Set Designer how-to

How to Check Sightlines in a Theater

Every seat should see the action.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Every seat should see the action. In short: get; find; draw, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Get the venue plan.

  2. Find extreme seats.

  3. Draw sightlines.

  4. Adjust masking.

  5. Check with the model.

  6. Confirm in tech.

Safety reminders for set designers

  • Follow scene shop safety
  • Design safe platforms
  • Follow fly system rules
  • Use fire-retardant materials

Ground plan · Elevation · White model · Rendering · Scene shop · Flat: see the full set designer glossary.

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