Lead Scenic Artist - Sculpture

Tait Group; Lititz (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

TAIT seeks a Lead Scenic Artist to translate client design packets into refined scenic treatments for concert touring and installations. You will collaborate with the Scenic Artistic Director and Operations Supervisor to staff projects and maintain finish quality.

The role requires mastery of painting, sculpting, and at least one medium, along with the ability to read elevations and drawings, manage materials, mentor team members, and uphold TAIT’s standards of safety, quality, schedule, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Fine Arts or BA or 7+ years in scenic art, sculpture, or related field.
• Foundation in traditional paint and sculpting with specialization in painting/sculpting.
• Strong color theory, mixing, and scale skills.
• Ability to read elevations and technical drawings.
• Proficiency with hand and power tools and relevant equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse team to complete project goals, including TAIT staff and subcontractors.
• Organize workflow and guidance with Operations Supervisor.
• Develop team member skills and assign tasks to meet painting/sculpting goals.
• Assist with job estimation and project framework creation.
• Present prototypes and progress reports to client design teams.
• Maintain materials, document processes, and ensure safety compliance.
• Capture labor hours and materials in Epicor.
• Communicate across departments to align project status.

Skills

Scenic art

Painting

Sculpting

Prototyping

Color theory

Elevations reading

3D modeling software

Epicor familiarity

Slack

Box

Adobe suite

MS Office

Team leadership

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Arts

Tools

Epicor

Slack

Box

Adobe

3D modeling software

MS Office

Job description

TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and place makers to bring culture-defining, never-before-seen experiences to life.With a legacy of innovation spanning over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering in rock ’n’ roll concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live events and experiences through cutting-edge technology, precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT’s 20 global offices have developed iconic productions and experiences in over 30 countries, all seven continents, and even outer space for renowned performers, theme parks, exhibits, and venues across the globe, including partnerships with Taylor Swift, Cirque Du Soleil, Royal Opera House, Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics

Position Purpose

The Lead Scenic Artist collaborates with a diverse team of artists and craftspeople to produce high‑finish, one‑of‑a‑kind scenic elements for concert touring, permanent installations, and other specialized markets. Working closely with the Scenic Artistic Director, they help translate client design packets into refined scenic treatments and repeatable processes. They also partner with the Scenic Operations Supervisor to ensure project teams are appropriately staffed with the right mix of skills and experience. Throughout each project, the Lead Scenic Artist is responsible for maintaining continuity of finish and upholding the client’s creative vision. They onboard new team members into project‑specific techniques, coach artists through complex or unfamiliar processes, and actively contribute to problem‑solving as challenges arise. The role requires confidence in both two‑and three‑dimensional mediums, with subject‑matter expertise in at least one. The Lead Scenic Artist uses this deep technical knowledge to guide project execution and mentor the broader scenic team. Their versatility across multiple mediums enables them to support fellow leads and contribute to the holistic growth of the department.

Essential Responsibilities / Accountabilities

• Lead a diverse group of individuals with varying skills to completion of project goals by supporting team collaboration and cooperation. These teams can be made up of both TAIT employees and subcontractors.
• Organize and manage project workflow to ensure team members understand their duties and delegated tasks. Coordinating with Operations Supervisor if team members need additional guidance.
• Assist with the development of team member skills and weigh in on team member assignments to support project teams having the appropriate skill set or guidance to meet specific painting or sculpting goals.
• Assist with job estimation and consult with project development/design to help create the framework of a project.
• Prioritize daily tasks to best meet project goals and support needs of other team members within the department and departments downstream of scenic.
• Attend development meetings when needed to present/discuss the aesthetic complexities of a project.
• Interpret design packets-which can range from a collection of reference images to detailed elevations with color callouts.
• Design and drive a process (paint, sculpt, etc.) working from client references and project parameters to create a prototype or sample.
• Interact with client design teams to refine understanding of their needs and present prototypes and/or progress reports.
• Maintain effective and timely interdepartmental communication on project status; coordinate with others on elements passing through multiple departments.
• Manage materials and supplies for project.
• Document processes for posterity (e.g. color pallets, techniques used).
• Ensure GHS compliance by reading and following SDS and deploying appropriate labeling on containers.
• Perform tasks to company standards to efficiently and effectively meet department goals.
• Take initiative to improve methodology and find solutions to boost productivity. Recommend design and/or process improvements.
• Communicate with management.
• Manage priorities as they change throughout a shift.
• Keep a clean, organized, and safe workspace, including tools and equipment.
• Accurately capture all labor hours and material in Epicor.
• Ensure TAIT’s 5 standards of care are coordinated into all daily activities: Safety, Quality, Team, Schedule, and Cost.
• Report team and individual performance to Operations Supervisor.
• Take ownership for decisions, actions, performance, and behavior.
• Adhere to all company safety policies and procedures.
• Attend meetings, seminars, and training sessions as required. Engage in training/development programs to enhance skills.
• Perform assigned duties according to the policies and expectations prescribed by the company.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Arts degree or a minimum of 7 years’ experience in scenic art, sculpture, props, or related arts field.
• Ladder and scissor lift training certification required, will train as needed.
• Foundation in traditional paint and sculpting techniques with a specialization in painting, sculpting molding/casting or scenic carpentry.
• Strong foundation in color theory, color mixing, and scale/proportion.
• Robust knowledge of industry materials.
• Adept at using hand and power tools.
• Extensive knowledge on use and maintenance of tools associated with artistic specialty (e.g. spray guns, roto-casters).
• Ability to read and understand elevations and technical drawings.
• Capacity to take direction and adjust hand/technique to fit desired aesthetic and blend work with that of others.
• Adeptness to communicate ideas visually and descriptively.
• Understanding of GHS standards.
• Experience using MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) a plus.
• Experience using Adobe a plus.
• Experience using 3D modeling software a plus.
• Knowledge of Epicor, Slack, and/or Box a plus.
• Interact, collaborate, and cooperate in team environment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Capacity to work independently and as a member within a small team environment.
• Ability to handle changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility with work schedule, including some holidays and alternate shifts as required; ability to work OT (more than 40 hours) in any given week as needed.
• Willing to travel to other TAIT facilities or client sites. Travel is typically domestic locations but could be international. Travel may occur a few times per year; trip durations are typically two weeks or less.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time viewing a computer screen
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to lift or move 50 lbs.
• Must be able to carry 50 lbs.
• Must be able to pull or push 50 lbs.
• Must be able to reach overhead
• Must be able to work at heights, including on ladders, scissor lifts, etc.
• Must be able to work in small, sometimes awkward spaces and positions

Work conditions of the role are:

• Work conditions may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements such as dirt, dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, loud noises, and outside weather conditions.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks which require following basic safety precautions.
• Must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work within or visit areas where required. This includes safety glasses, reflective vest, ear plugs, safety toe shoes, and other PPE as required by the location.
• Must be able to wear respiratory protection equipment for full shifts.

The company is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical limitations or disabilities. If there are specific physical needs related to lifting, walking, or any other task, candidates are encouraged to discuss their requirements during the hiring process. The organization will make every effort to accommodate these needs to ensure equal opportunities for all employees

TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.