Exam Info: Western Region
NOTE: Adobe Acrobat Reader is the recommended software program for completing the PDF forms associated with your application. The software is available to download for free: here. Apple's Preview program does not always correctly store data entered in the form. Please share this information with your References when sending your Recommendation Form.
Categories
Exams are given in four categories of membership: Scenic, Costume, Lighting and Sound Design.
Working Projection Designers interested in making application: click here.
Application Information
Design applicants should send the Application Form, a résumé, and the non-refundable Application Fee of $200.00 to the Western Region Office care of (Your Category) Exam Committee. The fee must be paid by personal check only made payable to "United Scenic Artists Local USA 829."
No personal interview is required. If you have questions, please contact the Exam Committee via e-mail prior to beginning the application process.
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.
IATSE TTF Safety First! Online Training Requirement
Applicants who have successfully completed an exam/review and who have been recommended for membership by an exam committee are required to complete one of two selected online safety courses as part of the final membership application process. The IATSE TTF Safety First! Online Courses promote safe working conditions by providing information, tools, and resources to recognize potential hazards and minimize risks. Health and Safety has always been a priority for Local USA 829, and training is available to ensure Artists and Designers have the skills and knowledge they need.
Western Region Exam Forms (All Categories)
Additional Forms by Category:
Schedule
Deadlines for receipt of ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS (résumé, fees, letters of recommendation, and portfolio materials) are:
- March 1, 2025
- July 1, 2025
- November 1, 2025
Mail-In Portfolio Review Requirements
All other materials including three (3) Letters of Recommendation and, depending on the category in which you are applying, the following portfolio items, must be sent as PDFs via e-mail to WestExam@usa829.org and must be received before one of the deadlines listed above.
- Costume Designers - Complete designs for two (2) produced productions: one contemporary play and one period play.
Include: PDFs of color sketches with digital photos of swatches; digital photos of finished design work (not to exceed 10 in number)
- Refer to Western Region Appliation: Costume PDF (above)
- Lighting Designers - Complete designs for two (2) produced productions.
Include: digital PDF files of drafted light plots and sections; paperwork, hook-ups, instrument schedules, track sheets, shop orders (where applicable); digital photos of finished design work (not to exceed 10 in number).
- Refer to Western Region Appliation: Lighting PDF (above)
- Scenic Designers - Complete designs for two (2) produced productions, at least one to be a multi-set production.
Include: digital PDF files of drafted ground plans, sections and design elevations; painter's elevations; digital photos of color models, color renderings and/or black & white sketches; digital photos of finished design work (not to exceed 10 in number).
- Refer to Western Region Appliation: Scenic PDF (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 Western Region Appliation: Sound PDF (above)
It is essential that each applicant e-mail in to the reviewers only that which has been specified. Entire portfolios or more than 10 digital photos 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.
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
LORT (League of Regional Theatres)
Designers must make Professional Membership application upon being hired for their fourth production at a LORT theatre. It is strongly recommended that designers complete the examination / portfolio review process following their third production.
Designers hired by any of these companies must make application for Professional Membership before work may begin. To apply, contact the Western Region Business Representative.