Performance Design

Performance design is the discipline concerned with the visual and spatial creation of live performance. It encompasses the design of sets, costumes, lighting, sound and projections for theatre, opera, dance, live events, film and television, asking how designed space and objects can support, enhance and generate meaning in performance. It is a discipline that demands both artistic vision and practical craft: an understanding of how theatrical and cinematic spaces work, how materials and technologies can be used to realise ideas, and how to collaborate with directors, choreographers and producers to serve the overall vision of a production.

This three-year full-time degree at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, one of the UK's leading conservatoires, equips you with the practical and imaginative tools needed to bring stage productions, live and filmed events to life. You will work across the range of design specialisms, developing skills in scenic design, costume design, technical realisation and the use of digital design tools alongside a thorough understanding of production processes and the professional contexts in which performance design operates. The Guildhall's connections to the professional performing arts world are a significant asset for students developing their practice and networks.

Graduates work as set designers, costume designers, lighting designers, production designers, art directors and visual concept developers across theatre, opera, dance, film, television and live events. The combination of artistic training and technical knowledge from a leading conservatoire is valued by employers in the performing arts and screen industries. Many graduates work on a freelance basis, building a portfolio career across different productions and media.

Further study in performance design, theatre design or scenography is a route for those who wish to develop specialist expertise or pursue academic practice.