Position: Scenic Artist
Department: Production – Scenery
Status: Full Time,IATSELocal 122, Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Pay: $28.55 per hour
Location: La Jolla, CA on the beautiful campus of the University of California, San Diego
Schedule: Regular weekday work, occasional overtime, weekend work and/or holiday work
Reports to: Charge Artist
Supervises: None
Works With: LJP Staff, Visiting Artists and Designers, IATSE Carpenters & Metal Fabricators
To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume to [email protected]. Please include in the subject line – “Scenic Artist”
Organization Overview
La Jolla Playhouse is a place where artists and audiences come together to create what’s new and next in the American theatre, from Tony Award-winning productions, to imaginative programs for young audiences, to interactive experiences outside our theatre walls. Founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer, the Playhouse is currently led by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley, the Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse, and Managing Director Debby Buchholz. The Playhouse is internationally renowned for the development of new plays and musicals, including mounting 120 world premieres, commissioning more than 70 new works, and sending 36 productions to Broadway, garnering a total of 42 Tony Awards, as well as the 1993 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.
La Jolla Playhouse is committed to diversity in all areas of our work, on and off stage. We lead with our values and encourage individuals with unique perspectives to apply. La Jolla Playhouse is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Statement of Job
Under the direction of the Scenery Supervisors and the Charge Artist, the Scenic Artist serves as a key member of La Jolla Playhouse’s Production Department. The position is expected to function independently in a fast-paced and detail-critical environment, implementing scenic and painting treatments for productions produced and presented by La Jolla Playhouse to which they are assigned while maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. The strongest candidate is an artist committed to the artistic vision and mission of La Jolla Playhouse.
Essential Job Duties
- Under the supervision of the Charge Artist, paint or apply scenic painting and treatments to scenery using standard theatrical scenic art practices in a safe and sensible manner.
- Participate in shop clean-up, special projects, and paint shop maintenance as assigned.
- Participate in proper tool and equipment maintenance, careful use of supplies, and accurate material usage recordkeeping.
- Adhere to OSHA and EH&S safety regulations including the proper use of safety equipment and the correct storage and disposal of hazardous materials.
- Assist in presenting process options and samples to designers to assist in the budget and implementation process.
- Other duties as assigned.
Inclusive & Safe Working Environment
- Function in a professional and collegial manner when collaborating with all theatre personnel, professional creative teams, staff, management, and other visiting artists.
- Be an active participant in LJP’s work towards being a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace.
- Commitment to a culture of learning, community, anti-racism, inclusion, belonging, and respect among employees and visiting artists.
- Commitment to a culture of safety, both psychological and physical, ensuring a safe work environment.
- Maintain current knowledge of safety best practices and standards.
Requirements and Proficiencies
- 2 plus years of professional experience in theatrical scenic arts (LORT Experience Preferred).
- Demonstrate skills and detailed knowledge in scenic painting techniques, scenic tools, specialized products, color theory and mixing, and process development.
- Ability to read and understand working theatrical drawings.
- Knowledge of and dedication to safe working practices, OSHA 10 a plus.
- Possess strong critical thinking, attention to detail, problem solving, and organizational skills.
- Verbal communication skills required, written communication skills a plus.
- Commitment to uphold and meaningfully engage with the mission, vision, and values of La Jolla Playhouse.
- Access to reliable transportation.
Physical Demands
- Frequently ascends/descends and moves about on ladders and lifts.
- Ability to work extended hours including nights and weekends during load in.
- Frequently moves items weighing up to 40lbs and maneuvers heavy items with assistance.
Work Environment:
- Environment varies from dark/quiet backstage to bright/loud on stage.