Simple Set Design Ideas

When I first stepped into the role of drama director, I thought my job would revolve around coaching performers and blocking scenes. Then came the unexpected twist: I inherited the responsibility for set design.

Let’s just say… I was never the artsy kid. In sixth grade, I boldly listed “Art” as my least favorite class. And now? I was supposed to create visual magic. If this sounds familiar, keep reading. Here are real-life, drama-director-tested tips for designing sets that are practical, budget-conscious, and time-saving—without sacrificing elegance.

🎭 Start With a Strong Anchor: Your Main Unit

• Design one main unit that stays onstage for most of the show.

• Think of it as your set’s “home base.”

• Platforming systems are perfect for this—usable in multiple scenes with minor adjustments.

💡 Example:
In Beauty and the Beast, I used a cobblestone-textured platform with stairs. It served both the town and castle scenes. The only thing that changed? The backdrops!

🔁 Use Set Pieces That Do Double Duty

• Look for versatile pieces you can repurpose throughout the show.

• Periaktoi (three-sided flats) are a lifesaver—paint them on each side and rotate them for scene changes.

💡 Example:
One side could be a bookshelf, another a forest, the third a tavern wall—endless combinations, one structure.

Bonus: Build periaktoi with flaps that open on each side. Then you have six possible set locations!

🧻 Get Creative With Backdrops and Coverings

• Try “Better Than Paper” bulletin board rolls—they come in rich textures like wood grain or stone and are a breeze to hang.

• Peel-and-stick wallpaper can add instant polish, especially for smaller stage areas or inset walls.

💡 Tip:
You don’t always need muslin and paint. These easy solutions shine for scenes that only need to “suggest” a space (like a hallway, study, or general outdoor location).

🕐 Time-Saving = Stress-Saving

• Prioritize elements that are reusable across shows or easily stored.

• Skip overly elaborate moving parts unless they’re absolutely central to the story.

• Use simple, iconic design to suggest space rather than recreate it.

✅ Your Set Doesn’t Have to Be Complex to Be Beautiful

You don’t need a massive construction team or a fine arts degree. What you do need is a thoughtful plan, a flexible mindset, and maybe a roll of stone-texture bulletin paper.

You’ve got this. Break a leg—and may your set strike quickly and your platform be stable!

Want Support? I've Got Resources for You.

If you’re on this journey too, I’ve got tools that can help:

🎭 Download my free Drama Program Growth Toolkit – a planning guide to help you set goals, recruit students, and map out your year.

🧰 Check out my Audition & Rehearsal Resource Bundle on my TPT store – with everything you need to prep students and run smooth auditions.

Coming soon: Student leadership guides for stage managers, designers, and more—so your students feel equipped to truly take the lead.