The Art of Set Design

The Art of Set Design

Step behind the curtain and discover the art of theatrical storytelling through set design! In this hands-on high school art course, students can serve as the set design team for Monroe County Christian Homeschool Co-op’s winter stage production of A Christmas Carol. From the earliest concept sketches to the finished stage, students will experience the creative and practical process of bringing a script to life through visual design.

Students will begin by reading and analyzing each play to identify the mood, setting, and visual needs of every scene. They will create concept sketches, develop scale drawings, explore color palettes, and determine appropriate materials and construction methods to achieve the desired artistic vision. Throughout the course, students will study the artistry of set design from Broadway productions, community theaters, and school performances, learning how designers use scenery, lighting, texture, and composition to support storytelling.

Projects may include:

• Scene sketching and concept development
• Material selection and budgeting
• Basic woodworking and scenic construction
• Scenic painting, including murals, portraits, and landscapes
• Designing and creating stage backdrops
• Repurposing and transforming thrifted or recycled items into stage props and décor
• Functional layout and stage planning
• Basic theatrical lighting concepts
• Collaboration, problem-solving, and production teamwork

This project-based course blends artistic creativity with practical design and construction skills while introducing students to the collaborative world of theater production. By the end of the year, students will have contributed to the complete visual design of two full-length productions and developed a portfolio showcasing their creative process and finished work.

Participation in Theater Class or the play is not required. 9th-12th graders welcome. Priority will be given to students in 9th-12th grades, but as long as there is space in the class, you can reach out to me if you have a junior high student that would love this experience.