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 is the difference between the Track A and Track B exams? How do I know which one is right for me?
There are two exam processes available to Scenic Artists applying to join USA 829: the Track A Exam & the Track B Exam.
The Track A Exam is for Scenic Artists with at least three (3) years of professional, not academic, experience in the entertainment industry. Participation in the Apprenticeship program does not count towards your 3 years of experience. The exam is a 20-minute interview, during which time the review panel will evaluate the applicant’s portfolio and some required samples. This exam is given at various times during the year.
The “Open” Exam, or Track B, is open to anyone 18 years of age or older with on-the-job or academic experience in art, theatre, film, television, and related industries. The Exam is designed for those who do not have the necessary professional experience to apply for Track A, but who may be overqualified for the Apprentice Program. The Track B “Open” Exam is given once every two years.
What are the steps of the Track A exam?
Step One: Register for an IATSE TTF SafetyFirst! Online Training Class before the first date on the exam schedule. Contact the Exam Coordinator and tell them you intend to apply for membership as a Scenic Artist in USA 829. The EC will fill out an IATSE TTF SafetyFirst! Online Classes Application while you are on the phone and will send that to the IA Training Trust on the Thursday following your call. Between 5-12 days later (depending on the day you call the EC) you will receive an e-mail from the Training Trust containing a link to their free online classes, plus a username and temporary password.
Once you receive your login information from the IA, log onto the Training Trust SafetyFirst! website - where you must complete class #1: INTRODUCTION TO BASIC ENTERTAINMENT SAFETY (± 50 minutes) and/or class #17: HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND SAFETY IN THE WORK ENVIRONMENT (± 90 minutes). After completing the class(es) fill out the USA 829 Eastern Region: New York City Exam Application Form, including an X in the box next to “I COMPLETED THE REQUIRED IA TRAINING CLASS(ES) ON:” and the date you completed your online class. You cannot apply for membership in USA 829 until you have completed at least one (1) SafetyFirst! Online Class.
Step Two: 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 an application and filing fee ($200 for Track A candidates). Upon submission of these materials, the candidate’s eligibility for membership is verified by the USA 829 Business Office.
Step Three: The applicant then submits a comprehensive resume detailing work experience, education, and relevant skills and three letters of recommendation from industry professionals (one of which must be from a USA 829 member in good standing).
Step Four:Schedule and attend a Portfolio Review and Interview, where candidates are asked to present your current résumé, visual documentation of at least three (3) recent projects for which you were a principal Scenic Artist, a minimum of four (4) samples, a finished representational drawing, and a general portfolio with work other than the requested samples. The examination committee will provide more information about the specifications for these materials. After this stage, the Committee shall determine if a Scenic Artist is eligible for recommendation into membership.
What are the steps of the Track B exam?
Step One: Register for an IATSE TTF SafetyFirst! Online Training Class before the first date on the exam schedule. Contact the Exam Coordinator and tell them you intend to apply for membership as a Scenic Artist in USA 829. The EC will fill out an IATSE TTF SafetyFirst! Online Classes Application while you are on the phone and will send that to the IA Training Trust on the Thursday following your call. Between 5-12 days later (depending on the day you call the EC) you will receive an e-mail from the Training Trust containing a link to their free online classes, plus a username and temporary password.
Once you receive your login information from the IA, log onto the Training Trust SafetyFirst! website - where you must complete class #1: INTRODUCTION TO BASIC ENTERTAINMENT SAFETY (± 50 minutes) and/or class #17: HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND SAFETY IN THE WORK ENVIRONMENT (± 90 minutes). After completing the class(es) fill out the USA 829 Eastern Region: New York City Exam Application Form, including an X in the box next to “I COMPLETED THE REQUIRED IA TRAINING CLASS(ES) ON:” and the date you completed your online class. You cannot apply for membership in USA 829 until you have completed at least one (1) SafetyFirst! Online Class.
Step Two: 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 an application and filing fee ($225 for Track B candidates). Upon submission of these materials, the candidate’s eligibility for membership is verified by the USA 829 Business Office.
Step Three: The applicant then submits a comprehensive resume detailing work experience, education, and relevant skills and three letters of recommendation from industry professionals (one of which must be from a USA 829 member in good standing). Track B candidates are additionally asked to provide a Digital Portfolio.
Step Four: Attend a 20 minute Zoom interview with (3) USA 829 Scenic Artists. After this stage, Track B candidates will receive notification if they have advanced to the Practical Skills portion of the Examination.
Step Five: Complete the Home Project. A printed packed will be provided via mail or may be picked up at the union office. This completed project should be brought to the Practical Skills test.
Step Six: Take the Practical Studio Skills Test, where the applicant will be given a specific assignment to be completed in a limited amount of time in a studio setting. At this step, Home Projects will be reviewed by a panel of USA 829 Scenic Artists.
How long can I expect the examination process to take?
The Track A exam typically takes one month to complete.
The Track B exam typically takes place over several months in a given year.
What materials should I prepare for the exam?
All candidates must provide three letters of recommendation, a comprehensive resume, and a portfolio. Specific questions about these materials should be directed to the Exam 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