Scenic Charge Artist
The Scenic Charge Artist is a member of the production scenic department reporting to the Technical Director and the Director of Production. The scenic charge artist’s function is to plan and execute all surface treatments and finishing touches on a set, as requested by the scenic designer on a show-by-show basis. The scenic charge works closely with the technical director to plan out the schedule and flow of scenery from build to paints. This is a hands-on position, but will also schedule and supervise over hire labor as needed.
As a key artist helping create shows that allow audience members to think beyond their lived experiences—and as a positive, collaborative member of an inclusive workforce—this new staff member will help TheatreSquared answer the question, “How can a theatre be an agent of social change—helping foster a community that is fundamentally more equitable?”
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Create timelines and schedules for the painting of a show from designer and technical director packets, communicating and sharing samples with Scenic Designer and Technical Director as needed
- Budget scenic art supplies and labor for each show alongside TD, Scenic Designer, and Director of Production
- Order scenic art supplies and materials as needed including printed drops.
- Work with the scene shop to create paint areas within the building, or at an off-site location
- Manage and supervise the painting of certain properties as needed
- Schedule and supervise any over hire workers
- Manage the completion of all paint notes through tech rehearsals and opening, and touch-ups throughout run of the show as needed
- Maintain the paint areas, storage, tools, and equipment in a safe and orderly way.
- Create touchup kits for use during the run of the shows.
- Attend production meetings, technical and dress rehearsals, previews and other rehearsals and performances as needed.
- Uphold the policies and procedures outlined in TheatreSquared’s Employee Handbook.
- Professionally represent TheatreSquared to outside personnel including visiting artists, patrons, and rental clients.
- Additional Duties
- Supervise the regular upkeep of all flooring in rehearsal and performance areas
- Work with Building Manager in touch ups around the theatre facility and manage storage and supply of facility pain materials
- Additional duties as assigned and as schedule allows (i.e. Assist scenery, paints, costumes, lighting, audio, special events, etc.)
TECHNIQUES AND SKILL SETS OFTEN UTILIZED:
- Distressing and Aging
- Faux finishes (wood grain, metal, etc)
- Stenciling
- Scumble paint
- Texturing
- Sculpting
- Paper and fabric mache
- Lettering and sign painting
- Painting rugs, carpets, upholstery
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
- Multiple years of experience as a scenic artist while working in a professional paint/scenic shop environment or equivalent.
- Ability to read, interpret, and paint from designer drawings and elevations
- Ability to interpret and build from sketches, photos, video, or other media
- Ability to create samples based upon submitted elevations and discussions with designers on an as-needed basis
- Ability to determine and maintain paint production quality standards
- Capacity to solve problems and engage in creative thinking about challenges; Ability to brainstorm ideas in a group setting
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast paced, rapidly changing environment
- Ability to repeatedly lift, push, or maneuver up to 50lbs either alone or with assistance.
- Ability stand for prolonged periods of time
- Must be comfortable working under the following conditions:
- Hours: This position generally works 35-40 a week, and will work with the technical director and director of production to establish regular hours Mon-Fri. However, the scenic charge artist must have a willingness to adapt their work schedule as production calendar requires, including work evening and weekend hours as needed in lieu of a schedule during normal business hours.
- May be exposed to noise, vibration, dust, fumes.
- Working at heights, use a lift, and climb a ladder.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This permanent, full-time, exempt position with a salary of $36,000/year, and full benefits. These benefits include health; dental; paid time off; relocation assistance; paid parental leave; professional development allowance; employer-sponsored long-term and short-term disability; $100,000 in employer-sponsored term life insurance; and voluntary 401(k) and/or Roth IRA.
TO APPLY
To apply, submit a cover letter, employment resume, portfolio/website (if available), and references.
TheatreSquared celebrates diversity and commits to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our goal is to remove barriers to employment that are faced by racialized groups and encourage applicants of all genders, abilities, and ethnic, socio-economic, religious, and educational backgrounds. TheatreSquared believes that a team with a variety of perspectives
and skills is critical to our growth as an organization, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.
Please note: All interviews at this time will be held via video service (Google, Zoom, etc.)
ABOUT THEATRESQUARED & NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
TheatreSquared’s signature offering of bold new plays in an intimate setting has driven its growth to become the state’s largest theatre, offering more than 300 performances annually and operating on a $6 million annual budget. The playwright-led company is one of mid-America’s leading laboratories for new work, having launched more than 60 new plays. Its work has received critical acclaim from The New York Times (“Best Theater of 2020” list), The Wall Street Journal (“an outstanding drama company”), NPR’s All Things Considered, and the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards.
TheatreSquared’s home—winner of the 2020 American Architecture Award and the AIA NY Honor Award—is a cultural landmark. T2’s hometown of Fayetteville is annually ranked among the top ten US News and World Report "Best Places to Live,” a progressive, bike-friendly, and scenic college community near several Fortune 100 world headquarters. TheatreSquared’s remarkable expansion—with a twentyfold increase in audience in just the past decade— parallels the emergence of its home region as a booming population center and destination for American art.
Offering far-reaching access and education programs and an open-all-day gathering space, TheatreSquared remains rooted in its founding vision, that “theatre—done well and with passion—can transform lives and communities.”