The Designer Track focuses on developing visual storytellers who can translate narrative into a cohesive, buildable, and executable production. Designers are responsible for shaping the audience’s experience through intentional use of space, color, texture, light, sound, and character. This track emphasizes both artistic vision and practical application, ensuring that ideas are not only compelling, but achievable within the realities of production.
At its core, the Designer Track reinforces the Academy’s commitment to preserving the tradition of hands-on theatrical design. Inspired by legacy practices from studios such as ILM and the Jim Henson Company, this program prioritizes real-world workflows, mentorship, and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next. Students are not just learning design theory—they are learning how to think, communicate, and execute like working designers.
Designers in this track develop a strong foundation in visual language, including principles of design, color theory, and narrative interpretation. From early stages, students are trained to analyze scripts, conduct meaningful research, and build visual worlds that support storytelling. As they progress, they begin translating those ideas into tangible outputs such as renderings, plans, cue structures, and documentation that can be used by fabricators and technicians.
A key component of the Designer Track is integration. Designers do not work in isolation—they collaborate closely with Fabricators and Technicians to ensure that designs are practical, efficient, and aligned across all departments. Students learn to communicate clearly through drawings, paperwork, and presentations, while also adapting their designs based on feedback, constraints, and evolving production needs.
As Designers advance through the program, they take on increasing levels of ownership and leadership. Beginning with research and concept development, they move into application and execution, ultimately leading full productions. Senior Designers are expected to manage scope, schedule, and resources, while mentoring lower-tier designers and maintaining a unified vision across all design disciplines.
The goal of the Designer Track is to produce well-rounded designers who can lead with both creativity and discipline. Graduates of this track will not only understand how to design, but how to bring those designs to life within a collaborative production environment—delivering work that is intentional, functional, and impactful.
Designer Track
Tier I
Aspiring Designer
Introduction to design principles, visual language, and storytelling within a structured production environment. Students focus on understanding how design supports narrative through script analysis, research, and basic visual development. Emphasis is placed on building strong habits in organization, observation, and communication. They begin to understand how individual design choices contribute to the overall production.
Tier II
Assistant Deigner
Tier III
Junior Designer
Tier IV
Designer
Development of consistency and clarity in design execution across repeatable tasks. Students begin working more independently, translating concepts into renderings, layouts, and documentation with improved accuracy. They develop awareness of workflow and how their contributions support the broader design team. Basic problem solving is introduced as they begin refining work based on feedback and production needs.
Ownership of design elements or defined sections of a production from concept to execution. Students apply technical and creative skills to solve problems in real time while maintaining visual cohesion and practicality. They develop stronger communication with fabricators and technicians, ensuring designs are achievable and aligned with production constraints. At this level, they also begin supporting and guiding lower-tier designers.
Leadership within the design process with full responsibility for vision, execution, and outcomes. Students define design direction, manage workflow, and ensure alignment across all production elements. They maintain high standards in creativity, clarity, and adaptability while coordinating with directors, fabricators, and technicians. Designers are trusted to deliver complete, production-ready design packages and lead teams toward that same standard.
Designer Journey
Costume
The Costume Design discipline focuses on character storytelling through clothing, silhouette, and texture. Students explore how wardrobe communicates time period, status, personality, and transformation within a production. Emphasis is placed on research, fabric selection, color relationships, and how costumes interact with lighting and movement.
As students progress, they develop skills in rendering, costume plotting, and visual continuity across characters. They learn to balance creativity with practicality, ensuring designs can be constructed, worn, and maintained throughout a production. At higher levels, students take ownership of full costume concepts, ensuring cohesion across ensembles and alignment with the overall design vision.
Lighting
Make-Up
The Lighting Design discipline focuses on shaping mood, focus, and atmosphere through light. Students explore how color, intensity, angle, and movement influence storytelling and audience perception. Emphasis is placed on script analysis, cue structure, and how lighting supports pacing, emotion, and visual composition on stage.
As students advance, they develop skills in drafting, cue writing, and programming concepts. They learn to design with intention, balancing artistic vision with technical limitations. At higher levels, students create full lighting concepts, coordinate with other designers, and ensure seamless integration with scenic, costume, and sound elements.
The Make-Up Design discipline focuses on enhancing character through facial design, detail work, and transformation. Students learn how make-up supports storytelling by defining age, status, personality, and stylization. Emphasis is placed on color theory, application techniques, and continuity across performances.
As students progress, they develop skills in design planning, face charting, and working with different materials and styles. They learn to adapt designs for stage visibility and durability under performance conditions. At higher levels, students oversee full make-up concepts, ensuring consistency across cast members and alignment with costume and lighting design.
Prop
Sound
Scenic
The Sound Design discipline focuses on auditory storytelling through music, effects, and environmental sound. Students explore how sound influences emotion, pacing, and immersion. Emphasis is placed on script analysis, sound selection, and timing.
As students advance, they develop skills in cue building, editing, and system awareness. They learn to balance clarity, dynamics, and spatial considerations within a performance space. At higher levels, students create full soundscapes, ensuring seamless integration with lighting, scenic, and overall production design.
The Prop Design discipline focuses on the conceptualization and visual storytelling of handheld and interactive objects. Students explore how props support character, environment, and narrative detail. Emphasis is placed on research, scale, material awareness, and how objects function within a performance.
As students advance, they develop skills in prop tracking, design rendering, and collaboration with fabricators. They learn to balance aesthetic accuracy with usability and durability. At higher levels, students take ownership of full prop packages, ensuring cohesion, functionality, and seamless integration into the overall production.
The Scenic Design discipline focuses on creating the physical environment of a production. Students explore composition, spatial storytelling, and how scenery supports movement, blocking, and visual focus. Emphasis is placed on layout, perspective drawing, and translating script into physical space.
As students progress, they develop skills in drafting, model building, and collaborating with shop teams. They learn to design within constraints such as budget, materials, and stage limitations. At higher levels, students lead full scenic concepts, ensuring structural feasibility, visual cohesion, and integration with all other design elements.