Scenic Design

Scenic design at Lehigh is where imagination meets craft, mentorship, and collaboration. Students study drafting, model-making, design research, materials, and construction in classrooms and shops—then bring those ideas to life in productions. Under the guidance of faculty like Professor Melpomene Katakalos, who has designed more than one hundred productions nationally, students experience the professional standards of scenic work while still exploring bold design choices. 

Students work in real productions in the Diamond and Black Box Theaters, moving from conceptual sketches to realized environments. The department’s production and design courses (like Design & Technical Practicum) offer roles for undergraduates to build, render, and problem-solve in a real theatrical context.

Scenic design encourages cross-disciplinary thinking and experimentation. Designers engage with directors, lighting, costume, and media collaborators in an ensemble process. Graduates often enter graduate programs or professional scenic work, bringing portfolios grounded in meaningful student experience.