Scenic Art
This five-day course in scenic art led by Vanessa Cass, Head of Design Realisation at Guildhall School, will introduce you to scenic painting techniques used to create realistic backdrops and set pieces for theatre, events and TV.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Mon 28 July – Fri 1 August 2025
- Course times:
- 10am–5pm
- Age:
- 16+
- Art form:
- Production Arts
- Fees:
- £595
- Deadline:
- Bookings will close at 5pm on Monday 30 June 2025 or when the course reaches full capacity
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+) | Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (under 18)
- Mode of study:
- In-person
- Venue:
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama
- When:
- Summer Schools (July–August)
Course info
There is very limited availability remaining on this course. Please join our waiting list and we will contact you if a place is still available.
- Please note that accommodation is not available
- Read our terms and conditions
Ages 16+
Course Dates & Times
Monday 28 July – Friday 1 August 2025
10am–5pm
About Scenic Art
This five-day course in scenic art led by Vanessa Cass, Head of Design Realisation at Guildhall School, will introduce you to scenic painting techniques used to create realistic backdrops and set pieces for theatre, events and TV.
Who is the course for?
- Anyone aged 16 and over, with an interest in learning new painting skills and more about the role of a scenic artist
- All levels of ability are welcome
What can I expect?
You will learn:
- How to scale up from a designer’s model
- Techniques for transferring an image
- How to prepare a surface for painting
- The correct way to mix colours
- The appropriate choice of equipment and materials for your paint finish
- How to achieve a range of paint effects like wood, stone, metal and marble
- How to use textures to replicate bricks, plaster and concrete
You will work on a small backcloth on the paint frame and individual canvases of Trompe L’oeil painting (an art technique which means to 'deceive the eye' in French). Pieces of work can be taken home throughout the week.
Do I need anything for the course?
Please consider your choice of clothing and footwear, as you will be working with paint throughout the week. Old clothes, overalls and shoes are encouraged.
Course Fee
£595
There is very limited availability remaining on this course. Please join our waiting list and we will contact you if a place is still available.
- Please note that accommodation is not available
- Read our terms and conditions
Eligibility
- We welcome participants from all ages 16 and over
- Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course
- No prior experience required
About the Course Tutor
The course is taught by Vanessa Cass, Head of Design Realisation / Scenic Art Lecturer at Guildhall School.
Vanessa originally studied for a Fine Art degree at Leeds University. For a number of years she combined working at the Royal Academy of Art with having a studio and producing her own artwork. In 1994 she studied Scenic Art and Prop Making at Central School of Speech and Drama and went on to work full-time as a Scenic Artist.
She has painted scenery and backcloths primarily for theatre and has worked for The National Theatre, Royal Opera House, English National Opera and Regents Park Open Air Theatre. Other scenic work has included adverts, corporate parties, theme parks, murals and children’s television.
She has taught Scenic Art part-time at Central School of Speech and Drama, completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
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