USA 829 Scenic Artists are employed at scenic shops in New York, Chicago and St. Louis, at the Metropolitan and other opera companies, in network television, on commercials and on feature films and episodic television from Delaware to Maine.
The craft of scenic art involves being able to master and execute the following skills: Lay-out, surface decoration, sculpting, mold-making, casting and painting of scenery and properties for all media, plus the execution of models, miniatures, and some graphics. The ability to match color, create faux finishes and paint Trompe L’oeil are essential skills for a scenic artist. USA 829 scenic artists are expected to meet a very high standard in these areas.
What are the steps of the Scenic Artist exam?
The Open Exam is given once every year and is held over two sessions. The Open Exam is open to anyone 18 years or older with on-the-job or
academic experience in art, theater, film, television, and related industries as listed below. Relevant work experience can include but is not limited to:
entertainment industry scenery, faux finishing, decorative painting,fine art painting, corporate or fashion scenery, theatrical scenery, film/tv scenery, amusement parks scenery, museum finishes, murals, art instructor or teacher, restoration work, sculpting, sign painting, graffiti, community theater scenery, religious scenery, non-profit arts organizations scenery. etc.
Step One: All applicants going through the exam process begin with a standardized application facilitated through the SurveyMonkey Apply platform. Applicants begin the process by submitting the union application form and a non-refundable application fee ($75). Upon submission of these materials, the candidate’s eligibility for membership is verified by the USA 829 Business Office.
Step Two: The applicant then submits a comprehensive résumé detailing work experience, education, and relevant skills, three letters of recommendation from industry professionals (one of which must be from a USA 829 member in good standing), and a digital portfolio. For more information on these requirements, reference the Scenic Artist Open Exam Information PDF.
Step Three: The applicant has a 20-minute Zoom interview with three (3) USA 829 Scenic Artists.
Step Four: The applicant will be contacted via email about whether or not they were in the top 24 applicants from the Zoom interview. The top 24 applicants will advance to the Practical Skills portion of the examination and are asked to submit an additional fee of $550 (covering the cost of materials for the exam).
Step Five: The applicant will be mailed a printed packet with their assigned Home Projects. Applicants will be asked to produce 3 works: 2 on canvas (or muslin), and 1 on a hard surface (1/8" masonite panel or similar).
Step Six: The final stage of the exam is the Practical Skills Test. You will be asked to paint two samples of faux finishes on hard surfaces 2x2 ft in scale, recreate one drawing on paper, and mix two specified color swatches. Reference images for these projects will be provided on the day of the exam.
For more information about the steps of the exam and requirements for each step, please visit the Scenic Artist Open Exam Information PDF.
What if I want to join through the Apprenticeship Program?
The Apprentice Program applications are reviewed by a different committee. For more information, please visit the Scenic Artist Apprenticeship page.
If I gain membership to the union, what can I expect to pay in dues?
USA 829 members must pay dues each quarter, as well as 2% checkoff dues for covered union employment. For more information, visit the "Financial Obligations" section of the previous page.
Does USA 829 have a hiring hall?
USA 829 does not have a hiring hall. Members are expected to procure their own employment. Union members do have access to a list of fellow union members, the “Feature Film and TV Report", which lists current film and tv projects, and the ability to list their names on our "Availability List” to help them in their search for work.
Does my healthcare coverage begin immediately when I join the union?
Becoming a member of USA 829 does not automatically qualify you for enrollment in IATSE Plan C health coverage. Rather, eligibility to enroll is earned by working under USA 829 contracts. Every time you work under a USA 829 contract, you employer is required to make contributions into the IATSE Plan C Health Fund on your behalf, and those contributions live in a “CAPP Account.” The balance in this account is then used to determine your eligibility to enroll, and to pay the premiums for your health coverage. For more information, visit the Healthcare page.
Where can I find more information about the union's healthcare, 401(k), annuity, and pension?
For more details about how to become eligible for health coverage, as well as information about the pension, annuity, and 401(k) plans in which you may be eligible to participate, visit www.usa829.org/benefits.
Why do applicants pay an exam fee?
The fee applicants pay to take the exam is based on the cost of administering the exam i.e. venue rental, material costs, setup and cleanup, etc.
What media will be used in the exam?
All projects or samples you will be asked to create for this exam will require the use of water-based media i.e artist acrylics, latex or acrylic house paint, water-based faux finishing glaze or medium, and water-based clear coats or sealers. We do not accept projects that use oil-based mediums or oil-based paints. We also do not accept projects that use alcohol-based shellac, ink, or dyes.
Can I postpone the exam if I have already paid all my fees?
Once you have paid your fees it is assumed you are completing that application and the Filing Fee is not refundable or transferable to another exam. However, under special circumstances, if you contact the exam committee early enough of an unforeseen conflict, an applicant may postpone the Exam/Interview for which they have already fully paid. Only under such circumstances, and with prior approval of the committee, will the Filing and Exam Fees and paperwork be held over for a later Exam. Notice of the results of an Exam/Interview will not be sent to an applicant until all fees have been received by the Committee. If you have questions or need to postpone an Exam/Interview please contact the relevant examination committee.
How can I train my eye to see like a Scenic Artist?
We encourage candidates to find their sample images from the real world instead of a screen. Venture to museums, historical sites, and interesting architecture. Your eye will learn more, and your paintings will be more dynamic. View the glow of the marble, the texture of rust. Find a piece in a gallery that speaks to you that can help show us your skills as a Scenic Artist.
What materials should I prepare for the exam?
All candidates must provide three letters of recommendation, a comprehensive résumé, and a portfolio. Additional steps include a Zoom interview, Home Project, and Practical Skills Test. For more information, view the Scenic Artist Open Exam Information PDF.
What should I bring to the Practical Skills Test?
The materials you use to create your samples will be provided i.e. paint, surfaces, and charcoal/pencils. Sinks, fans, small deli cups for mixing colors, and gloves. All other supplies you might need- i.e. paint brushes, rulers, faux finishing supplies, aprons, etc you must bring yourself. A full list of the materials we are providing will be included in the packet you receive in the mail.
We strongly recommend bringing lunch as it's not provided. Coffee, tea, water, and snacks will be provided. This test happens over an 8 hour day, which includes two mandatory 15 minute breaks and one mandatory 30 minute lunch break.
What key dates and deadlines should I know about?
Scenic Artist Open Exam, NYC
March 3rd, 2027: Open Exam Application Deadline. Application Form, $75 Fee, Resume, and Cover Letter must be submitted by this date
in order to reserve a Zoom Interview slot and begin the application process.
April 7th, 2027: Digital Portfolio and 3 Recommendations Submission Deadline. Only the files submitted by this date will be reviewed during your Zoom interview.
April 17/18th, 2027: 20 minute Zoom Interview. You will be emailed a 45 minute time slot a week in advance of April 17th, 2027.
April 19th, 2027: Notification of Advancing on to the Practical Skills Portion of the Examination. Only the top 24 candidates from the Zoom Interviews will be asked to advance.
April 28th, 2027: Fee for the Practical Skills Portion of the Exam deadline. The $550 fee must be submitted by this date in order to receive the packet for the Practical Skills portion of the exam.
April 30th, 2027: Home Projects Information Packet Mailed to candidates.
June 5th, 2027: Practical Skills Test. Home Projects will be dropped off, and assigned Practical Skill projects will be completed over an 8hr, in-person, exam
Access a PDF version of the NYC Key Dates and Deadlines here.