Set Designer

CE Rental Inc•Covington, LA

About The Position

See Hear Productions, a Curated Events company, is seeking an experienced Set Designer with expertise in scenic design and technical fabrication to join its scenic and fabrication shop. The role bridges creative vision and shop-floor execution by translating design concepts into precise, buildable drawings and collaborating with sales teams, production teams, and craftspeople. Reporting directly to the Director of Design, the Senior Designer serves as a creative and technical lead on productions ranging from intimate theater to large-scale live events. The position is primarily shop-based, with occasional work at production sites during installations. Some evening, weekend, and extended-hour work is expected during active production schedules, and occasional travel may be required for out-of-town productions. Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and a link to or PDF of a portfolio including scenic renderings or models and technical drawing packages. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

Requirements

At least 6 years of professional experience in scenic design and/or technical design for theater, live events, or a related entertainment industry.
Mastery of Vectorworks and/or AutoCAD and the ability to independently produce production-ready drawing packages.
Ability to design and detail for practical fabrication, with a solid understanding of wood, steel, soft goods, and composite materials.
Strong visual design sensibility balanced with rigorous technical accuracy.
Experience collaborating directly with directors, production managers, and shop craftspeople.
Excellent time management and ability to manage multiple productions simultaneously under deadline pressure.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Portfolio examples of scenic renderings or models and technical drawing packages.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in SketchUp, Rhino, or other 3D modeling tools.
Experience with scenic painting, soft goods, or specialty fabrication techniques.
Familiarity with rigging principles and load calculations.
Working knowledge of how lighting design affects scenic surface treatments.
Experience with touring or traveling productions.

Responsibilities

Develop scenic design packages, from initial concept sketches and renderings to final presentation materials, in collaboration with sales teams and production leadership.
Create physical or digital scale models to communicate design intent to production teams and clients.
Establish and maintain each production’s visual language and design continuity from concept through execution.
Present designs to sales teams, producers, and stakeholders, and incorporate notes and revisions.
Produce technical drawing packages in Vectorworks and/or AutoCAD, including ground plans, sections, elevations, and construction details.
Develop fabrication-ready shop drawings specifying materials, joinery, hardware, and finish treatments.
Coordinate structural requirements with production managers and, where needed, structural consultants.
Maintain shop drafting standards and the drawing library.
Collaborate with the fabrication team throughout builds by clarifying design intent, resolving build challenges, and approving work in progress.
Review shop drawings and cut lists for accuracy and flag conflicts before fabrication.
Source materials and specialty items, evaluate vendors, and maintain supplier relationships.
Participate in load-ins and installations to ensure the design is realized as intended.
Manage multiple concurrent projects with varying scales and timelines.
Develop and track design budgets and identify cost-saving options without compromising design quality.
Coordinate schedules with the production manager and shop foreman to meet build and delivery deadlines.
Maintain organized project documentation, including revision history and approval records.