Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:14 AM AWST
22/07/2026 9:14 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Conceive, develop and realise set designs
Conceive, develop and realise set designs
Unit of competency
National Code
CUESET501A
CUESET501A
State Code
D1584
D1584
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
23/03/2011
Field of Education
100103 - Drama And Theatre Studies
Original Release Date
23/03/2011
Nominal Hours
15
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to interpret the creative brief and develop/implement set designs for any production within the cultural industries.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Interpret the creative brief
- 1.1. Analyse the performance outline/script to determine overall production concepts
- 1.2. Participate in preliminary concept meetings with relevant personnel to discuss the set requirements of the production
- 1.3. Identify all relevant factors which may determine and affect the design
- 1.4. Discuss and agree upon the role of the designer in the production process
2. Conduct and evaluate research
- 2.1. Identify and source references which may inform the design process
- 2.2. Critically analyse sources and references in the context of the current design project
- 2.3. Consider the impacts and potential of new and emerging technologies to inform the design
- 2.4. Collect, collate and adapt materials to develop initial design concepts
3. Generate and assess ideas
- 3.1. Generate a range of ideas for the design which respond sympathetically to the brief and provide creative solutions to technical issues
- 3.2. Discuss ideas and collaborate with relevant personnel to ensure contribution of ideas to the initial concept
- 3.3. Continuously reflect on and appraise ideas for implications on cost and time, technical feasibility, and suitability to meet the brief
4. Develop and document the design
- 4.1. Hold ongoing discussions with relevant personnel so that additional or changed requirements and new ideas are considered and incorporated during the development of the design
- 4.2. Ensure that agreement is reached with relevant personnel in relation to consistent artistic interpretation
- 4.3. Evaluate initial concepts and select the most appropriate approach, giving consideration to budget, research findings and ongoing reflection/discussion
- 4.4. Develop the set designs from the initial concepts ensuring: consistency with the style requirements of the script/production; research findings are incorporated; ideas are technically feasible and demonstrate awareness of parameters/resource constraints; and ideas demonstrate effective use of materials
- 4.5. Organise or undertake testing and experimentation with selected set designs
- 4.6. Develop an accurate record of the design, including all relevant information
5. Communicate design ideas and make amendments
- 5.1. Present draft set plans and specifications to relevant colleagues in an appropriate format
- 5.2. Participate in the initial and ongoing evaluation of the presented designs
- 5.3. Negotiate and agree to modifications to the design and undertake any necessary amendments
- 5.4. Agree to the final designs and produce accurate and comprehensive documentation to support implementation
- 5.5. Present final designs, plans and specifications to all relevant personnel and confirm that all production requirements have been met
6. Liaise with others to implement set construction
- 6.1. Liaise with relevant personnel to ensure that all set production requirements are met, quality standards are adhered to and work is undertaken within item, budget and technical constraints
- 6.2. Participate in meetings with performers to consult on designs
- 6.3. Participate in ongoing production meetings and evaluation of the set designs
- 6.4. Ensure that any design modifications are agreed, noted and acted upon
- 6.5. Inform relevant personnel of design changes
- 6.6. Update any required documentation and record and file in accordance with enterprise requirements
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Relevant personnel may include:
choreographer
designer
director (art, photography, technical)
floor manager
performer
producer
production designer/manager
set construction/production personnel
set supervisor/manager
specialist/technical staff
Production may include:
animated productions
commercials
documentaries
feature films
filmed events or performances
live or pre-recorded television productions
music video
short films
television productions of any type (e.g. music, drama, comedy, variety, sport)
Factors may include:
available expertise
available resources (human, financial, physical)
available technology
budget
director's approach/instructions
level of assistance available during implementation and construction
needs of other production areas
regulations
space/venue specifications or restrictions
style/period/nature/scale of production
timelines
References may include:
collages
computer databases
contact with historical associations
digital images
libraries
manual files
models
musical scores
newspapers, reference books, journals, texts
paintings and illustrations
photographs
scripts (adapted or original)
sketches
talking and listening to experts
technical production drawings
use of the internet
watching documentary films and videos
writings of the period
Set designs may include:
automated and animatronic devices
back drops
cycloramas
drops
electrical and mechanical winches
flats
flooring and floor cladding
flown pieces
hydraulics
large props (e.g. furniture)
lifts
pneumatics
rakes
revolves
road cases, boxes, crates for storage/transportation
rostra
scaffolding
soft drapes
special effects sets
stairs
traps
treads
trucks
Accurate record of the design may include:
collages
colour illustrations
fabrics
material swatches
mock-ups
models
photographs
plans (computer or manually generated)
samples
scale models of sets
sketches
specifications
technical drawings
Set plans and specifications may include:
construction materials:
adhesives
cloths (canvas, gauze, nessle, wool, silk, velour, synthetic fabric)
fabrics
fasteners
fibreglass
leather
masonite
metal products (e.g. bars, tubes, sheets)
mouldable materials
moulded or cast metal
paper products
plaster
plastic
polystyrene
thermoplastic
timber/timber products
construction techniques:
ageing
fabrication
gluing
metalwork (e.g. cutting, welding, brazing)
moulding
painting
sculpting (and other shaping methods)
timber construction
woodworking
Production requirements may include:
occupational, public health & safety requirements:
commonwealth, state and territory OHS regulations
local government construction legislation and regulation
national and international standards, guidelines and codes of practice
production environments:
on location (interior, exterior)
outside broadcast
stage/theatre/venue
studio
