Lead Scenic Artist

Seattle, Washington, United States | Artistic & Production | Full-time

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Position: Lead Scenic Artist Department: Production Reports to: Charge Scenic Artist

Classification: Bargained, Seasonal, Full-time, Non-Exempt

Grade: Lead

Salary/Hour: $30.59 (rates are dictated by the CBA)

Position Summary:

The Lead Scenic Artist is responsible for supporting the Charge Scenic Artist in the execution of all painted scenic materials. Communication with the scene shop and organization skills are an important factor in fulfilling the position, as well as an understanding of the painted execution of scenery, use of tools, and paint shop safety.

About SCT:

Since its inception in 1975, the Seattle Children’s Theatre (SCT), has served more than 4 million children through professional theatre and arts education in the Puget Sound region and beyond. Seattle Children’s Theatre Mission Statement: To provide children of all ages with access to professional theatre, with a focus on new works, and theatre education. We are at a key evolutionary moment in our history and are looking to collaborate with people who are attracted by the opportunity to contribute to the future of theatre for young audiences. At SCT we value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We are committed to diversity in all areas of our work and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups.

 

Data shows that women and BIPOC candidates more frequently do not apply to a job because they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed. Our job descriptions are general overviews, not a mandatory, comprehensive list. If you meet some of the experience and desired qualifications, and you share SCT’s values and support our mission, we encourage you to apply. As part of our ongoing commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, we are invested in building teams with a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

 

Seattle Children’s Theatre Mission Statement: To provide children of all ages with access to professional theatre, with a focus on new works, and theatre education.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assist the Charge Scenic Artist in painting scenery and properties as assigned.
  • Collaborate with Charge Scenic Artist throughout the build process, including executing paint samples according to designer specifications and addressing notes during tech and previews.
  • Manage shop duties and projects in absence of the Charge Scenic Artist.
  • Assist in the maintenance and cleaning of all tool and material for the shop.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in a wide variety of scenic painting and carving techniques, tool use, safety practices, color mixing, and materials knowledge.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

  •  On occasion lead paint shop overhire artisans as directed by Charge.

 

Other Responsibilities:

  • Maintain paint shop inventory, shop equipment, and storage; track loans and borrows.
  • Contribute positively to the organization's culture and success.
  • Actively participate in staff functions, including equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion initiatives, all-staff meetings, training sessions, department meetings, and performance evaluations.
  • Embody the organization's mission, vision, and values in all work aspects.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Desirable Skills and Qualifications:

  • Strong artistic and scenic skills, with a foundation in traditional fine arts such as sketching, rendering, and painting.
  • Proficiency in basic scenic painting techniques, including layout, paint application, and color mixing on dimensional as well as soft scenery.
  • Experience with specialty techniques such as marbling, ragging, wood graining, texturing, and foam carving.
  • Solid understanding of art history, period styles, architectural motifs, and visual references.
  • Ability to interpret and expand upon designer renderings, scaling concepts to full-size reproductions.
  • Knowledge of safe handling practices for scenic painting materials.
  • Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills in a team-based environment.
  • Positive, collaborative attitude with a commitment to high-quality work.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an individual must meet in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. We will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

  • Pre-employment clearances/background checks will be conducted and reevaluated every 3<sup>rd</sup> year of employment.
  • Ability to climb ladders, bend, twist, kneel, crawl, pull/push, stand, walk, and squat for extended periods of time
  • The primary work location is the well-equipped scenic shop on the first floor of the production support facility. Not eligible for remote work.

Salary & Schedule:

This is a seasonal, hourly position under the IATSE Agreement, starting at $30.59/hour. The typical schedule is weekdays 12/29 - 3/22 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend work required. Benefits are as outlined in the IATSE Agreement and include additional SCT employee perks.

Benefits:

  • Seattle Children’s Theatre provides vacation benefits for its Collective Bargaining Agreement employees based on the current contract in place. To determine benefits for this category, you should refer to the current contract.
  • Seattle Children's Theatre offers employees the option of purchasing an array of additional insurance coverage through AFLAC.
  • Seattle Children’s Theatre offers employees the opportunity to participate in 403(b)
  • SCT offers discount parking through Seattle Center.
  • SCT offers discounted public transportation enrollment through ORCA Passport.