Arts & EntertainmentISCO 3432
Set builder
Set builders construct, build, prepare, adapt and maintain scenic elements used on stage and for filming movies or television programs. They use a wide variety of materials like wood, steel, aluminium and plastics. Their work is based on artistic vision, scale models, sketches and plans. They work in close cooperation with the designers and may build exibition stands for fairs, carnavals and other events.
Check yourself in a minute: set builder
Rate 5 of the 21 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
understand artistic concepts
follow work schedule
adapt sets
work safely with machines
use personal protection equipment
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (21)
work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.understand artistic conceptsunderstand artistic conceptsInterpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.follow work schedulefollow work scheduleManage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.adapt setsadapt setsAdapt and move set pieces during rehearsals and live performances.work safely with machineswork safely with machinesCheck and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.use personal protection equipmentuse personal protection equipmentMake use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.adapt to artists' creative demandsadapt to artists' creative demandsWork with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.prevent fire in a performance environmentprevent fire in a performance environmentTake steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are awar...prepare personal work environmentprepare personal work environmentCorrect settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.maintain theatre equipmentmaintain theatre equipmentCheck up on, maintain and repair tools and machinery used for onstage purposes, such as lighting equipment, stage sets or scene-change machinery.paint setspaint setsPainting set constructions and stage props.finish project within budgetfinish project within budgetMake sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.translate artistic concepts to technical designstranslate artistic concepts to technical designsCooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.work safely with chemicalswork safely with chemicalsTake the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.maintain workshop spacemaintain workshop spaceKeep your workshop space in working order and clean.work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervisionwork safely with mobile electrical systems under supervisionTake the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.work with respect for own safetywork with respect for own safetyApply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.build set constructionsbuild set constructionsDesign and build wooden, metal or plastic set constructions and set up stage pieces using carpets and fabrics.maintain theatre setsmaintain theatre setsInstall, check, maintain and repair stages and sets.keep up with trendskeep up with trendsMonitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.follow safety procedures when working at heightsfollow safety procedures when working at heightsTake necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures...
Optional (23) — show
photographyphotographyArt and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.lighting techniqueslighting techniquesThe characteristics of techniques used to create atmospheres and effects on camera or on stage; the equipment required and appropriate setup to use.manage consumables stockmanage consumables stockManage and monitor consumables stock to ensure that the production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.manage technical resources stockmanage technical resources stockManage and monitor technical resources stock to ensure that production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.work with the camera crewwork with the camera crewWork with the crew responsible for the camera operation and movement to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.operate forkliftoperate forkliftOperate a forklift, a vehicle with a pronged device in front for lifting and carrying heavy loads.define set building methodsdefine set building methodsDecide on how the set will be built and document the conclusions.plan workshop activityplan workshop activityPlan workshop activities according to production needs.make set construction drawingsmake set construction drawingsVisually describe the various pieces of the set in order to develop the plan and to share with others.attend rehearsalsattend rehearsalsAttend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.operate telehandleroperate telehandlerTransfer materials in a construction environment by using a telescopic handler.work with prop makerswork with prop makersConsult with prop makers about the props being used.work with the director of photographywork with the director of photographyWork with the director of photography on the artistic and creative vision that needs to be followed during production of a movie or theatre production.use moulding techniquesuse moulding techniquesUse moulding techniques, such as rotational moulding, injection moulding, blow moulding, compression moulding, extrusion moulding and thermo-forming to shape liquid raw materials, such as plastic, cer...support a designer in the developing processsupport a designer in the developing processSupport designers in the course of the developing process.keep personal administrationkeep personal administrationFile and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.organise workshop spaceorganise workshop spaceArrange the space of an equipment workshop for maximum efficiency, such as, install lighnting, install a workbench, etc. Decide on the activities and equipment to fit in, and the most convenient way t...manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...define set painting methodsdefine set painting methodsDefine painting methods and materials.prepare the floor for performanceprepare the floor for performanceCheck the state of the floor, making sure that its absorption of impact, restitution of energy and adherence properties are adequate. Check the surface for cleanliness, any sharp edges, level differen...develop professional networkdevelop professional networkReach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up ...collaborate on costume and make-up for performancescollaborate on costume and make-up for performancesWork with the staff responsible for costumes and make up in line with their creative vision and obtain directions from them about how make-up and costumes should look.work with the lighting crewwork with the lighting crewWork with the crew responsible for the lighting setup and operation to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
prop maker16 shared essential skillsscenic painter16 shared essential skillscostume maker14 shared essential skillsautomated fly bar operator13 shared essential skillslight board operator13 shared essential skillsmedia integration operator13 shared essential skillsperformance video operator13 shared essential skillssound operator13 shared essential skills
Frequently asked questions
What does a set builder do?
Set builders construct, build, prepare, adapt and maintain scenic elements used on stage and for filming movies or television programs. They use a wide variety of materials like wood, steel, aluminium and plastics. Their work is based on artistic vision, scale models, sketches and plans. They work in close cooperation with the designers and may build exibition stands for fairs, carnavals and other events.
What skills does a set builder need?
A set builder needs 21 essential skills, including work ergonomically, understand artistic concepts, follow work schedule, adapt sets, work safely with machines.
Will AI replace set builder jobs?
The AI disruption score for set builder is 18/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: follow work schedule, keep personal administration, manage consumables stock. Most resilient: adapt sets, work with respect for own safety, paint sets.
AI Replacement Risk
18/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
SectorArts & Entertainment
ISCO GroupLegal, social, cultural and related associate professionals
Essential Skills21
Is set builder right for you?
Take the free 10-minute Career Portrait to see which career direction fits your motivations and strengths.
Take the free test