Theatre Production: Set Design 1


Learn what it takes to create professional theatrical productions, bringing the story to life through set design.

This four-week course explores the role of the scenic designer in storytelling, emphasizing the development of design concepts, period styles, drafting techniques, and model building. You'll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software like SketchUp, while also developing your skills in script analysis, research, and visual presentation.

Scenic designers have tremendous influence on the emotional tone of performances. You'll learn about modern scenic designers, including their work and methodologies, and the collaborative nature of the scenic design process. You'll engage in script analysis to determine how character motivations and themes influence scenic choices. You'll also learn essential theatrical terminology and workflow processes, used in professional settings. 

The course emphasizes the importance of research to inform design choices, while also teaching you how to create inspiration boards that synthesize your findings into cohesive visual presentations. You'll then learn how to derive concepts from your research and experiences. 

All throughout the course, you'll gain experience with SketchUp, enabling you to begin to create theatrical set designs that reflect your unique visions. By the end of the course, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of scenic design principles and the foundational technical skills to express your creative ideas effectively.

What you will learn:

Identify the roles and responsibilities of a professional scenic designer
Use script analysis and research techniques to create informed set design concepts
Create cohesive inspiration boards that articulate your design choices for a specific production
Use SketchUp software to create basic 3D models of theatrical sets
Next Session

Jan. 12 - Feb. 8, 2026

Teen and adult sections

VIEW ALL DATES

Tuition

$299

Rates increases Jan. 1

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: 18+

Expert guidance
Receive direct, personalized feedback from a professional artist.
Learn on your own schedule
Explore meaningful instruction in about five hours a week, over four weeks.
Collaborate
Work with your instructor and peers through messaging or optional real-time weekly classes.
Real growth
Develop artistic skills and projects that are important to you in 30 days.
  • Computer or mobile device with Internet and camera. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select “Interlochen Online” as your school.
  • SketchUp for Students
  • Graphic design software: GIMP (free software), Photopea (free software), or Adobe Photoshop (paid subscription)
  • Google Account, specifically for the use of Google Drive and Google Slides
  • Measuring tools: 20’ to 25’ measuring tape and 12” ruler
  • Writing tools: pencil, pen, marker, and eraser
  • Paper: copy, sketch, and tracing

No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).

Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.

Interlochen Online certificateThis is one of three courses needed to complete the Theatre Production: Set Design certificate program.

Our online arts certificate programs are perfect for...

Adults looking to boost their creative résumé and LinkedIn profile

Teens who want to earn high school credit for their passion

Interlochen Online's Learning Experience

World-class. Inspiring. Flexible.

Kevin Nelson

Instructor of Theatre

Questions? Speak with an Advisor.

Email: online@interlochen.org 

Phone: 231.276.5990 

You can also schedule an appointment.

How does it work? Start a free course demo.

Expert Faculty
Receive direct, personalized feedback from a professional artist.

Real Growth
Develop artistic skills that are important to you in 30 days.

Collaborate
Connect with peers and instructors on your projects—or just for fun.