do!

Christie2 · 11-10-2011, 02:46 AM

Do look at the program at University of Utah. It looks outstanding (I researched it for a student) and they may have a tuition exchange program with California.

kylerkays · 11-14-2011, 02:22 PM

I am a current student at Ball State University in Indiana. I have many friends in the Design Tech Option here and I can tell you that design tech is a great business to go into. Whether it's makeup, costume, lights, sound, etc. there are numerous aspects of theatre design to explore.

Take a look into the program here,
Ball State University - Theatre and Dance

and, if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Good luck!

littlesooyon92 · 11-14-2011, 02:41 PM

Thanks

i actually researched and read online somewhere that you can choose to go into tech or moe of the hands on building and designing?

OCELITE · 11-14-2011, 05:53 PM

Littlesooyon, Have you looked into Chapman University in Orange County, if you live in SoCal area?

littlesooyon92 · 11-15-2011, 02:11 AM

no I haven't actually. I actually live closer to northridge, if you know where that is.

I didn't want to plan moving further away from LA but I will be sure to look into it.

Thanks!

OCELITE · 11-15-2011, 05:31 PM

Chapman is located in the city of Orange, near Disneyland.

littlesooyon92 · 11-15-2011, 06:34 PM

ohhh i see. I looked at the website a little. It looks really great actually.

but I don't know if I am willing to move that far. I think its like 1 1/2 hour drive
from where I am right now.

*kjgc* · 11-16-2011, 11:10 AM

There are literally dozens and dozens of programs for theatre design and technology. Since so many of us do theatre and other design work (from industrials to film and TV and theme park design) the field is really very strong. The undergraduate programs run the gamut from a couple of design and stagecraft classes to classes in automation technology and 3d design for the gaming industry. Most programs are in need of students who want to pursue this as a career and therefore it is a "buyer's market." In other words, you shouldn't have a problem finding a program and getting acceptance. Particularly if you already have some art skills.

I am a designer and I would be more than happy to answer any questions you have about the field, about programs in general, about the study of design and technology, joining the unions, whatever you need. Just PM me if you like. It's likely thread will be moved to the "theatre" version on CC. There is some information there that you might find helpful.

Good luck in your search. And again, whatever help you need, feel free to ask. I'll do my best.

tracyvp · 11-16-2011, 11:18 AM

I'm afraid there aren't a whole lot of programs that near you that have a concentration or specialization in technical theatre. CSUN does have a minor in Theatre Design/Technology. but not a a Major. Here's the info about their minor: CSUN Department of Theatre (look at Option III)

I'm thinking your best option would be CalArts in Valencia. Here's a link to their website
Programs | School of Theater

UC Santa Barbara might be a good option, although maybe a little bit farther than you hoped. They offer a concentration in Design: UC Santa Barbara General Catalog - Theater and Dance

But most programs are going to require you to go further than that from home, I'm afraid.

tracyvp · 11-16-2011, 11:26 AM

One more program you might look at since it doesn't appear that you are locked into Theater design is Art Center in Pasadena. They have a program called "Entertainment Design" that looks like it would be REALLY interesting:
Entertainment Design | Undergraduate | Programs | Art Center College of Design | Pasadena, CA | Learn to Create. Influence Change.

But Art Center is REALLY expensive and I have NO idea what kind of financial aid/scholarship help they have. It's an exceptional school, though. We have several friends who went there for various disciplines, including automotive design and LOVED it.

littlesooyon92 · 11-16-2011, 01:06 PM

@kjgc:
Thanks a lot!

I will be PM-ing you soon about some questions I have been building up.

And is the job market really going to work out? My boyfriend thinks I will never be able to have a successful career if I go into some kind of theater design?

I don't really have THAT much art skills or experience of any kind. I am actually hoping to learn

littlesooyon92 · 11-16-2011, 01:08 PM

@tracyvp:

Thanks for the info, I am actually trying to stay away from CSUs and more towards the UCs

I actually found a program at UCLA? I don't know if I will ever be able to get in but I would love to go to UCLA.

I have actually looked at the ART center in Pasadena recently, because I thought I wanted to go into Graphic Design.

If I am really passionate about it, I don't mind being in debt for 5 years just to pay off what was really worth it in the end

If I realllllllyyy want to go into something thats strongly ART related, I will re-consider Art Center as my top choice for a private art school, but I would prefer a UC/University.

*kjgc* · 11-21-2011, 08:48 AM

There is quite a lot of work in the world of design. Most set designers have begun to branch out and do quite a lot of work in other fields where there expertise in creating spaces (not rooms, not buildings, but "spaces") has been used in video game design, production design, theme park design, etc. While I am primarily a set and lighting designer, there is a move afoot that places design front and center in many projects. And some of this is being spurred on by current theatrical designers. I would invite you to look at 5D | The Future of Immersive Design

Finally, if you are worried about work. There is plenty. But the hours are long, and the job is very difficult. It's like anything else in the art world. You don't do it because there is money to be made. You do it because it's the one thing in the world you can't imagine being without. I get to wake up every day, imagine a world, put it on paper and watch it come to life on stage. I get to do that as part of a collaborative group of artists. What more can anyone ask out of life?

littlesooyon92 · 11-21-2011, 01:27 PM

@kjgc:

I definately want to branch out, work in different fields.

I actually don't mind long hours, I like keeping myself busy.

I have learned that too, choose a career that makes you
happy, and not do it because of money, and I know Theater
probably won't make a lot of money, but it might be something
I will enjoy for the rest of my life.

I like the part where you mentioned you get to wake up and put your
world on a piece of paper! That's interesting!