Overview

Reports to: Technical Director
Compensation: $70,000 – $75,000 annually plus benefits
 
THE POSITION
The Head of Scenic Arts leads the paint shop in supporting the designer’s vision related to the painting of scenic and prop elements within the allotted time, budget, and scope of resources. Also responsible for managing all paint shop employees, leading projects and directing the work of Scenic Artists. Monitors supplies and works with the Scenic Shopper/Buyer in the ordering of materials.  Supports the health and safety standards of the Guthrie in the paint shop. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, and Fiscal Responsibility.
This position is full-time, exempt and benefits-eligible. Compensation for this position is $70,000-$75,000 annually plus benefits. The typical schedule for this role will vary based on the dynamic schedule of a theater but will primarily be Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm.
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. Leadership and Supervision
  • Lead, manage and supervise all Scenic Artists in painting 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 Technical Direction 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.
  • Take an active and positive role in setting and maintaining high levels of artistic excellence.
  • Attend and/or run department meetings to communicate pertinent information to employees.
  • Actively participate in team building. Fostering a work environment of artistic excellence, community, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and financial responsibility
  • Coach and develop staff members by monitoring employee productivity and providing constructive feedback; facilitating conflict resolution among employees; ensuring adherence to legal and organizational policies and procedures and undertaking disciplinary actions if the need arises; and completing annual performance evaluations.
  • Hire staff members to ensure quality work.
2. Designer Collaboration and Support
  • Collaborate with the design team and other production departments to establish methods for the design and paint of all scenic elements of Guthrie productions.
  • Consult with designers and production department members on any issues that arise during the production process which pertain to the build, installation, and strike of the scenery.
  • Attend production meetings, production department head meetings, load-in meetings and all staff meetings. Where appropriate, share pertinent information with other departments.
  • Maintain a running dialogue with the designers to ensure that changes to the design are communicated to the appropriate members of the production team.
  • Ensure that paint notes communicated during technical notes sessions are captured and addressed.
3. Paint Process Project Management
  • Prepare and organize the scenic art and technical information for Guthrie productions so that all scenery and props can be painted textured, installed and struck by shop employees in a timely, safe, and resource efficient manner.
  • Proactively plan and foster communication on upcoming shows with all relevant personnel
  • Review and revise budget estimates for each production by tracking all relevant information through the rehearsal reports and ensuring these requests match the allocated budget and resources, as given to you by the Technical Director.
  • In collaboration with Technical Direction team, prepare and review a paint schedule, load-in, and strike schedule for each production based on the available staff labor and the calendar issued by production management.
  • Manage workflow of Scenic Artists to effectively ensure that the paint treatments of all scenery and props are completed in a timely fashion.
  • Ensure the production schedule’s daily and weekly targets are being met, including addressing all notes given.
  • Create prototypes and samples, when necessary, to determine the most appropriate finish surface method and material.
  • Communicate the design and technical information to shop employees and other departments so the productions can be painted and installed in a safe, timely, and resource efficient manner.
  • Through effective communication with the designer, monitor and oversee the progress of paint renderings for all scenic elements based on the drawings, renderings and research so they can be painted by the shop staff or vendors.
  • Collaborate with the Scenic Arts Coordinator on a daily basis to monitor project progress, equipment and staffing needs.
  • Determine/monitor tool and paint shop supply needs and purchases.
4. Shop Maintenance
  • Work with the Technical Direction team to maintain a safe and efficient working environment for the shop employees. Communicate problems and unsafe conditions to the TD Team, Scene Shop Supervisor, or Facilities.
  • Organize and prepare information for daily maintenance of the paint shop.
  • Manage stock and common areas to ensure safety and security.
  • Collaborate with Shopper/Buyer to ensure materials are purchased in a timely and resource efficient manner, and correctly allocated to various budgets.
  • Work with the Shopper/Buyer to research and prepare requests for capital improvements.
  • Work with Director of Production to prepare and maintain capital expenditure lines. Ensure tools and equipment are restored to the proper location when no longer in use.
5. Administration
  • Work with Production office to manage budget to ensure effective utilization of financial resources.
  • Project expenses and manage expenses on a per-show basis.
  • Analyze and monitor budget statements on a monthly basis. Prepare purchase orders and budget reports.
  • Maintain and approve direct report timesheets, Personal Time Off requests, and other personnel records.
  • Act as the Paint Department liaison on other Guthrie projects and programs.
  • Foster a work environment incorporating the Guthrie values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, and Fiscal Responsibility.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • Significant demonstrated experience leading a theatrical paint department or a combination of equivalent experience and training.
  • Expert knowledge of scenic painting techniques to recreate designer drawings and renderings.
  • Knowledge of standard theatrical scenic construction methods.
  • Demonstrated leadership, supervision and project management experience.
  • Demonstrated professional diplomacy in personnel management and designer collaboration.
  • Demonstrated experience in preparing budgets and labor estimates to keep projects within an acceptable timeframe, budget, and scope.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office® products, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.
  • Knowledge of current best health and safety practice within the US Theatre Industry
  • Skill and experience in creative problem solving to meet the artistic needs of the show within time and financial requirements.
  • Ability to research an unknown process or material so it may be applied to a technical solution for a scenic element.
  • Ability to balance scale and scope of productions with designers and production management while allocating, and advocating for, appropriate time and resources needed by employees to realize designers’ vision.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and respond calmly and efficiently to frequent changes during the production and rehearsal process.
  • Strong commitment to safety and ergonomics in the workplace
  • Must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater.
  • 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.
THE LOCATION
The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.
 
WHY SHOULD I APPLY?
Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole.  In addition to a competitive salary, the Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks.
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 a resume to be considered for the position.
See the website for further information and benefits: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/GUT1000/JobBoard/47c392e4-6d7f-1e47-226b-ee862ea48cfb/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=07aee00d-5ccc-470c-be8f-7a708272d699

About Guthrie Theater

THE ORGANIZATION
The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization. 

Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.