American Scenic Design and Freelance Professionalism

The professionalization of American scenic design began in the early twentieth century, with designers reinventing themselves as professional artists and running their own studios. David Bisaha's book explores the work of designers outside of theatrical productions, showing how they constructed a freelance, professional identity through their labor union, self-promotional press, university curricula, and wartime service. However, women, queer, and Black designers were not always welcome to join the organizations that protected their interests, leading to legacies of exclusion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2022
Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press

The professionalization of American scenic design emerged in the early twentieth century, driven by a shift towards individualized designs in theatrical productions. Talented designers capitalized on this demand, establishing their studios, gaining recognition on Broadway playbills, and appearing in magazine and television profiles.
In his book, American Scenic Design and Freelance Professionalism, theatre scholar David Bisaha explores the work of designers outside of theatrical productions, highlighting their efforts to establish a freelance, professional identity. Figures like Lee Simonson, Norman Bel Geddes, Jo Mielziner, and Donald Oenslager played pivotal roles in this process by working within their labor union (United Scenic Artists Local 829), generating self-promotional press, building university curricula, and volunteering in wartime service.
While new institutions provided autonomy and intellectual property rights for many designers, women, queer, and Black designers often faced exclusion from professional groups. Despite this, they achieved great success and expanded the history of American scenic design by demonstrating the benefits of professionalism.
The stories of these designers showcase the challenges and barriers they faced, as well as their resilience and determination in pursuing their artistic careers. Their contributions to the field have left a lasting impact, inspiring future generations of scenic designers to strive for excellence and recognition in their profession.

Weight: 64g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780809338740