Overview
Take your pick from these many specialized seminars. Taught by Cobalt and guest artists/instructors (and industry legends), these 3-5 day Pro Seminars are great professional development opportunities for scenic artists and instructors alike.
If you’re looking to broaden your knowledge and skills, join us for these informative and interesting hands-on seminars. These programs are given for the full-time SATP students during the academic year and accommodate additional enrollees of all levels. Participants receive lots of individual attention. *NOTE: These seminars require a basic knowledge of tools and techniques, the ability to draw and mix color. Without these, you will learn things, but you may not necessarily be successful in your project.
If your schedule conflicts with these seminars and you are unable to attend, consider our Advanced Independent Studies Program for which you create a custom-made session that addresses your interests and fits in your schedule.
Specifics
For Dates and Instructors, see individual seminars below
Costs
Deposit*: $150
*Note: Your deposit is ultimately included in the tuition cost and is credited toward the total of fees due.
Tuition*: (tools & materials included)
3-Day Seminar: $495 / 4-Day Seminar: $660 / 5-Day Seminar: $825
Room and Board is included.
Credit Cards accepted
Enrollment Max: 10*
Deadline: Space is limited, so plan ahead and call early!
*Except for the Anti-Freakout Job Roundtable weekend. See below.
Admission Requirements
Open.
Application
None.
Registration
Please register as early as possible as class sizes are small. In order to reserve your place send a $150 deposit check to “Cobalt Studios, Inc.” or call us with credit Card information at least two weeks in advance. Deposit is fully refunded if seminars are full or cancelled. Unused Deposits can also be rolled into a different Seminar.
NOTE: Your $150.00 deposit is ultimately included in the tuition cost. The deposit is credited toward the total of fees due.
Curriculum
All seminars are incredibly informative, hands-on workshop-style classes. This list is chronological to the current academic year. Check back regularly for updated schedules and information. Visit the Instructors page to learn more about Instructors/Hosts for the seminar you choose.
2023 – 2024 ACADEMIC SCHOOL YEAR
Stage Floors and the Scenic Artist
Date: April 23, 2024 – April 26, 2024
FOUR DAYS
Instructor: Jenny Stanjeski
Explore the landscape of stage floor surfaces! Jenny will share her wealth of knowledge, information and problem solving techniques. She is a firm believer that practice and adaptability are essential for any artist. Under her direction, you will ingest LOTS of product info, make full scale samples, poke and prod, DANCE! your way across the stage floor in this very hands on seminar.
Using Pneumatic Sprayers for Scenic Artwork
Date: May 06, 2024 – May 10, 2024
5 DAYS
Instructor: Sandy Phillips
Pneumatic sprayers, cup guns, detail sprayers...Clouds, skies, quick gradations...they all have their ups and downs! With projects up on the wall and down on the floor, this seminar helps participants get familiar with the sprayer in any orientation. Sandy has lots of tips and tricks for making friends with your sprayers and helping those projects move smoothly. Participants do LOTS of spraying, enough for the sprayer to become an extension of your hand! Walk away with 4 sprayed projects and the confidence to continue!
Historical Scene Painting Techniques with dry pigment
Date: Fall 2024
FIVE DAYS
Instructor Wendy Waszut-Barrett
Come discover the amazing historical scene painting process and historical approach to scenic art.
Historical scene painting techniques are extremely efficient, and save time during the painting process. The brush strokes and placement of color allow massive drops to be created in a relatively short period of time - a day or two. Gold ornament, delicate foliage, and palatial interiors were often created in a day and shipped the following morning. Backdrops were also intended to be viewed from a distance, dictating the type of paint application and brush stroke. In addition to efficiency and speed, the historical scenic art system used dry pigment and diluted hide glue.
Instead of premixing individual colors, pigment paste colors are quickly assembled on the palette, mixed and used from there. This extremely hands on seminar places it all in context. Your fingers will find that fast touch while making 4-5 paintings.The take away is the confidence to apply these concepts and techniques to your work even if you don't generally use dry pigment.
Foliage Painting II: Brushwork... You and the Artists
Date: Fall 2024
FIVE DAYS
Instructor: Rachel Keebler
Rachel presents the brushwork styles used in Historical Theatre-style Foliage as part of this busy seminar which focuses on being able to follow any artists' style as they are used in theatrical and mural applications. Your confidence will grow as you are painting beautiful examples. Foliage I is not a prerequisite.
Faux Bois: Interior Grade Woodgraining
Date: Fall 2024
FOUR DAYS
Instructor: TBD
Nels has retired from teaching. Please stand by while we search for the perfect replacement.
Sign Painting: The Art of Lettering for Film and Theatre
Date: Fall 2024
FIVE DAYS
Instructor: Brian Goodman
This in-depth seminar addresses traditional sign materials, tools, alphabets & lettering techniques. We will then swing over to theatrical tricks, tools and materials. We will guide you from layout through finished sign as you work at your own 4' x 8' easel. Transforming your timidity to confidence, you'll be ready to paint the town!
Painting Translucent Backdrops
Date: Spring 2024
5 DAYS
Instructor Rachel Keebler
How to create those magical translucent backdrops that scenic and lighting designers love for their luminosity and transformational abilities.
Rachel Keebler demystifies the process and guides you through the testing and painting processes that result in a finished project of your own. The final afternoon we have our very own light show on the projects with a full discussion of the work.
