Charge Scenic Artist

Now Hiring: Charge Scenic Artist
Department: Scene Shop | Reports to: Technical Director
Status: Full-Time, Exempt, Non-Union
Salary: $81,000 annually
Location: Ashland / Talent, OR 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Oversees the finishing of scenery and prop elements, including:
   1. Paints, textures, and finishes scenery and props elements; carves and detail pieces; prepare elements for painting process.
   2. Collaborates with designers to confirm and specify finishes for the scenery and props. Interprets design information into actual work specifications and techniques for the paint staff.
   3. Creates samples for approval of designer and other creative artists on the project.
   4. Working closely with the other shop managers, creates the paint schedule for projects and coordinates the workflow between scenic paint the other scenic departments.
   5. Assigns and explains projects to scenic artist staff and then monitors the project progress, making changes as necessary to stay on schedule and maintain safety.
   6. Advises and collaborates with other managers and designers to problem solve when challenges arise.
   7. In collaboration with Technical Director, maintains scenic art budget for department, estimates project costs, and purchases materials.
   8. Supervises daily maintenance, cleanliness and safety of the paint shop and equipment.
   9. Schedules repairs and maintenance of paint shop tools and equipment.
   10. Creating maintenance plans of the finishes for the run of the projects.
   11. Tracks inventory and coordinates supply purchases.
2. Models and supports the IDEA values of OSF by:
   1. Demonstrating inclusive behavior and creating an environment of belonging.
   2. Maintaining a safe and anti-racist working environment
   3. Recognizing micro-aggressions and interrupting othering behaviors.
3. Supervises paint staff, including:
   1. Building a team atmosphere and structure to encourage behaviors among staff members that exemplify respect and inclusion.
   2. Operationalizing IDEA concepts into organizational practices including systems, processes, problem solving approach, personnel hiring and management practices.
   3. Approving time worked and time off for staff.
   4. Coaching and developing staff; conducting performance evaluations; applying progressive discipline when necessary
   5. Trains paint staff in theatrical finishing techniques and per project when needed.
   6. Collaborating with other managers to enforce safety policies and delivery of required and/or updated training.
4. Requests, coordinates, and manages volunteers working in the paint shop.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Can perform some scenic finishing work alongside bargaining unit members
2. Mentoring and managing scene shop FAIR participants;
3. Attends company, project, department and shop meetings, and safety trainings as assigned.
4. Pick up and deliver supplies.
5. Engages with OSF patrons.
6. Support Marketing and Development efforts.
7. Mentor colleagues as requested.
8. Perform other duties as assigned by scene shop management staff.

Supervision Received:

Technical Director

Supervision Exercised:

Supervises Scenic Artis staff

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS and skills:

Education: High school diploma or GED

Work Experience: A minimum of 4 years of experience in professional theatrical scene painting or scenic production, including previous managerial experience with demonstrated excellence in scenic art techniques including surface treatments such as texturing, trompe l’oeil, faux wood and marble, sculpting, lettering, ageing, and distressing.

Physical Ability: Ability to climb ladders and scaffolding, lift objects weighing up to 45 lbs., regularly squat and maintain position while painting scenery, and stand and walk for up to 6 hours. This position requires the occasional use of fall arrest harnesses, respirators and personnel lifts.

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Ability:

• Demonstrated excellence in interpreting design information and integrating multiple kinds of input (renderings, models, photos, verbal descriptions, etc) from designers.
• Comfortable working with computers (email, Microsoft Office, cloud-based information services).
• Proficient in graphic programs such as Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.
• General knowledge of AutoCAD or other drafting programs.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of color theory and ability to mix and match color swatches.

• Ability to carve, finish, and paint foam.

• Knowledge of basic scenery and prop construction.
• The ability to create a positive working relationship with designers, staff and other departments, even in stressful situations.
• An understanding that identity informs every individual’s human experience in a way that may differ from one’s own personal experience.

Special Qualifications:

Special Hours Requirements: Standard work week is Monday – Friday. Occasional night-time and weekend hours are required for load-ins, load-outs, and technical rehearsal support.

Organizational Background 

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) was founded in 1935 in Ashland, OR, and has grown from a three-day festival of two plays to a nationally renowned theatre arts organization that presents a rotating repertory season of up to 10 plays and musicals, including illuminating interpretations of Shakespeare, other enduring classics, and new works. OSF productions have been presented on Broadway, internationally, and at regional, community, and high school theatres across the country. OSF received the 1983 Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is one of the largest nonprofit theatres in the nation with three stages, including an outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre.

Statement of Purpose 

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival creates world-class theatre, revealing our collective humanity through illuminating interpretations of new and classic plays, and inspiring a love of our art form for current and future generations. 

Company Values 

• • We are committed to working toward inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, creating a space of belonging for all audiences and employees—through concrete actions and systemic improvements. 
  • We nurture and support our artists, attracting and retaining diverse, innovative talent across the organization. 
  • We believe in the transformational power of collaborative artmaking and performance. 
  • We recognize the importance of responsible stewardship of resources and sustainable business, financial, and environmental practices. 
  • We serve the public good and engage with and respect our community of artists, audiences, staff, local citizens, patrons, donors, and the greater theatre community worldwide.