Scenic Charge Artist

TheatreSquared; Fayetteville (AR); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts at theatre cafe

Complimentary tickets

Housing negotiable

Job summary

TheatreSquared seeks a Temporary Scenic Charge Artist to join the Production Scenic Department for the 2026-2027 season. You’ll plan and execute all scenic surface treatments in close collaboration with Scenic Designers and the production team.

Reporting to the Technical Director and Director of Production, you will create paint samples, manage painting schedules, and ensure top-quality finishes from build through paint, including touch-ups during the run of shows.

Qualifications

• Professional scenic artist with multiple years in theatre.
• Ability to read and paint from designer drawings and elevations.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret designer drawings and elevations to understand finish requirements.
• Budget supplies and paint labor in collaboration with TD and Director of Production.
• Create timelines and painting schedules with TD/Director of Production.
• Develop and share paint samples with designers and directors.
• Coordinate with the scene shop to establish paint areas on-site or off-site.
• Order scenic art supplies and materials, including printed drops.
• Supervise additional paint labor when assigned.
• Execute all scenic surface treatments and finishes for scenery and props.
• Mix paint and texture media; paint, texture, and finish all scenic elements.
• Establish and implement texture techniques; complete notes through rehearsals.
• Create touch-up kits and coordinate with the Designer for approvals.

Skills

Experience as scenic artist

Read elevations

Paint from drawings

Quality finishes

Creative problem-solving

Team collaboration

Physical stamina

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Prolonged standing

Job description

Scenic Charge Artist (Temporary)

TheatreSquared is Northwest Arkansas’s professional, non-profit theatre, recognized nationally for its bold new plays, intimate setting, and transformative community impact. Welcoming more than 80,000 patrons annually to over 350 performances and events, TheatreSquared is the largest professional producing theatre in the state and a proud champion of storytelling that uplifts, challenges, and connects. With a commitment to arts education, TheatreSquared reaches thousands of students and educators across Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Honored with the 2022 Obie Award and praised by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR, TheatreSquared continues to grow as a home for both innovative new works and world-class productions—rooted in the belief that theatre, done well and with passion, can truly transform lives and communities.

POSITION SUMMARY

TheatreSquared seeks a Temporary Scenic Charge Artist to join the Production Scenic Department on a show-by-show basis for our 2026-2027 Season. Reporting to the Technical Director and Director of Production, the Scenic Charge Artist is responsible for planning and executing all scenic surface treatments and finishes, in close collaboration with Scenic Designers and the production team.

As a key artist helping create shows that encourage audiences to think beyond their lived experiences, and as a collaborative member of an inclusive workforce. This role supports TheatreSquared’s commitment to artistic excellence and its belief in theatre as a powerful agent for equity and social change.

TIME FRAME

2026-2027 Season Shows build/paint periods:

• Little Women: end of September through mid November
• Cowboys and East Indians: mid December through beginning of February
• 39 Steps: mid February through early March
• Frog and Toad: end of March through mid April
• Eureka Day: mid April through early June

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning, Budgeting, & Collaboration

• Read and interpret designer drawings, elevations, and research to fully understand each production’s visual design and finish requirements.
• Budget scenic art supplies and paint labor for each production in collaboration with the Technical Director, Scenic Designer, and Director of Production.
• Create timelines and painting schedules in collaboration with the Technical Director and Director of Production, ensuring smooth workflow from build through paint.
• Develop and share paint samples with Scenic Designers, Directors, and the Technical Directors as needed.
• Coordinate with the scene shop to establish paint areas on-site or off-site as needed.

Execution & Supervision

• Order scenic art supplies and materials, including printed drops.
• Supervise additional paint labor when assigned.
• Execute all scenic surface treatments and finishes for scenery and, as requested, props.
• Mix paint and texture media; prepare, paint, texture, and finish all scenic elements.
• Establish and implement all required surface texturing techniques.
• Complete paint notes through technical rehearsals, opening, and provide touch-ups throughout the run of the show as needed.
• Create touch-up kits for use during performances.
• Coordinate with the Scenic Designer throughout the process to obtain approvals on samples, finishes, and completed work, understanding that final approval rests with the Designer.

Workplace Standards & Professional Conduct

• Maintain paint areas, tools, storage, and equipment in a safe, clean, and organized manner.
• Attend production meetings, technical and dress rehearsals, previews, and other rehearsals or performances as required.
• Assist with the movement, adjustment, and rearrangement of scenic elements on the paint deck as needed to support workflow and production needs.
• Uphold policies and procedures outlined in TheatreSquared’s Employee Handbook.
• Professionally represent TheatreSquared to visiting artists, patrons, and rental clients.

TECHNIQUES & SKILL SETS OFTEN UTILIZED

• Color mixing
• Distressing and aging
• Faux finishes (wood grain, metal, etc.)
• Stenciling
• Scumble painting
• Texturing
• Sculpting
• Paper and fabric mâché
• Lettering and sign paintingPainting rugs, carpets, and upholstery

QUALIFICATIONS

• Multiple years of experience as a scenic artist in a professional scenic or paint shop environment, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to read, interpret, and paint from designer drawings and elevations.
• Ability to work from sketches, photos, video references, or other media.
• Ability to create samples based on designer discussions and elevations.
• Strong sense of paint production quality and finishing standards.
• Creative problem-solving skills and comfort brainstorming in a collaborative setting.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, evolving production environment.
• Ability to repeatedly lift, push, or maneuver up to 50 lbs., with or without assistance.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.

Working Conditions

• Scheduled as needed, with hours established in coordination with the Technical Director and Director of Production.
• Willingness to adjust schedule as production demands require, including evenings and weekends.
• Work may involve exposure to noise, dust, fumes, and vibration.
• Work at heights, including ladders and lifts.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a temporary, hourly position with compensation ranging from $20–$25 per hour, commensurate with experience.

As a Temporary employee, you’ll enjoy access to discounts at TheatreSquared's cafe in the Commons, and complimentary tickets to our productions.

Housing for out-of-town hires is negotiable.

TheatreSquared is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and celebrates diversity in all its forms. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.