Weston Theater Company is hiring: Charge Artist in Weston

CHARGE ARTIST
Seasonal, Full-Time Exempt

Reports to: Director of Production and Operations
Supervising: Scenic/Paints Assistant
Start Date: May 12, 2025 (dates subject to slight changes)
End Date: August 24, 2025
Housing: Single bedroom, shared kitchen, and bath in company housing
Compensation: $850-$900/week, housing included
Hiring Schedule: Interviews will begin on or about January 7, 2025

Overview:
Weston Theater Company (WTC) is designed to be a collaborative organization; employees forge interdepartmental relationships and contribute to a positive and supportive workplace through teamwork, flexibility, and goal-oriented cooperation. The successful candidate will be passionate and engaged in their area of expertise and will also demonstrate a willingness to help other departments if needed to fulfill WTC’s mission: to create theater to engage, entertain, and inspire our ever-expanding community.

Weston Theater Company is located in rural southern Vermont. Having an appreciation for nature and a quiet small-town vibe for the summer is essential. What we lack in population density, public transportation, and urban conveniences is offset by the beauty of 400,000 acres of national forests, lakes, quintessential general stores, and caring community.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Production:
Painting of all scenic and prop elements for Young Company Tour produced in-house at WTC;
Assist third party scene shop with painting of all scenic and prop elements of scenic elements for multiple productions built offsite;
Ensure completion of all painted set elements for each production to the satisfaction of Set Designers; work with Technical Director and Props Supervisor to ensure all shows, painting projects, and notes are completed within deadlines and budgets;
Communicate proactively with third party scene shop, Scenic Designers, Stage Managers, Directors, and other production department heads as needed to ensure safe and appropriate implementation of paint treatments;
Prepare and analyze samples of techniques and materials when necessary, communicating with third party scene shop, Designers, Production Management, and Department Heads as appropriate;
During tech rehearsals, communicate with Scenic Designer, Technical Director and other department heads on paint notes and work schedule;
Maintain and organize paint inventory and storage areas;
Order all necessary materials and supplies in a timely manner;
Assist in the upkeep, cleanup, and maintenance of work areas and equipment;
Provide support for special events or company projects.

Supervision and Administrative:
Scenic Department staff management and communication including;
Communicate schedules and goals with Department Heads and Production Management;
Staff scheduling and work-hour tracking/reporting in Sling, WTC’s payroll management app;
Overtime hiring and budget management;
Supervision of over hire staff during paint calls, load-ins, changeovers, strikes, etc.;
Manage show and department budgets as well as receipt tracking;
Submit biweekly budget updates to Technical Director and Director of Production + Operations;
Track purchasing, deliveries, returns, etc.;
Submit invoices/receipts, credits/returns in requested timeframes;
Attend and participate in design, production and department head meetings as scheduled;

Safety:
Coordinate Safety Training in conjunction with Director of Production and Operations;
Ensure that personnel are properly trained in operation of machinery, tools, and use appropriate personal protective equipment during all work and show calls;
Provide immediate and corrective support in the event of departmental safety concerns;
Research, acquire, and maintain MSDS for products used or stored in the paint room.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
Mastery of all common scenic art techniques and practices;
Professional experience in scenic art, or equivalent, preferred;
Proven ability to motivate, manage, educate, and coordinate staff members of varying proficiency levels;
Ability to lift 50 lbs. safely with assistance;
Demonstrated experience working on multiple productions within tight timelines and budgets;
Demonstrated knowledge of industry and OSHA standard safety practices;
Ensure proper maintenance and usage of all shop equipment and hand tools;
Ability to thrive in rural area that lacks cell phone reception.

Weston Theatre Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage applicants from historically marginalized communities. WTC recognizes that historic institutional practices have led to an exclusionary and harmful environment for members of these communities, and is actively working to become a more diverse, anti-racist, inclusive organization. We acknowledge and welcome the complexity of the work ahead.

Full vaccinations for staff, creative team and artists are mandatory for employment, as is adherence to all COVID-19 safety protocols. Proof of vaccination will be required upon first day of work.

To apply, send cover letter, resume, and three references to hiring@westontheater.org. Please put ‘Charge Artist’ in the subject line.