The Santa Fe Opera, a world-renowned opera company producing a 5-show summer repertory season in its unique outdoor theater, is seeking qualified applicants for Scenic Charge. This year-round position will manage the paint shop and plan and oversee the timely completion of all scenic elements and scenic finishes to meet design specifications in a safe, cost effective and efficient manner.
This position is well suited for a safety-oriented and skilled scenic charge who enjoys creating complex and high caliber scenic finishes in a fully-equipped paint shop, and managing and mentoring the next generation of scenic artists with differing levels of ability. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with leading designers, fabricators, artists and other world-renowned companies within the theater industry.
Responsibilities include collaborating with scenic designers; analyzing scenic designs for scenic finish constructability, cost and safety in collaboration with the technical direction team; hiring and managing seasonal paint shop personnel, including staff and apprentices; and providing direction and leadership for paint shop personnel in the timely implementation of all scenic finishes, including required sculpting, casting and molding.
Skills required include understanding and implementation of safe practices in a theatrical environment; ability to read, interpret and paint from designer’s drawings, elevations, models and other media; sculpting, carving and mold making experience preferred; experience in Adobe Photoshop or other similar software preferred; ability to create and manage material and labor budgets; ability to work independently and collaboratively; and a willingness and ability to work within rigorous timelines and with a variety of personalities and skill levels. The ability to safely use standard shop tools and equipment, to work from ladders and personnel lifts, to wear a respirator per OSHA guidelines, and have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive a panel van or full-sized pickup, is also required.