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Apprenticeship training course

Scenic artist (level 3)

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Information about Scenic artist (level 3)

Discuss the scenic art requirements with the designer or scenic manager to translate their vision into the reality of what the audience sees.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours
View knowledge, skills and behaviours

Knowledge

  • Colour theory- identify and fully understand the main categories in colour theory. The colour wheel, that consists of primary, secondary and tertiary, colour harmony, and provides the context of how colour is used within the role, for example accurate colour matching.
  • Painting theory for example colour mixing, product use, wood-graining, marbling, sign writing, trompe l’oeil, spray techniques, painting on various materials, appliques and cut-cloths, faux finishes, peeling and cracked paint.
  • Basic geometry, namely sizes, shapes, positions, angles and dimensions of objects such as squares, circles and triangles.
  • Art history - recognise the differences in styles and periods in the story of world art, including that of notable historical and contemporary individual artists.
  • History of architecture and interiors - recognise the different styles and periods , including that of notable buildings and interiors.
  • Principles of portraiture - understand the processes of portrait artists including anatomical drawing of the human figure, painting techniques such as fresco or oil painting in order to reproduce in scenic terms.
  • Carving and sculptural techniques for example polycarving and scrimming.
  • Texture techniques for example different texture products, additives and adhesives, accurate replication of given building materials, rendering of natural and man-made surfaces, ageing and distressing.
  • Recognise the differences in preparation for and working on a variety of surfaces.
  • The rules of perspective drawing to suggest three dimensions on a two-dimensional surface.
  • Understand design requirements, from discussion with the head of department, production manager and designer or director, including those related to concept and finish, using drawings, photographs or models.
  • The design process including model boxes and scale.
  • Recognise materials and products, for example paints, glazes, textures, adhesives, canvases.
  • Impact of health and safety legislation, regulations, policies and procedures including, safe working practice COSHH regulations, manual handling and risk assessments.
  • Impact of environmental legislation - the importance of environmental responsibilities within the role for example the Refuse Disposal Act 1978 and Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989 and the sustainability of resources.
  • CAD (computer aided design) and creative software to develop and create images and adapt those provided by the designer or design brief.
  • Research techniques to be able to identify requirements from the design brief.
  • Project management principles to supervise projects including costing processes.
  • The broad intent of the organisation or productions policies and procedures including diversity and inclusivity.
  • The objectives and requirements of other craft skills and activities in theatre stages and art departments and their relationship with scenery and props.
  • Maintenance and storage requirements of tools and equipment used to create the scenery or set for example mobile access equipment, hand tools, hoists and lifts.
  • The safe use of tools and equipment for example hand tools, hoists and lifts.
  • Approaches to keeping knowledge up to and sharing skills with work colleagues.
  • Accurate industry terminology.

Skills

  • Liaise with designers and production managers to create or adapt work in accordance with requirements.
  • Use drawing equipment including a scale rule, measuring stick, straight edge, stencil making, pounce making and projection.
  • Draw using methods such as plotting, gridding, freehand and figurative.
  • Use painting theory for example colour mixing, product use, wood-graining, marbling, sign writing, trompe l’oeil, spray techniques, painting on various materials, appliques and cut-cloths, faux finishes, peeling and cracked paint.
  • Use carving and sculptural techniques for example polycarving, scrimming.
  • Apply texture techniques for example different texture products, additives and adhesives, accurate replication of given building materials, rendering of natural and man-made surfaces, ageing and distressing.
  • Use industry practices including accurate industry terminology and safe working practices.
  • Interpret the design process including model boxes and scale.
  • Use tools and equipment for example hand tools, hoists and lifts.
  • Operate and use mobile access equipment.
  • Undertake work on different surfaces.
  • Undertake the hanging and stretching out of cloths and wallpaper.
  • Undertake repair and modification, and finish activities as required and in accordance with safe working and manufacturing practices.
  • Modify any completed works during production if alterations are required by the director or designer.
  • Demonstrate and share best practice with the team.
  • Use IT systems to facilitate administrative, communications and online requirements for example diaries, blogs, schedules, budgets, costings and progress reports.
  • Communicate with others including understanding and responding to instructions and briefings.
  • Develop drawings, paintings, colour samples etc. in accordance with a design concept.
  • Maintain safe working practices and efficient use of hand tools, machinery, materials and resources.

Behaviours

  • Puts safety first.
  • Takes ownership and responsibility for actions.
  • Positively adapts to change, is flexible and looks for the benefits when changes occur.
  • Is organised and timely in work delivery.
  • Solves problems within own area of responsibility.
  • Remains focused, balancing competing priorities to achieve required outcomes.
  • Team-focused and works effectively with colleagues and others.
  • Committed to keeping up to date with employer needs, industry best practice and own professional development.
Apprenticeship category (sector)
Creative and design
Qualification level
3
Equal to A level
Course duration
21 months
Maximum funding
£19,000
Maximum government funding for
apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
Job titles include
  • Scenic artist
  • Scenic construction worker
  • Scenic painter
  • Set decorator
  • Set painter

View more information about Scenic artist (level 3) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.