EXAM INFO: WESTERN REGION
Designers who are interested in joining the Union and who reside in the Western Region may do so through either the Examination or the Professional Membership Application process.

EXAMS IN THE WESTERN REGION

Exams are given in the Western Region in four categories of membership: Costume, Lighting, Scenic and Sound Design. Currently there is no Exam given for Scenic Artists (painters) in the Western Region. Design applicants should send the Application Form, a résumé and the non-refundable Application Fee of $75.00 to the Western Region office address listed on the form. The fee must be paid by personal check only made payable to "United Scenic Artists Local USA 829."

The reviewers will be looking for the skills required for each category, as listed in the category-specific exam information letters found below. Experience in the profession is the best preparation, and applicants from academic or fine arts backgrounds are encouraged to work in the field before applying to the Union.

WESTERN REGION EXAM FORMS & INFORMATION
 Category-specific Exam Information PDF files:
 WESTERN REGION EXAM SCHEDULING

Exams are given on an as-needed basis. No personal interview is required. However, an applicant should call the Western Region office and speak to Western Region Asst. Business Representative Monique L'Heureux at 323-965-0957, or contact her via e-mail to: WestExam@usa829.org,  prior to beginning the application process.

MAIL-IN PORTFOLIO REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

Depending on the category in which you are applying, you will be asked to mail your résumé, three (3) letters of recommendation, a personal non-refundable check for the additional $125.00 Exam Fee and the following portfolio items to the Western Regional Office:
  • Costume Designers - Complete designs for two (2) produced productions: one contemporary play and one period play. Include: color sketches with swatches; photos and/or color xeroxes of produced work (not to exceed 10 in number).
         - Refer to 2011 Costume Design Exam Info West (above)
  • Lighting Designers - Complete designs for two (2) produced productions. Include: blue- or black-line prints of drafted light plots and sections; paperwork, hook-ups, instrument schedules, track sheets, shop orders (where applicable); photos and/or color xeroxes of produced work (not to exceed 10 in number).
         - Refer to 2011 Lighting Design Exam Info West (above)
  • Scenic Designers - Complete designs for two (2) produced productions, at least one to be a multi-set production. Include: blue- or black-line prints of drafted ground plans, sections and design elevations; painter's elevations; color models (preferably photos of models); color renderings and/or black & white sketches; photos and/or color xeroxes of produced work (not to exceed 10 in number).
         - Refer to 2011 Scenic Design Exam Info West (above)
  • Sound Designers - Complete designs for two (2) produced productions, at least one to be a non-academic production. Each design must provide all necessary information for a sound engineer to pull the show from a rental shop (and hang and cable it in your absence). We may request a CD or DVD of sound examples.
         - Refer to 2011 Sound Design Exam Info West (above)
It is essential that each applicant mail in to the reviewers only that which has been specified. Entire portfolios or more than 10 photos or color xeroxes will not be accepted.

Briefly, the reviewers will be looking for the following important indications of professional standards:
  • Costume Design - Knowledge of period and style; use of color and fabric; construction methods; concept and rendering.
  • Lighting Design - Knowledge of the use of light and its impact on actors, scenery and costumes; research, concept, collaboration and drafting; knowledge of equipment.
  • Scenic Design - Knowledge of architectural periods and styles and research; basic construction methods, materials and drafting; rendering and sketching ability; model building skills; painter's elevations.
  • Sound Design - Knowledge of equipment; rationale for their choice & placement; cuing; music & effects; collaboration with scenery & lighting.
The relationship of all four design categories to each other will be an important element, as will a sense of dramatic flair and originality.

Any materials you wish to have returned must be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope large enough to hold such materials.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Local USA 829 currently has Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) in the Western Region which cover employment of Designers at:
  • The Ahmanson Theatre
  • The Los Angeles Opera
  • The San Francisco Opera

Designers hired by any of these companies must make application for Professional Membership before work may begin. To apply, contact Western Region Asst. Business Representative Monique L'Heureux as soon as possible at 323-965-0957. See HOW TO JOIN [left] for costs and a list of materials which must be submitted.

The Regional Business Representative will then present the applicant's credentials and current job status to members at the next General Membership Meeting for an acceptance vote. Should the application be denied, the Initiation Fee will be refunded.

LORT (LEAGUE OF REGIONAL THEATRES)

Designers who have secured work three times at LORT theaters must make Professional Membership Application upon being hired for a fourth LORT production. We recommend that Designers working in LORT go through the Exam / Review process prior to the fourth show.

WESTERN REGION OFFICE - MAILING ADDRESS

Mail all application materials to:

      (Your Category) Exam Committee
      United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829
      6363 Wilshire Blvd.
      Suite 400
      Los Angeles, CA 90048

      Phone: 323-965-0957

      Fax: 323-272-3130