Scenic Artist Job at City Theatre in Pittsburgh

Job Type

Full-time

Description

City Theatre Company, Pittsburgh's leading professional theater dedicated to new plays, is seeking a full-time SCENIC ARTIST.

From August to May, the scenic team is responsible for the realization of five subscription productions in addition to the Young Playwrights Festival and ancillary events. In June and July, the City Theatre scenic team shifts its focus to rentals, constructing scenery for companies such as Front Porch Theatricals and Chautauqua Theatre Company.

The start date is flexible from late June to mid-August 2025. Scenic staff work hours are generally 9-5:30pm Monday-Friday, but the scenic artist may shift their hours if mutually agreed upon by their supervisor. Though uncommon for this position, some overtime and weekend work is occasionally required.

Principle responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborating and communicating effectively with the scene shop team, scenic designers, and other production staff
• Painting and finishing of all scenic elements including covering, priming, texture work (ex: plaster) sculpting and applying scenic details
• Maintaining the paint area and equipment
• Supervising and cultivating overhire painters
• Assisting the Prop Manager with painting when able
• Participating in scenic and prop work (ex: assisting with load-in and strike) if paint projects are complete

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Enthusiasm for collaborative problem-solving
• The ability to self-motivate and work independently
• Experience with standard theatrical paints and techniques as well as managing large paint projects from design to completion
• Experience executing other artist's designs
• A commitment to collaboration and the organization's values, which include a dedicated focus on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility; employees are expected to engage in professional training related to the organization's anti-racism commitments. Learn more about City Theatre's commitments to this work at www.CityTheatreCompany.org/EDIA

Requirements

Requirements of position:

• Current with all CDC-recommended and eligible COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
• Comfort working at heights of up to 17' on lifts and ladders
• The ability to lift 40 pounds and complete work that consistently requires standing and bending over

Reporting & Compensation:

The position reports directly to the Production Manager. It is a full-time, non-exempt, seasonal position with a rate of $20/hour, a 100% employer-covered health plan, optional vision and dental plans, and generous paid leave.

To Apply:

Submit a cover letter and résumé through the City Theatre hiring portal available under "Auditions & Employment" at CityTheatreCompany.org; or, alternatively, send materials via email to rdamboise@citytheatrecompany.org. The cover letter may be addressed to Production Manager, Rachel D'Amboise. Candidates are invited to share digital portfolios of their work.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.

We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you are returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.

Please use your cover letter to tell us about what you hope to bring to this role, and how your background and experience respond to the desired skills and qualities.

About City Theatre:

City Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to building a culturally diverse and equitable environment and we strongly encourage applications from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) candidates. In building an equitable work environment, the organization values diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skill sets. City Theatre does not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. City Theatre is committed to building a team that reflects its values and encourages all interested candidates to apply.

Founded in 1975, City Theatre is in its 48th season as Pittsburgh's home for bold new plays. Located in the historic South Side on its four-building cultural campus, the company produces a season of regional and world premieres; its renowned Young Playwrights Festival, now in its 21st year; a season-long reading series of new works in progress; and the annual Momentum Festival. City Theatre's mission is to provide an artistic home for the development and production of contemporary plays that engage and challenge a diverse audience. Its vision is to be the best mid-sized theater in America. Organizational core values: Community; Collaboration; Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility; and Creativity. With an annual average operating budget of over $3.1million, City Theatre is the largest performing arts organization not located in Pittsburgh's downtown Cultural District and is a constituent and core member of the League of Resident Theaters (LORT), Theatre Communications Group (TCG), and the National New Play Network (NNPN). Co-Artistic Directors Clare Drobot and Monteze Freeland join Managing Director James McNeel as co-leaders of the organization. It is governed by a board of 17 community volunteers (David Betts, board president).

Salary Description

$20/hour