About the Role
Royal & Derngate is seeking a Scenic Artist to join our award-winning production team on a fixed-term maternity cover contract. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of our renowned Made in Northampton productions, contributing to a dynamic season that includes the national tour of Breaking the Code, the beloved family favourite Mog’s Christmas, and the brand-new play Top G’s Like Me, set in Northampton’s Radlands skate park. You’ll also get to play a key role in our creative engagement projects.
Our work reaches audiences in Northampton, across the UK, and even London’s West End, earning UK Theatre and Olivier Awards along the way. But at our core, we’re simply passionate about making great theatre.
Join our team and help create unforgettable productions that entertain and inspire!
Job Opportunity
Job Purpose
* To paint/decorate scenery and to work on props and furniture and produce other scenic items for Royal & Derngate productions.
* To ensure that scenic aspects of productions are undertaken safely, on time and to the designer’s brief
* To ensure that the paint shop area is in a safe and professional state
Key Task Areas:
* To manage the resources allocated to the Scenic Art department efficiently.
* To paint, decorate, and texture scenery, floors, cloths, props, furniture and other stage effects.
* To manage the scenic art of all scenery and related items to the satisfaction of the Production Manager and Designer for Royal & Derngate (R&D) productions and co-productions.
* Creating a positive and welcoming dialogue to visiting designers and creatives - providing creative solutions to design problems.
* To use a broad range of scenic techniques and materials.
* To maintain up-to-date knowledge of current and new equipment and practices.
* To attend Production meetings and to consult with and advise the Head of Production, Production Manager and Designer on the best way to realise the design.
* To advise the Head of Production of estimated material costs as required and to ensure that the scenic art elements of production budgets are adhered to.
* To consult with the Head of Production, Production Manager, and Head of Workshop on the build/paint schedule for each production.
* In consultation with the Head of Production or Production Manager to engage additional staff for labour-intensive projects.
* To read all rehearsal/show reports and reply to them/carry out work as required.
* To attend staff, and other meetings as appropriate.
* To be available for paint calls as required after the fit-up.
* To paint props and furniture as requested by the Head of Production.
* To maintain the paint shop areas and tools to a safe and professional standard.
* To manage the sourcing of materials and consumables
* To ensure all new staff, and others using the paint shop are trained to a highly professional standard.
For the full job description, please see our website.
Essential Skills
Essential Experience:
* Proven competence in a producing theatre or a permanent basis in a set workshop
* Proven competence in a range of production styles and techniques·
* Proven competence in the safe use of relevant equipment.
Essential Knowledge/Qualifications:
* Knowledge of Health & Safety
* Understanding of, and commitment to, live performance
Essential Skills/Abilities:
* To be able to paint scenery
* Able to plan work effectively
* Able to work creatively
* Excellent interpersonal skills
* Texturing
Desirable Experience:
* Proven competence in a producing theatre as part of a scenic art department
Desirable Knowledge/Qualifications:
* To have trained at a recognised drama college in theatre design, or scenic decoration
* Training in relevant Health & Safety elements such as COSSH and Working at Height
Desirable Skills/Abilities:
* Computer literacy
* Full Driving Licence
* Cut Cloths
Closing Date: 14th April 2025
Interviews: 23rd May 2025
How To Apply
Please submit a covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) stating your relevant experience, knowledge, and skills for the role along with your CV.
For further information about Royal & Derngate and the role, please see our website.