Scenic Designer(s)

Position Description

SCENIC DESIGNER

Near West Theatre

POSITION SUMMARY: Conceive scenic design for musical productions at Near West Theatre with collaboration with entire Artistic team. We are looking to fill these vacancies for three mainstage productions. Applicants must be available for the full pre-production process for at least ONE of the three remaining mainstage productions in our 2018-2019 season.

Performances run:

• Anyone Can Whistle, Feb 15-24,
• 1776, May 3-9, or
• Chess, July 19-Aug14, 2019

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend all production meetings (regularly scheduled)
• Collaborate with Artistic Director and rest of artistic team
• Deliver concepts on time/before organization deadlines
• Come prepared to meetings by bringing visuals, including: pictures, paintings, sketches, models
• Revise scenic designs as necessary
• Design concepts realistically within fiscal and time parameters
• Communicate regularly with Artistic Director and Production Manager

RESEARCH/ANALYSIS

• Script analysis – taking into account cast size, theater dimensions, historical period/locale of the production, accounting for mood and spirit of the play
• Research architectural, sociological and cultural background of shows
• Research the action of the play (what the characters do, how they move and behave in the space, etc.)
• Research the socio-economic status and personality of the characters
• Research staging circumstances/options (stage and riser configurations, platforming available, building and fire regulations)

IMPLEMENTATION

• Produce plans, drawings and models on schedule that communicate design ideas to Director and Production team
• Ground plans/ elevations, detail drawings, renderings and any other drawings that help the shop build the set and properties as conceived
• Execute and supervise the painting of the scenic elements according to the production plan and schedule
• Follow construction and paint procedures as set forth by the Technical Director
• Choose furniture and props as required
• Be a good ambassador on the behalf of NWT and treat people consistent with mission and values of the organization

TECH WEEK

• Attend ALL tech and dress rehearsals
• Attend all production meetings after rehearsals to discuss notes and problems so future decisions and solutions can be made

POST-PRODUCTION

• Participate in an evaluation process staging circumstances/options (stage and riser configurations, platforming available, building and fire regulations)
• Script analysis
• Mood and spirit of the play
• Action of the play (What the characters do, how they move and behave in the space)
• Find out cast size
• Historical period/locale of the play
• The socio-economic status and personality of the characters
• Fiscal and time budgets

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Collaborative process
• Proficient at drafting Vector Works or AutoCAD

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Scenic Painting

JOB CLASSIFICATION: This is a self-employed contracted position. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: BFA or BA in Theatre Scenic Design or equivalent experience.

EXPERIENCE: Professional Design experience in large scale Musical Productions preferred.

Apply by October 9^th for Anyone Can Whistle. Applications received later will only be considered for 1776 and Chess. A resume and cover letter should be sent to Production Manager, Michael Stein, at the email provided. Portfolios will be expected in the case of an interview.