Perspective for Scenic Artists 2
Date: Fall 2024
FOUR DAYS
Instructor: Kimb Williamson
Kimb expertly draws from her vast experience, love of Perspective and geometry to guide you through some of the tougher challenges the scenic designers give us. From individual practice at table to full scale shop drawings working in teams, this advanced course will aid in your working and teaching careers. You will be brought beyond the basics to brilliance!
Film and TV Series -- Faux Marble
Date: Fall 2024
FIVE DAYS
Instructor: Rachel Keebler
After a thorough introduction to the world of Faux Painting, Rachel Keebler guides you through the magical process of marbelizing (using primarily Beer glazes). Learn to let the Marble flow out of your hand! You will use the tools and procedures she shows you to make many quick, beautiful and sophisticated samples. Note: good drawing skills will be critical to your success.
Film and TV Series -- 3D Textures
Date: Winter 2025
Two Days
Instructor: Emily Yoder
Emily Yoder is SO EXCITED to show you all she has been doing on the West Coast, and turn you on to the materials, tools, and techniques being used in the industry today.
Create samples of aged stucco,
concrete, plaster, slate, and learn the ways texture can be applied (including through
stencils) to create patterns for stone walls, walkways, and more. This seminar
is packed with information and hands-on experiences and includes tips and
tricks about different methods of coloring and toning these textures.
Antifreakout Job Market Round-table
Date: Winter 2025
FRIDAY EVENING, SATURDAY ALL DAY & EVENING
Roundtable Host: Rachel Keebler, et al
This is a short Scenic Artists Conference designed to relieve anxiety about JOBS. Cobalt Alumni and other working Scenics converge to share experiences with students and each other; giving industry advice, recommending products, and sharing portfolios and resumes.
Arrive by 6:30 p.m. Friday night when the roundtable begins over dinner. We continue through Saturday evening alternating between roundtable discussions, sharing portfolios and good eats!
This session focuses mostly around getting, doing, and being successful at jobs. Other subjects for discussion include safety, resources and new materials.
NO Fee, but bring $25 to toss in for the food kitty. Call ahead to reserve a bed or a couch.
Film and TV Series – Intro to Rust and Aging Techniques
Date: Spring 2025
Instructor -- Helen McCarthy
This is an information packed, playful workshop where you will learn how to safely use a number of techniques and chemicals that one might encounter working on a film set. Taught by USA829 member, Helen McCarthy, who has 20 years of experience working in immersive/installation art, theatre, film, corporate, and commercial capacities. They bring an enthusiastic delight to decay and grunge. You can arrive the night before to be ready for Saturday morning and you will need work clothes and a respirator.
Film and TV Series -- The Basics
Date: Spring 2025
Instuctor: Rebecca Perrenod
Who, What, When. Presented with lots of Show N' Tell in a one day whirlwind! Lots of valuable information culled from years of experience by Rebecca Perrenod, USA829 Charge of Sex and the City and Just Like That. Arrive the night before for an early start!
Hard Scenery - Materials, Methods and Touchups
Date: Spring 2025
FOUR DAYS
Instructor: Jenny Stanjeski
This workshop gives you the low down on contemporary materials and techniques for hard scenery - giving you the lingo and product knowledge that will help make you more useful in any shop. Day one is filled with a hands on exploration of substrates, paints, and textures. Day two goes over game plans to get your scenery painted, aged, and safely from shop to theater. Day three we dig into the exciting challenges, timing, and location constraints of touch up calls.
Foliage Painting I: Photo-real Foliage painting Techniques
Date: Fall 2025
FIVE DAYS
Instructor: Rachel Keebler
Commume with nature on the Cobalt grounds and master the techniques of rendering foliage photo-realistically! This seminar provides a fresh approach to looking at and painting trees and leaves. Special attention is given to reproducing realistic colors and textures. Learn how to use appropriate contrast, scale and perspective to add depth to your treescapes. CLUE IN ON THE FASTEST WAY TO GET SPECIFIC TREES (eg. OAK, MAPLE)! You will be making three big tree projects.
Perspective for Scenic Artists I The Basics of 1,2, and 3 point perspective as applied to Theatrical Artwork
Date: Fall 2025
Instructor: Rachel Keebler
FOUR DAYS ** This course is also available as an Independent Study Course
Who says that Perspective has to be intimidating? Rachel uses many baby steps to gently cause you to understand the mechanics of perspective which you will need in order to create accurate drawings ... the foundation of good painted images. This will give you a solid foundation as you enhance your confidence and develop your skills as a professional scenic artist.
ALL ABOUT FOAM
Date: Fall 2025
4 DAYS
Instructor: Andrew Mannion
This seminar covers the subject of flexible and rigid foams used in the entertainment industry. A thorough presentation of various types of coatings, tools and paints used will inform you as to how to use these foams: how to attach, form, protect and paint them. This hands-on workshop includes PLENTY of product information, safety practices and finished pieces for you to take home. A FOAM LOT OF FUN!
Furnishing Your Backdrop
Date: Spring 2025
FIVE DAYS
Instructor: Susan Crabtree
Legendary Instructor and Co-Author of the textbook "Scenic Art for the Theatre" Susan Crabtree shares her innovative techniques for rendering not only furniture onto backdrops, but infusing them with depth and light. Come learn the shortcuts which Susan uses for quick project turnarounds and accurate artistic representations.