Director of Scenic Art

University of Massachusetts Amherst - Amherst, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Amherst, MA

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Director of Scenic Art provides leadership and support in all aspects of scenic making including planning, technical design, creation and maintenance, as well as storage of scenic elements and stage properties for the Department of Theater's main stage production season and related events. Specific responsibilities will focus on all prop-making and the finishes of all scenery and properties. The Director of Scenic Art will also serve as a trainer and mentor to undergraduate and graduate scenic students, designers, and technicians.

Responsibilities

• Works in close coordination with the Technical Director and Scenic Construction Director on all aspects of scenic and property fabrication.
• Leads artisan on scenic finishing work, scenic detail, scenic painting, shop-created properties, scenic special effects.
• Assists in touch-up work once the scenic elements are on stage.
• Participates in project planning and scheduling, and meets deadlines set by Technical Director and production calendar.
• Maintains accurate lists of all supplies and materials needed for each project.
• Presents cost estimates and quotes to Technical Director for appropriate items.
• Assists in training the undergraduate and graduate students in scenic labs and classes.
• Attends production load-in, load-out, technical rehearsals and note sessions as requested by the Technical Director.
• Trains and mentors student scenic and properties crews in the fabrication and installation of scenic art.
• Participates in the creation of scenic automation equipment.
• Assists in scenic rigging installation in coordination with the Scenic Construction Director and Technical Director.
• Responsible for maintenance and inventory of prop and scenic art elements.
• Assists in maintaining all elements in warehouse storage.
• Safely operates campus vehicles to transport materials or personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree and at least 4 years of related work experience in scenic fabrication, theater technology, and mentoring within a shop or lab environment at a secondary or post-secondary educational institution.
• Skilled in fabricating unique designs using diverse materials, including wood, metal, plastics, fabrics, and both traditional and innovative materials.
• Proficiency in advanced scenic automation equipment, rigging installations, and precision finishing techniques.
• Ability to create, read, and interpret technical drawings, renderings, models, and research materials for accurate execution.
• Demonstrated artistic creativity and imagination.
• Proven experience managing multiple projects, building schedules, and meeting deadlines.
• Knowledge and application of project management tools and techniques.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a production team while modeling professional practices and maintaining a safe production environment.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated work ethic and commitment to high-quality results.
• Valid driver's license required.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced professional skills in Scenic Art, including but not limited to: scenic painting including trompe l'oeil, marbling, and similar techniques; sculpture; creating with found items; sustainable practices; 3D modeling; mask design and creation; scenic design; fine woodworking; metal fabrication; molding, casting.