Head of Scenic Art

Company Overview

As one of the world’s leading theatre companies and Niagara’s 20 largest employers, The Shaw is dedicated to an ongoing process of increasing diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs, and in all our hiring for staff, artists, and in the recruiting of board members. The Shaw is committed to a future when our theatres joyously draw on and include all peoples, fully reflective of the world around us. As such, the Shaw Festival is an equal opportunity employer committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We encourage and invite applications from applicants who identify as Indigenous, Black or as persons of colour (IBPOC), the LGBTQ2+ communities and those identifying as gender female. In accordance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and in keeping with our wish to ensure a fully inclusive environment, please advise Human Resources if you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process. We will be happy to assist.

We acknowledge and honour the land upon which we gather as the historic and traditional territory of First Nations peoples. In particular we recognize and thank the Neutral Nation, the Mississauga and the Haudenosaunee for their stewardship of these lands over millennia.

Job Description

The Shaw Festival is seeking applications for a full-time seasonal Head of Scenic Art. This position is included in the jurisdiction of IATSE Local 828 as outlined in its collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Shaw Festival.

Responsibilities include:

• Reports to the Production Director

• Supervises the Assistant Head and Scenic Art crew in the painting and finishing all scenic elements for the Festival.
• Determines methods and materials in consultation with Designers and Technical Directors assigned to the productions
• Determination of appropriate departmental staffing levels, professional development and training.
• Supervises departmental administration including scheduling, costing, meetings  and R&D
• Maintains a safe, efficient and supportive work environment; resolves conflicts using professional discretion.
• Ensures the readiness of all Scenic Art supplies, equipment, facilities and maintenance.
• Develops improved methods to support Shaw Festival production

Qualifications include:

• A minimum of 5 years as a Scenic Artist in a supervisory role. Demonstrated operational knowledge of scenic art shop practices and protocols
• Highly proficient understanding of scenic art methods, materials and related systems and maintenance. Excellent artistic and scenic painting skills.
• Strong abilities in drawing, painting, mixing colours, working with textures, finishes and soft goods
• Good written and oral communication skills; works well as part of a team; a positive attitude and a sense of humour also helps.
• Proven time management and organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Knowledge of Health and Safety compliance, WHIMIS and Working at Heights, Elevated Platforms certification is essential.    
• Demonstrated knowledge of shop equipment, ladders, scaffolding, spray equipment, elevated work platforms and company vehicles (G class driver’s license with a clean driving record required)
• This is a physically demanding position. It involves heavy lifting, mixing large quantities of paint, folding, unfolding and lifting soft goods, working from elevated platforms.
• A post-secondary education in a technical theatre and/or fine arts would be considered an asset

Current hourly rate as per our Scenic Art CBA: $36.26 + benefits

Please note: All newly hired employees must provide proof of Full Vaccination, iplus 1 booster status prior to their first date of work.