On-Call, Scenic Charge Artist

$33.94 - $40.72 per hour; Compensation will be based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.

The Scenic Charge Artist assists in the execution of set and prop designs for departmental productions.  Working closely with the Set Designer, Technical Director, and student painters, this position helps maintain an organized and productive shop environment while supporting student learning and the production process. 

1. Scenic Painting

• Support the execution of scenery for department productions.

• Collaborate with Set Designer to determine best approaches to each project.

• Lead scenic art projects - Will be the on-site lead in the paint shop when the Set Designer is not present.

• Work hands-on in the paint shop, guiding students in different scenic art techniques, through the technical processes of scenic and prop artistry for all painted and sculptural elements of theatrical scenery.

• Paint responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Mixing paint to achieve desired color

  • Producing test samples

  • Using multiple techniques to achieve a variety of textures and finishes

  • Creating a purchase list for supplies

• Help to maintain an organized paint shop.

• Communicate with Technical Director and Set Designer for coordination of shop timing and organization.

2.  Prop Construction

• Support the execution of props for department productions.

• May include working with paint, foam, clay, fabric, and/or other scenic art materials.

3.  Training Student Crew

• Work with the Scenic Designer to assist in teaching scenic painting skills to student work crews.

• Supervise student work crews to ensure safety while maintaining a positive and collaborative environment.

4. Other duties as assigned.

Provides direction and guidance to student work crews in the paint shop. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.

1. Knowledge

• Advanced painting skills: paint color matching, common paint techniques (wood grain, brick, marble, lettering, etc.), surface textures.

• Working with a variety of paint applications - different styles of brushes, sponges, sprayers, etc.

• Other scenic art skills including working with fabric, foam, clay, and other materials.

• An understanding of the work flow in both professional and education scenic shops.

• An understanding of and appreciation for teaching theatre within a liberal arts context desired.

2. Skills

• Time management.

• Clear communication with both professionals and students.

• Intermediate proficiency in scenic painting and prop construction.

• Ability to paint from a provided paint elevation or reference image.

• Strong organizational and collaborative skills.

3. Abilities

• Excellent communication skills.

• Ability to supervise and maintain a paint shop.

• Ability to work independently when necessary.

4. Education

• Bachelor's degree in theatre, preferred.

5. Experience

• 4 years scenic charge artist experience and experience working with students/novice painters, required.

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities.  A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

• Must be able to climb stairs and ladders.

• Can perform typical duties of a painter and/or craftsperson.

• Scene shop for Louis B. Mayer Theatre and Fess Parker Studio Theatre on Santa Clara University Campus.  All work is presented in-person.

• Paint area is in a shared shop with carpentry crew.  Noise from saws, drills, etc.  Safety glasses (provided) are to be worn at all times.  Hearing protection is also available.  

• Schedule typically Monday-Thursday from 1-5pm with an occasional Friday or Weekend.

Telecommute

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decision making, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  For a complete copy of Santa Clara University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at  https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/. 

Clery Notice of Availability

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.  Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at [email protected] or by phone at (408)554-4392. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact [email protected].