Overview
This position is located in the PlayMakers Repertory within the College of Arts and Sciences. The Scenic Charge Artist’s primary responsibilities are to provide creative direction and oversight in the techniques for painting and finishing of all scenery for PRC productions, ensuring that the work performed in the Paint Shop is executed professionally, efficiently, and safely according to prescribed industry and institutional standards. The Scenic Charge Artist is the principal artist that creates and brings to life the Set Designer and Director’s vision/concept by designing and overseeing the painting process for all painting techniques and finishes such as wet blending, lining techniques, and faux finishes. The Scenic Charge Artist directs the Paint Shop and allocates resources to create the desired concept of the production while establishing the priorities for each build’s paint and finishing period. The Scenic Charge Artist oversees budgeting and is responsible for the operation of all Paint Shop areas and personnel. The Scenic Charge Artist provides creative direction on all PlayMakers productions during the season and instructs graduate and undergraduate students in the Paint Shop.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree preferably in the Theatre Arts, and some experience that provides the employee with the functional work experiences needed to perform the work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Must be a highly motivated, self-starter with excellent organizational, interpersonal, and managerial skills. Have experience in managing budgets, finishes, and painting techniques, as it pertains to theatre. Must have a working knowledge of various skills, including, but not limited to, scenic panting, scenic dye work, faux finishes, lettering techniques, stencil construction, and foam carving and sculpting. Must have a working knowledge of computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, AutoCad, and Photoshop.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Master of Fine Arts with training in Scenic Design or BA/BFA in Theatre, with an emphasis and training in Scenic Paining and Scenic Design. Five or more years of relevant experience as a Scenic Artist or Scenic Charge Artist for a professional theatre. Experience in higher ed setting which include personnel management of a multi-skill level crew, including professional staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students.
$42,776-$50,024, Full Time Permanent SHRA, Benefits
About PlayMakers Repertory Company
PlayMakers Repertory Company (PRC) is the premiere professional theatre company of North Carolina, serving as a working laboratory for the Department of Dramatic Art and as a nationally recognized cultural destination for UNC and the entire southeast region. PlayMakers Repertory Company strives to produce entertaining, relevant, and courageous work that tells stories from and for a multiplicity of perspectives and creates transformational impact in our immediate and extended communities.
PRC manages the planning and oversight of a 3.1 million dollar professional and educational theatre operation. This unit has a staff of about 175 which includes approximately 47 employees, 20 independent contractors, 30 workstudy students and up to 100 volunteers. Approximately 37 of these employees are seasonal employees, requiring new contracts and university personnel paperwork for each season. This unit is responsible for creating significant professional artistic programming, student and community engagement activities and attendant fundraising endeavors. The unit functions as a program of the Department of Dramatic Art. Employees of the unit are essentially employees of the department and the budget of the unit falls under the budget of the department. However, Playmakers is currently (5-2021) responsible for raising close to 60% of its annual 3.1 million operating budget.
