Scenic Design

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What is Scenic Design?

Scenic Design is a concentration within Theatre. Our curriculum incorporates rigorous studio and production work. Through this, students develop a deep understanding of scenography. In our program, your classes will focus on fostering your individual growth while also introducing you to a competitive professional environment. You’ll collaborate with guest artists and gain experience in design, props, and paints. You’ll also have opportunities to work on productions in theatre, lyric theatre, and dance. Our graduates leave with a strong foundation in both scenic design and theatre studies. You can apply directly into this concentration, although you must submit a portfolio before being accepted.

Career Options

Prop management
Set design

Post-Graduation Success¹

88% employed or continuing education

53% employed after graduation

35% attending graduate school

$37,778 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Baltimore Center Stage (2), Cru (1), Everyday Humans (1) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, New York University, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School View All

Program Resources

College of Fine & Applied Arts Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Strong talent review (audition or portfolio)

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

4.1 years to degree

96% first-year retention rate

70% four-year graduation rate

80% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $14,912
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $39,652

Non-Resident

Tuition: $37,588
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $62,668

International

Tuition: $38,630
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $63,710

Related Majors

Costume Design and Technology - FAA

Lighting Design and Technology - FAA

Scenic Technology - FAA

Stage Management - FAA

Theatre Studies - FAA

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.