Scenic Charge Artist

TITLE: SCENIC CHARGE ARTIST

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: Seasonal, Hourly

SCHEDULE: Full Time, 5/9/2024—8/21/2024

DEPARTMENT: Scenic

SALARY: $25.00 – $25.90 per hour

REPORTS TO: Technical Director, Production Manager 

MISSION STATEMENT

Broadway Sacramento is committed to the presentation of quality theatrical productions to enrich the cultural life of the greater Sacramento region, the state of California, the United States and the international community. The goals of the organization are to preserve and expand the American musical theatre as an art form by educating new audiences and nurturing aspiring artists.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

Create and oversee all applied and painted scenic finishes.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

  • Scenic Designer
  • Technical Director
  • Scenic Carpenters
  • Production Center Coordinator
  • Assistant Charge Artist
  • Scenic Artists
  • Production Manager

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • In consultation with the Scenic Designer, interpret renderings for all scenic elements, including fly pieces, furniture, and stage floor.
  • Mix all paint and textures required to execute each scenic project.
  • Consult with the Technical Director, Scenic Designer, and Production Manager to determine if the scenic elements as designed can be realized with given staff levels and timelines. 
  • Allocate workflow to Scenic Paint Staff and Interns based on workload and skill level.
  • Supervise Paint Staff and assigned Interns. 
  • Monitor paint progress and inform the Technical Director of any potential conflicts.
  • Coordinate with Technical Director and Production Center Coordinator in regard to completed scenic elements that are ready to be transported to the rehearsal hall and theatre.
  • Appropriately prep scenic surfaces for durability and aesthetics, including filling holes, sanding, priming, and coating foam. 
  • Create and apply a variety of three-dimensional textures, such as raised wood grains.
  • Match wood grains from both painted wood grain finishes and real wood finishes.
  • Authentically age and distress scenic pieces as necessary.
  • Organize, plan, and supervise the painting of the stage floor at changeover.
  • Touch up stock scenery and scenery that has been damaged in rehearsal or performance as necessary.
  • Create and maintain a scenic paint bible for each production.
  • Inventory and maintain stock of required paint and supplies.
  • Occasionally carve foam for specialty scenic items.
  • Occasionally dye silk and fabric for ground cloths and fly pieces.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Previous professional experience as a Scenic Charge Artist required.
  • Knowledge of scenic art techniques including but not limited to color mixing and color theory, faux finish techniques, physical texture applications, and foam carving.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills, efficiency, multi-tasking, and ability to prioritize and motivate.
  • Exhibited self-reliance, creative problem-solving skills and willingness to seek out all possible solutions to challenges.
  • Ability to teach new or different paint techniques to scenic artists as needed. Welcome questions with patience and respond with clarity.
  • Ability to set a standard of excellence and inspire a sense of group responsibility among team members.
  • Demonstrated experience in personnel, workflow and time management,.
  • Demonstrated experience in developing procedure and creating documentation.
  • Ability to plan ahead and anticipate potential setbacks.
  • Ability to manage time effectively.
  • Possess a strong attention to detail.
  • Working knowledge of safety standards and implementation.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities and timelines.
  • Ability to work long shifts and overtime hours while maintaining a positive and collaborative attitude. 
  • Remain calm under stress; deescalate when appropriate. Have the interpersonal awareness to read a situation and the needs of those involved. Resolve conflict calmly and succinctly.
  • Thorough portfolio presentation, demonstrating utilization of color, texture and technique.
  • Demonstrate behavior showing a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Perform work in a manner that is consistent with that commitment.
  • Interrupt behaviors that hinder diversity and inclusion efforts. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Frequently required to use repetitive hand motions and to reach and bend. 
  • Ability to stand for 8-10 hours per day.
  • Ability to be fit with and wear a respirator when necessary.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. to the height of 3 to 4 feet. 
  • Regularly required to sit, talk, see, and hear.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. 

ABOUT BROADWAY SACRAMENTO

Broadway Sacramento is Northern California’s premiere producer and presenter of musical theatre, and the largest nonprofit musical theatre in California. Since the inception of Broadway At Music Circus in 1951 under an open-air, circus-style big top, Broadway Sacramento has grown to become the most successful nonprofit performing arts organization in Northern California. Between Broadway At Music Circus and Broadway On Tour, Broadway Sacramento entertains over 250,000 patrons every year.

Broadway Sacramento is committed to creating an equitable, inclusive, and accessible environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.