Design Innovation: Scenic
A unique opportunity to examine the process of scenic design through script and drawing
Program Overview
The Design Summer Institute in Scenic Design is a two-week intensive for students interested in scenic design for theater, film, and television. This program provides opportunities to work with our distinguished faculty in classes such as Introduction to Scenic Design and Scale Drafting, Production Design for Theater, Film and Television, and Storyboarding. Students will learn the design process for scenic design for theater and be introduced to production design. The combination of these courses will allow students to use the training to discover how we can tell stories through visual research, sketches, and model design.
Students will learn the technical components of breaking down a script and the art of collaboration with directors while gaining hands-on experience such as model-building, perspective drawing, and scale measurement as a means of realizing a design. Beyond the classroom, students will attend guest workshops that will cover portfolio and career preparation.
The Theater Laboratory Intensives are designed for artists and students who seek additional discipline and training required for participation in a university theater program or a career in the entertainment industry. Participation in this institute is open to pre-college (14 years and older) students.
Admission to the program is by instructor consent. As part of the application process, each applicant must submit a resume. The resume can be uploaded during the application process.
*Please note that all levels are encouraged to apply and English language comprehension and proficiency is required. Refer to the FAQ for additional information regarding language proficiency.
Housing (Commuter)
As a commuter, housing contracts are not available through UCLA Housing Department, however, the UCLA Summer Hostel that is located on the residence hill provides housing options for all registered UCLA Summer Sessions students who are 18 years of age or older. For those who will not securing housing on campus, it is expected that students who fall into this category will commute to class daily.
Schedule
Program Costs
2026 fees will be announced this winter and include on-campus housing costs.
2025 (Commuter only) fees were:
Program Fees: $3095
University Fees: $111
Registration Fee: $350
Total Fee: $3556
Contact Theater Laboratory Intensives
theatersummerinstitutes@tft.ucla.edu
Requirements
Applications are reviewed and admission to the program is granted on a rolling basis starting December 1st. Applying at your earliest convenience, prior to May 1st, is highly recommended.
Please note that all levels are encouraged to apply. Early application is strongly encouraged.
Applicants are required to provide the following during the online registration process:
In 400 words, how do you describe your passion for scenic design?
A resume (if you do not have a resume, submit a brief description of your theatrical and/or artistic experience). The resume can be uploaded as a word or pdf file during the application process.
Note:
The essay will be prompted on the registration form and can be uploaded (.pdf) along with the resume during the applcation process.
All responses will not be accessible to edit in any form after submission of the application.
Program Eligibility
- 9th-12th grade
- Ages 15-19
Curriculum
UCLA Theater Laboratory Intensive students will receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program. The program does not carry college credit.
Due to the intensive nature of the program, a maximum of one excused program absence is permitted.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
UCLA Summer Sessions Summer Scholars Support
Qualified students attending grades 8th – 11th in the state of California may be eligible for Summer Scholars Support, a need- and merit-based scholarship offered by the UCLA Summer Sessions Office. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available to support enrollment in SCIP/eSCIP, one Summer Course, or a Precollege Summer Institute.
Important Dates and Deadlines
June 1, 2026
Application deadline
June 6, 2026
Enrollment Deadline
Sessions
June 28 – July 10, 2026