Scenic Charge Artist

Scenic Charge Artist: Define the Visual Identity of a Growing Theatre!

Are you a highly experienced, visionary Scenic Charge Artist ready to take artistic leadership of an essential department at a rapidly growing regional theatre? Olney Theatre Center (OTC), a vibrant artistic hub just north of Washington, D.C., is seeking a passionate and skilled artist to join our Production team.

Why Join Olney Theatre Center Now?

This is a pivotal moment in OTC's history! We are dramatically expanding our capabilities, offering you a chance to work with cutting-edge technology and influence the operations of new facilities:

• New Production Facilities: We are thrilled to be opening brand-new production facilities this April, significantly expanding our capacity for scenic creation and giving the Paint Studio a new, dedicated, and modern space to thrive.
• Artistic Leadership: You will be the definitive artistic expert, collaborating directly with nationally recognized Set Designers to bring their vision to life across our diverse season.
• Growing Campus: You will contribute to a dynamic company known for its artistic rigor, commitment to social justice, and collaborative environment as we continue to expand our audience and facilities.

At Olney Theatre Center, we emphasize artistic excellence, prioritize a sense of belonging, embrace a wide variety of backgrounds, and strive to ensure every team member is valued and heard, placing collaboration at the center of our work.

What You'll Do: Artistic Execution & Team Leadership

The Scenic Charge Artist is a leadership position, responsible for the artistic execution of all painted scenery and large-scale set pieces, ensuring adherence to the designer's specifications and the production schedule.

• Lead Artistic Execution: Perform as the primary lead scenic painter on all OTC-produced shows, executing notes up through the preview process to opening.
• Design Partnership: Serve as the chief artistic contact with all Scenic Designers throughout the season, translating concepts into tangible scenic reality.
• Team Building: Identify, hire, and supervise all hourly paint team members, delegating tasks and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Budget & Viability: Play a significant role in assessing the cost and viability of scenic designs, advising the Technical Director on paint materials, specialized finishes (wallpaper, textures, etc.), and scheduling considerations.
• Shop Stewardship: Maintain and organize all scenic paint equipment, inventory, and workspaces, ensuring an efficient, safe, and professional environment.
• Show Maintenance: Create detailed touch-up kits and maintenance instructions for Stage Management and Stage Operations, and maintain the painted design of all shows as necessary during the run.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Experience: 4 to 6 years of scenic painting experience, with at least 2 years as lead painter (or Scenic Charge) in a professional or educational theatre setting.
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree preferred; however, an equivalent level of skill and professional experience will be readily accepted in substitution.
• Physical Requirements: The position is full-time and requires some lifting, climbing stairs and ladders, and operating light equipment. Evening and weekend work is required during build and tech.
• Values: Investment in OTC's Mission, Vision, Values, and Statement on Social Justice and Becoming Anti-Racist.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: $50,000-$52,000 per annum based on experience.
• Start Date: Anticipated start date is immediate.
• Benefits: Olney Theatre Center offers a complete benefits package, including a modest 403(b) match.

About Olney Theatre Center

Located ten miles north of Washington, DC in arts-rich Montgomery County, Maryland, Olney Theatre Center is one of the Washington region's most critically acclaimed large theater companies. Founded in 1938 as a summer stock company on the Straw Hat circuit, OTC is now an $8M/year professional regional theater offering nine-member productions annually in four spaces on its fourteen-acre campus. Legendary performers Tallulah Bankhead, Helen Hayes, Sir Ian McKellen, Tandy & Cronyn, and Olivia de Havilland trod the boards in the early days. With a more recent turn towards new work, creatives with Tony and Grammy Awards, OBIEs, and MacArthur Genius Grants have premiered their work here, like Moises Kaufman and Sergio Trujillo, among others. Along with Baltimore's Centerstage, Olney Theatre Center is one of Maryland's two state-designated theaters. 

How to Apply

Show us your vision! Please submit by any means (letter, video, video letter, resume, portfolio, etc.) that best represents you and your work to jobs@olneytheatre.org; no calls, please. Include and highlight any skills or experiences most crucial to this position. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.