POSITION: SCENIC ARTIST
POSTED: January 29, 2026
TERM: 6/8/2026 +ndash; 8/9/2026
STATUS: Full Time, at-will, Exempt seasonal employee
SUPERVISOR: Erika Johnson, Production Manager
SCHEDULE: Tuesday through Saturday (occasional Sunday or Monday) 9am-5pm
COMPENSATION: $17.50/hr, housing available
ABOUT SHAKESPEARE + COMPANY
Shakespeare + Company is a professional live theater company in the heart of the Berkshires offering innovative, socially responsive, and educationally challenging performances, workshops and residencies, recognized nationally as an innovative leader in teaching Shakespeare and integrating theatre arts. Founded in 1978, Shakespeare + Company is a thriving center of creative and collaborative excellence in Actor Training, Performance, and Education, rooted in Shakespeare+rsquo;s work and the Elizabethan ideals of inquiry, balance and harmony. Shakespeare + Company is committed to nurturing the creative impulse, exploring the universal themes of human experience, and engaging with the widest possible audience in order to influence future generations. Shakespeare + Company is committed to an evolving approach to diversity and inclusion to engender an active process and positive change toward equity in its employment and artistry and to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and inspired to bring their authentic voice and creative perspective to their work. We strive to represent individuals from all walks of life in our workforce and seek to engage those who will embrace our vigorous commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility as well as anti-racism initiatives, with the goal of engaging ourselves in endeavors that enrich and promote a more just society.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Scenic Artist would work closely with the Scenic Charge in the finishing of scenic elements, primarily through paint, to achieve the designer+rsquo;s artistic vision. The person in this position will follow the Scenic Charge+rsquo;s lead on projects and must be willing to work some nights or early mornings. Between painting projects, this role is shared with the carpentry team - the Scenic Artist is responsible for finishing scenery to the point that it is prepared for paint: filling holes, sanding, treating surfaces, etc. The Scenic Artist will also work with the carpentry team on all load-ins and changeovers.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist the Scenic Charge in finishing and painting all scenery, furniture, and theater floors
Assist other scene shop staff in the build of scenic designs
Assist the props supervisor in painting and construction of props when needed
Assist in the preparation of each theatre space for the summer season and other activities (cleaning, paint touch-ups, etc)
Assist the Production Manager + Technical Director in other production-related work (such as theater maintenance)
Participate in scenic load ins and changeovers
Maintain shop supply/paint inventory including fixing and maintaining tools
Make trips to local supply stores to pick up materials (in a company vehicle)
Fulfill other reasonable duties.
EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND CHARACTERISTICS SOUGHT
Knowledge of styles kinds of painting and staining
Knowledge of different paint types and tools for paint application, as well as joint compound and other scenic finishings
Knowledge of shop tool maintenance and repair
Able to climb a 250 lbs. rated ladder and work from heights on ladders and in mechanical lifts
Ability to lift heavy scenic items + materials
Excellent personal, organizational, time management and communication skills
Maintain regular, punctual attendance with a positive attitude and energy
A willingness to work indoors AND outside
TO APPLY: Please send a letter of interest, resume, and references by email to jobsearch@shakespeare.org
