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United Scenic Artists

The Representative Voice
of Designers and Scenic Artists

Exam Information: Scenic Artist

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.

If you have questions about the examination process, please contact the Exam Coordinator. If you have questions specifically about the Scenic Artist examination, please contact the appropriate examination committee.

Access Online Application Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I contact an examination committee if I have a question?

Applicants should contact the USA 829 Scenic Artist examination committee designated to their state of residence. Reference the regions and contact information below to find the appropriate contact email.

Eastern Region (Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and members living abroad): SAexam@usa829.org

Central Region (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin): Contact Central Region Business Representative Matt Walters at mwalters@usa829.org

What are the steps of the Scenic Artist exam?

The standardized application, recommendation letters, and application & exam fees ($75 and $125 respectively) are submitted through USA 829’s SurveyMonkey Apply platform. There are additional requirements specific to the Scenic Artist exam, and candidates should contact the appropriate examination committee for details.

What materials should I prepare for the exam?

All candidates must provide three letters of recommendation, a comprehensive résumé, and a portfolio. Specific questions about these materials should be directed to the appropriate examination committee.

What key dates and deadlines should I know about?

Scenic Artist Track B Exam

March 6th, 2026: Open Exam Application Deadline

April 3rd, 2026: Digital Portfolio and 3 Recommendations Submission Deadline

April 18/19th, 2026: 20 minute Zoom Interview

April 20th, 2026: Notification of Advancing on to the Practical Skills Portion of the Examination

May 1st, 2026: Fee for the Practical Skills Portion of the Exam deadline

May 4th, 2026: Home Projects Information Packet Mailed

June 6th, 2026: Practical Skills Test

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