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Relevant personnel may include:
choreographer
designer
director (art, photography, technical)
floor manager
performer
producer
production designer/manager
set construction/production personnel
set supervisor/manager
specialist/technical staff
Production may include:
animated productions
commercials
documentaries
feature films
filmed events or performances
live or pre-recorded television productions
music video
short films
television productions of any type (e.g. music, drama, comedy, variety, sport)
Factors may include:
available expertise
available resources (human, financial, physical)
available technology
budget
director's approach/instructions
level of assistance available during implementation and construction
needs of other production areas
regulations
space/venue specifications or restrictions
style/period/nature/scale of production
timelines
References may include:
collages
computer databases
contact with historical associations
digital images
libraries
manual files
models
musical scores
newspapers, reference books, journals, texts
paintings and illustrations
photographs
scripts (adapted or original)
sketches
talking and listening to experts
technical production drawings
use of the internet
watching documentary films and videos
writings of the period
Set designs may include:
automated and animatronic devices
back drops
cycloramas
drops
electrical and mechanical winches
flats
flooring and floor cladding
flown pieces
hydraulics
large props (e.g. furniture)
lifts
pneumatics
rakes
revolves
road cases, boxes, crates for storage/transportation
rostra
scaffolding
soft drapes
special effects sets
stairs
traps
treads
trucks
Accurate record of the design may include:
collages
colour illustrations
fabrics
material swatches
mock-ups
models
photographs
plans (computer or manually generated)
samples
scale models of sets
sketches
specifications
technical drawings
Set plans and specifications may include:
construction materials:
adhesives
cloths (canvas, gauze, nessle, wool, silk, velour, synthetic fabric)
fabrics
fasteners
fibreglass
leather
masonite
metal products (e.g. bars, tubes, sheets)
mouldable materials
moulded or cast metal
paper products
plaster
plastic
polystyrene
thermoplastic
timber/timber products
construction techniques:
ageing
fabrication
gluing
metalwork (e.g. cutting, welding, brazing)
moulding
painting
sculpting (and other shaping methods)
timber construction
woodworking
Production requirements may include:
occupational, public health & safety requirements:
commonwealth, state and territory OHS regulations
local government construction legislation and regulation
national and international standards, guidelines and codes of practice
production environments:
on location (interior, exterior)
outside broadcast
stage/theatre/venue
studio
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
ability to communicate and negotiate with a production team
ability to develop and realise creative set design concepts which meet production requirements and constraints
ability to project manage the design process
ability to research, interpret and adapt design concepts.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to a range of equipment as listed in the Range Statement
access to production scripts/performance outlines on which designs can be based
access to resources for the development and realisation of designs (including equipment, materials, financial and human resources)
access to suitable venues for the realisation of productions
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required
the use of culturally appropriate processes, and techniques appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are appropriate for this unit:
evaluation of set designs for which candidate has been responsible in terms of meeting creative brief and resource practicality
evaluation of reports produced by candidate which demonstrate processes used in developing and realising creative concept
oral or written questioning aimed at evaluating the processes used by candidate in developing and realising the creative concept
review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBCMM401A Make a presentation
CUEDES04B Establish and refine a brief
CUEDES05B Manage design realisation
CUEFIN01C Develop a budget
CUEFIN02C Manage a budget
CUEIND02BResearch and evaluate theatrical references to inform industry practice
CUESET07C Use research, innovation and experimentation to create sets
CUESET10B Construct mechanical sets
CUETEM01C Coordinate production operations
CUVCOR09B Select and apply drawing techniques and media to represent andcommunicate the concept
FNSICGEN402B Participate in negotiations.
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
ability to communicate and negotiate with a production team
ability to develop and realise creative set design concepts which meet production requirements and constraints
ability to project manage the design process
ability to research, interpret and adapt design concepts.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to a range of equipment as listed in the Range Statement
access to production scripts/performance outlines on which designs can be based
access to resources for the development and realisation of designs (including equipment, materials, financial and human resources)
access to suitable venues for the realisation of productions
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required
the use of culturally appropriate processes, and techniques appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are appropriate for this unit:
evaluation of set designs for which candidate has been responsible in terms of meeting creative brief and resource practicality
evaluation of reports produced by candidate which demonstrate processes used in developing and realising creative concept
oral or written questioning aimed at evaluating the processes used by candidate in developing and realising the creative concept
review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBCMM401A Make a presentation
CUEDES04B Establish and refine a brief
CUEDES05B Manage design realisation
CUEFIN01C Develop a budget
CUEFIN02C Manage a budget
CUEIND02BResearch and evaluate theatrical references to inform industry practice
CUESET07C Use research, innovation and experimentation to create sets
CUESET10B Construct mechanical sets
CUETEM01C Coordinate production operations
CUVCOR09B Select and apply drawing techniques and media to represent andcommunicate the concept
FNSICGEN402B Participate in negotiations.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WI189 | CUASET501 | Design sets | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C673 | CUE60103 | Advanced Diploma of Design for Live Production, Theatre and Events | Qualification |
| D207 | CUF60107 | Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media | Qualification |