Scenic and Lighting Design for the Stage
Summer 2026
Developing visual stories through set and lighting design.
This course is designed to introduce students to the practice and techniques of scenic and lighting design for theatre.
This exciting course encourages deep script analysis seeking to improve students' visual literacy alongside teaching the skills of design. Focusing on the scenic and lighting elements of visual storytelling, students will learn to research and design a world based on theatrical text. Instruction will include seeing plays with an eye toward analyzing how its designs relate to the production.
Throughout the two-week program, students can expect to:
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Read scripts and do design based research
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Create a series of drawings or small scenic models based on a script
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Generate visual renderings of lighting ideas
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Present design ideas to larger audiences
Additional activities include:
- Field trips to local Los Angeles area theatres
- Workshops with industry professionals to discuss their work
Dive Deeper
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Scenic and Lighting Design for the Stage is a residential program on LMU's Los Angeles-area campus. There are no commuter options at this time - all participants are required to live on campus for the duration of their program.
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Students enrolled in the Design for Stage and Screen course will have the opportunity to visit local theatres and experience a live play with an eye toward analyzing how the designs relate to the production.
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- Learn basic drawing/scenic modeling skills
- Learn about visual storytelling mechanisms
- Learn to read/analyze performances via design
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Application Fee: $65
2026 Program Cost: $6,500
The program cost includes:
- Tuition for two-week, non-credit course
- Housing and meals for two weeks
- Course materials
- Use of campus recreation facilities
- Class field trips
- Two weekend social trips off campus
For additional information about program tuition and fees and payment options, please visit our Fees Page.
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This class is open to rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Requirements:
- Online Application
- Personal Essay: Read the Prompt Now
- Letter of Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
- High School Transcripts
- $65 Application Fee
- TOEFL Scores (for International applicants whose primary language is not English)
Create the World You Want to Live In
2026 program applications will open on November 15, 2025. In the meantime, join our mailing list or explore more about the pre-college experience.