Stage design, scenography

Designing and creating scenery, spaces, characters and decorations for theater, film and television productions: If you are passionate about this, you can choose a degree course in stage design and scenography.

Foto: Thomas Lohnes | Bundesagentur für Arbeit
Eine Bühnenplastik ist auf einer Abdeckfolie fixiert und es stehen Farben zum malen bereit.

Overview of the academic discipline

The visual implementation of theater, film or television material in (stage) spaces with the corresponding decorations and costumes is the focus of these degree courses. Employees in this field work closely with directors and choreographers.

In addition to basic scientific knowledge, the focus is also on artistic and creative skills, such as artistic work and model making as well as questions of technical implementation.

Which topics are included in the curriculum?

The course teaches dramaturgical, artistic, organizational and technical skills. Possible course content includes visual design, stage and costume design, dramaturgy, design techniques, editing, fine arts and theater studies.

There are also modules such as CAD, digital design, art and design history, light design and scenographic basics.

For admission, artistic aptitude must be demonstrated by submission of a portfolio or participation in an aptitude test.

What are the requirements?

A good basis for studying in this field is in-depth knowledge of the following school subjects: Crafts/art, math, German, computer science.

What study programmes are there to choose from?

Bachelor's and diploma degree courses are offered at art colleges, universities and universities of applied sciences. Undergraduate courses can be found under the following names: Stage design, make-up design, stage and costume design, costume design, scenography.

What job opportunities are there after graduation?

Graduates of this field of study can work freelance or full-time in film, television, opera houses, theaters and for video and internet productions. There are also employment opportunities in exhibition management, with concert organizers or museums.

Stand: 09.07.2025