Senior Production Designer for Immersive Theatre

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 500,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive contract rate

Hybrid working arrangement

George-based creative hub

Opportunities for repeat collaboration

Exposure to immersive environments

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Production Designer in George, Western Cape, to lead visual concept and execution for immersive theatre experiences. You will manage set design, props, costumes concepts, and lighting integration, shaping a cohesive artistic vision.

Collaborating within an artistic team, you will translate abstract ideas into tangible, breathtaking realities, pushing boundaries in a coastal studio hub with hybrid work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Production Designer with immersive theatre.
• Proficient in SketchUp, Rhino, Blender and AutoCAD/Vectorworks.
• Strong understanding of theatrical construction and scenic techniques.
• Excellent visual storytelling and communication skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and lead design teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute innovative production designs for immersive theatre productions.
• Create detailed set designs including floor plans, elevations, and 3D models.
• Source, commission, or create all necessary props and set dressing elements.
• Collaborate with lighting designers to integrate lighting into the overall visual design.
• Liaise with costume designers to ensure thematic consistency between set and costume.
• Manage the production design budget and timeline effectively.
• Oversee the construction and installation of sets and scenic elements.
• Conduct site-specific research and adapt designs to unique performance spaces.
• Present design concepts to the creative team and stakeholders for approval.
• Maintain a high level of artistic quality and attention to detail throughout the production process.

Skills

Visual storytelling

Conceptual design

Communication & presentation

Team leadership

Education

Theatre Design

Fine Arts

Architecture

Tools

SketchUp

Rhino

Blender

AutoCAD

Vectorworks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in avant-garde performing arts in George, Western Cape, is seeking a visionary Senior Production Designer to spearhead the visual concept and execution of groundbreaking immersive theatre experiences. This role is central to creating unforgettable, multi-sensory environments that transport audiences into the heart of the narrative. The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall aesthetic direction, including set design, prop sourcing, costume conceptualization, and lighting integration, ensuring a cohesive and impactful artistic vision. Working within a collaborative artistic team, you will translate abstract ideas into tangible, breathtaking realities. This is a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of theatrical design in a beautiful coastal setting. This role requires a hybrid working model, allowing for focused independent work and collaborative sessions at our George-based creative hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute innovative production designs for immersive theatrical productions.
• Create detailed set designs, including floor plans, elevations, and 3D models.
• Source, commission, or create all necessary props and set dressing elements.
• Collaborate with lighting designers to integrate lighting effectively into the overall visual design.
• Liaise with costume designers to ensure thematic consistency between set and costume.
• Manage the production design budget and timeline effectively.
• Oversee the construction and installation of sets and scenic elements.
• Conduct site-specific research and adapt designs to unique performance spaces.
• Present design concepts to the creative team and stakeholders for approval.
• Maintain a high level of artistic quality and attention to detail throughout the production process.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Production Designer, with a strong portfolio showcasing immersive or experimental theatre projects.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling software (e.g., SketchUp, Rhino, Blender) and 2D drafting tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Vectorworks).
• A strong understanding of theatrical construction, materials, and scenic techniques.
• Excellent visual storytelling and conceptualization skills.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and lead design teams.
• Experience in sourcing and managing props and furniture.
• Familiarity with lighting design principles and their integration with set design.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• A degree in Theatre Design, Fine Arts, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Passion for pushing creative boundaries in the performing arts.

Benefits

• Competitive contract rate commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to shape innovative and boundary-pushing theatrical productions.
• Work within a highly creative and collaborative artistic community in George.
• Exposure to unique and challenging immersive environments.
• Potential for repeat collaborations and long-term project involvement.
• Contribution to critically acclaimed artistic endeavors.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangement.