Job Title: Scenic Charge Artisan
Department: Production
Reports To: Technical Director, Director of Production
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
ABOUT FIRST STAGE
First Stage, Milwaukee's premiere non-profit theater for young people and families, is a nationally acclaimed professional theater company drawing annual audiences of more than 120,000 people. First Stage+rsquo;s production season includes four to five mainstage shows at the Todd Wehr Theater, as well as our First Steps and Young Company Series of productions at Goodman Mainstage Hall at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center +ndash; a total of more than 400 performances annually. First Stage also offers Theater in-Education programs, serving 20,000 students in classrooms annually throughout southeastern Wisconsin. The First Stage Theater Academy, the largest and most high-impact training program of its kind in the nation, teaches "life skills through stage skills" to nearly 2,000 young people ages 3 - 18 each year.
FIRST STAGE is committed to dismantling structures that may prevent ALL people from applying for employment with us. FIRST STAGE celebrates the richness of our world by cultivating Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity as they inspire the creativity that nurtures great art, artists, and audiences. FIRST STAGE strongly encourages candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply.
FIRST STAGE is an equal opportunity employer and as such, we consider individuals for employment according to their abilities and performance. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, age, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.
Position Summary:
The Scenic Charge Artisan is responsible for overseeing the entire painting process of scenic elements. This includes interpreting design drawings, sourcing and purchasing all paint, supplies, and finishing materials, ensuring the quality and timely execution of all painted scenery, and maintaining budget while adhering to the vision of the Scenic Designer.
Compensation:
$18.00 per hour role expected to work 40 hours per week, with minor opportunities for overtime. First Stage provides a competitive benefit package that includes but is not limited to the following: health/dental/vision coverage, vacation and paid holidays, as well as a 403(b) plan.
Employment Dates:
This position is seasonal and will run from July 7, 2025 through May 31, 2026 (negotiable) with the option to renew should both parties agree.
To Apply:
Send cover letter, resume, portfolio of paint work or related, and 3 work references with the subject line:
Scenic Charge Artist: (First Name, Last Name)
No phone calls, please. Application submission period will remain open until the position is filled.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with accessibility needs to perform the essential functions.
+bull; Work closely with Scenic Designers to interpret their artistic vision, create and approve samples, and ensure the painting process aligns with design specifications.
+bull; Mix paints and textures, prepare and apply finishes for backdrops and sculpted scenic elements using various techniques (e.g., dry brushing, sponging, glazing, and faux finishes like wood grain, stone, and rust).
+bull; Participate in production and design meetings, providing feedback and adjusting painting timelines and techniques as needed.
+bull; Complete touch-ups and on-site adjustments between tech rehearsals, ensuring all painted elements are in optimal condition.
+bull; Manage the purchasing of paints, supplies, and finishing materials, staying within budget and ensuring timely delivery.
+bull; Oversee inventory of paint materials and maintain a clean, organized, and safe painting workspace, following OSHA safety protocols.
+bull; Supervise overhire workers as needed.
+bull; Maintain knowledge of and work with various tools (airbrushes, spray guns, brushes, rollers, stipple brushes, and texture tools like sponges, rags, palette knives, and trowels) to execute artistic finishes.
+bull; Adapt to changing production needs by assisting with additional painting or scenic tasks as directed by the Technical Director or Director of Production.
Qualifications:
Education/Experience:
+bull; Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Language Ability:
+bull; Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Write routine reports and correspondence. Speak effectively in in group settings with colleagues, patrons, and young people.
Computer Skills:
+bull; Basic use of Microsoft Suite (primarily Outlook, Sharepoint, and Excel).
+bull; Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and SketchUp (or similar) is not required but very helpful.
Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly work on site at First Stage+rsquo;s Scenic/Prop shop. Occasional work duties will also take place at the Goodman Theater at Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, and on site at the Todd Wehr Theater located in the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with accessibility needs to perform the essential functions.
+bull; Must be able to lift and carry materials and supplies, such as large rolls of canvas, buckets of paint, and scenic elements, weighing up to 50 pounds, depending on specific production needs.
+bull; Frequent use of hands and fingers to mix, apply paint, use brushes, and operate spray guns. This may also include tasks like stenciling, sculpting textures, or handling other intricate tasks requiring precision and attention to detail.
+bull; Prolonged periods of standing while painting or applying finishes to scenery. May also involve bending, stooping, or kneeling to work on low-level scenic elements
+bull; Must be able to work on ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms when painting or finishing large scenic pieces. Ability to balance and maintain safety while working at heights is essential.
+bull; Excellent color vision and attention to detail for mixing paint, matching design specifications, and executing color schemes accurately. Ability to assess the quality of work visually and ensure it meets design expectations.
