Overview

Reports to: Head of Scenic Art

THE POSITION
The Associate Head of Scenic Art paints scenic elements, properties and effects for all Guthrie productions. As directed by the Head of Scenic Art, this role leads projects and directs the work of temporary and part-time Scenic Artists. This position also assists in the management of paint shop employees, monitors supplies and the ordering of materials, and supports the health and safety standards of the Guthrie in the paint shop. This position is expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; and Fiscal Responsibility.

This position is full-time, non-exempt and benefits-eligible. Compensation is $44,070 – $55,087 annually plus benefits. The typical schedule for this role is Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Guthrie is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender and non-binary candidates.  This position will remain open until filled and until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Scenic Art

• Paint scenic elements and major props to convey the designer’s vision, meet the functional requirements of the production, and ensure durability and safety standards are met.
• Interpret design and working drawings from both design teams and the TD team.
• Work individually or as part of a team on assigned projects.
• Maintain a running dialogue with the Head of Scenic Art, scenic artists and the TD team.
• Collaborate with designers as necessary.
• Coordinate with other production departments in planning the efficient integration of paint process; communicate any necessary information back to paint shop staff as necessary.
• Provide technical assistance and solutions in areas of expertise to address issues of safety, function and aesthetics.
• With the Head of Scenic Art, take an active role in determining efficient paint process, including accurate work time estimates, material procurement and budget requirements.
• Take an active and positive role in setting and maintaining high levels of artistic excellence.
• Transition between tasks and projects as designs and priorities shift.
• Attend production meetings as necessary and represent the department as required.
• Create prototypes and samples, when necessary, to determine the most appropriate finish surface method and material.

2. Maintenance

• Maintain paint equipment and inventory.
• Collaborate with the Scene Shop Shopper/Buyer to ensure materials are purchased in a timely and resource-efficient manner.
• Coordinate with the Head of Scenic Art to organize and prepare information for daily maintenance of the paint shop.
• Ensure tools and equipment are restored to the proper location when no longer in use.
• Communicate problems and unsafe conditions to the Head of Scenic Art, Scene Shop Supervisor, Head of Automation and Safety or TD Team.
• Clean and organize work spaces, tools, raw materials and scenic elements.

3. Project Leadership

• Evaluate materials for artistic quality and design intent and ensure they are able to maintain proper and safe function.
• Assist the Head of Scenic Art in overseeing and directing the work of temporary and part-time paint staff.
• Coordinate the workflow of the paint deck with the Head of Scenic Art and the Scene Shop Supervisor.
• Supporting the Head of Scenic Art, ensure the production schedule’s daily and weekly targets are being met.
• Attend daily/weekly department meetings as necessary to ensure pertinent information is received and where necessary, communicated to paint shop staff.
• Foster a work environment incorporating the Guthrie values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Fiscal Responsibility.
• Ensure technical rehearsal notes communicated by the Head of Scenic Art or TD Team are being carried out during technical/preview week work calls.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive experience working in the field of Scenic Art.
• Advanced knowledge of scenic art techniques, materials and equipment.
• Demonstrated leadership, supervision and project management experience.
• Demonstrated professional diplomacy in personnel management and designer collaboration.
• Experience in interpreting drawings and renderings in order to reproduce designs accurately.
• Advanced knowledge of scenic painting.
• Advanced knowledge of a wide variety of materials in order to offer greater flexibility in executing designs.
• Skill and experience in creative problem solving to meet the artistic needs of the show within time and financial requirements.
• Ability to work well under pressure and respond calmly and efficiently to frequent changes during the production and rehearsal process.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work flexibly to respond to design changes and shifting priorities.
• Ability to lift 25lbs desirable.
• Ability to spend the majority of the day standing, bending or kneeling, and to engage in continuous walking and barefoot tasks.
• Ability to problem solve creatively.
• Strong commitment to safety in the workplace.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office® products; experience with Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator is desirable.
• Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are mixed across lines of difference such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class and immigrant status.
• Must be willing and able to occasionally work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater.

A NOTE FROM HUMAN RESOURCES
For the safety of our guests and staff, the Guthrie Theater requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Documentation of vaccination status must be provided if an offer of employment is made.

Applicants must submit the following to be considered for the position:

• Cover letter
• Resume

Apply online here: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/GUT1000/JobBoard/47c392e4-6d7f-1e47-226b-ee862ea48cfb/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=68503ac5-5363-4981-8cd4-e9bd4cf2cec3