Overhire Scenic Painter

Scenic Guild; Dallas, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University is seeking skilled Scenic Painters to support theatrical and operatic productions on an as-needed basis. This on-campus, in-person position requires dedication to the production schedule and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours as needed to meet tight production deadlines.

Responsibilities include translating paint elevations into large-scale scenery, priming and finishing surfaces, and applying a range of

Qualifications

• General painting experience is required; studio art majors, muralists, and fine artists are encouraged to apply.
• Experience in theatrical scenic painting or live events is preferred but not required.
• Educational background is not limited to traditional painting roles; strong artistic ability is essential.

Responsibilities

• Translate the Scenic Designer’s elevations and renderings into large-scale scenery.
• Prepare, prime, base-coat, and texture various surfaces (wood, canvas, foam, plastics, metal).
• Execute scenic painting techniques (cartooning, grid transfers, glazing, stenciling, spray).
• Apply finishes such as wood graining, marbling, metallic finishes, and distressing.
• Safely operate and maintain paint shop equipment and tools.
• Read and interpret drawings, layouts, and elevations.
• Maintain a clean, safe paint shop and manage supplies/inventory.
• Support production changeovers, on-set touch-ups, and events.

Skills

Artistic skills

Color theory

Team collaboration

Reading elevations/drawings

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Pay

$20-30 per hour

About the Position:

Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University seeks skilled and dependable Scenic Painters to support theatrical and operatic productions on an as-needed basis. This role is an on-campus, in-person, temporary overhire position supporting productions within the Theatre, Dance, and Opera programs of the Meadows School of the Arts.

This position requires a strong commitment to the production schedule. While the painter may collaborate with the Technical Director and Scenic Designer to set a flexible work schedule, they must be available to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours as needed to meet tight production deadlines and resolve paint notes. Compensation is hourly and commensurate with experience.

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Essential Functions:

• Translate the Scenic Designer’s paint elevations, color renderings, and research images into large-scale theatrical scenery.
• Prepare, prime, base-coat, and texture a variety of scenic surfaces, including wood, canvas, foam, plastics, and metal.
• Execute scenic painting techniques, such as cartooning, grid transfers, color mixing, glazing, scumbling, stenciling, and spray applications.
• Apply specialized finishes, including wood graining, faux brick/stone, marbling, metallic finishes, and distressing.
• Safely operate and maintain paint shop equipment, including brushes, rollers, texture guns, and carving tools.
• Read and interpret scenic designer drawings, technical layouts, and paint elevations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized paint shop environment, properly storing chemicals and cleaning brushes, buckets, and spray equipment in accordance with established safety and environmental standards.
• Manage paint inventory, assisting the Technical Director with tracking material quantities and ordering paint supplies.
• Support production changeovers, on-set touch-ups, strikes, and special events as assigned.
• Perform other production-related duties as assigned.

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Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• General painting experience is required. Candidates must possess artistic skills beyond standard residential or commercial house painting; studio art majors, muralists, and fine artists are highly encouraged to apply.
• Previous experience in theatrical scenic painting, live events, or themed entertainment is preferred but not required.

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A willingness to learn and follow established safety procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and chemical safety protocols.
• The ability to work well as part of a team and collaborate effectively with student designers and shop staff.
• Strong artistic aptitude, color theory knowledge, and a keen eye for scale, detail, and texture.
• The ability to follow verbal and written instructions, designer paint elevations, and reference images.
• Dependability, punctuality, a strong work ethic, and a high level of self-motivation.
• Comfort working at heights, including on ladders, scaffolding, and personnel lifts.
• The ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment and adapt to changing production priorities.

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Preferred Technical Experience:

• Experience executing specialized theatrical treatments, including floor treatments, faux wood stains, stone/brick textures, and trompe l’oeil (three-dimensional illusion painting).

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Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Lift and carry equipment and paint buckets weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Push and pull loaded material carts and other production equipment.
• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, crawl, reach overhead, and work in confined spaces or on the floor for extended periods.
• Work at height from ladders, scaffolding, and personnel lifts.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet strict production deadlines.

SMU is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community and encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.