Head Scenic Painter

Company Overview

Theatre Calgary’s vision is to stand amongst the best theatres globally as a leader in innovative, impactful and diverse programming. Our mission is to stimulate, provoke and delight through ambitious programming created to ignite local, national and international engagement in a sustainable manner. Theatre Calgary reflects the communities, the country, and the world we live in with ambitious programming, passionate community engagement and extraordinary productions.  For more than 50 years, we have focused our energy on providing our community with the highest level of classic and contemporary plays, featuring the best artists from Calgary and across the country.

Theatre Calgary believes in a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We are committed to reflecting the diversity of our community and we believe in equity and inclusion and strongly encourage submissions from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, and physical ability.

If you are excited to join our team and support our mission and values, we invite you to apply for this position with Theatre Calgary.

Job Description

Theatre Calgary is seeking an individual to fulfil the role of Head Scenic Painter. The successful candidate will be responsible for organizing and executing the painting of scenery for productions and maintaining the operations of our offsite paint warehouse.

The Head Scenic Painter reports directly to the Production Manager and Technical Director. The successful candidate will bring a wealth of scenic painting experience across multiple materials including but not limited to wood, metal, foam, canvas and scrim. The candidate must also exhibit strong communication skills and a keen interest and ability to work as a part of a dynamic and collaborative team environment. The successful candidate shall be willing to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends according to the production schedule created by management. Much of the available work time for paint happens before or after regular build and/or rehearsal hours including occasional overnights and is often done alone.

Theatre Calgary operates under a collective agreement with IATSE Local 212. The successful candidate will be a member in good standing or be willing to join as a full member.

As per the collective agreement, this role is guaranteed a minimum of 12 weeks per season at 40 hours per week. The hourly wage starting June 1, 2023 is $34.00. Other terms and conditions are outlined within the collective agreement between Theatre Calgary and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 212, 2022-2026.

The responsibilities associated with this role include:

·         Advising on time and material requirements to realize the paint needs of designs.

·         Helping to source and acquire materials needed for projects.

·         Maintaining the onsite and offsite paint areas by cleaning and disposing of old paint and materials.

·         Painting scenic elements including but not limited to: Flats, Drops, Scrims, Floors.

·         Leading, managing, and allocating tasks to paint crew brought in for larger productions, including trainees

·         Meeting with and providing paint samples to designers.

·         Working in collaboration with the scenic builders to paint pieces as they are completed.

·         Performing any touch-ups and notes on set once installed.

·         Creating a paint touch-up kit for the Stage Carpenters during the run.

·         Providing paint support to other departments that may require it.

Theatre Calgary operates in a fifty-five-foot wide by forty-foot deep, 51-lineset single purchase counterweight proscenium fly house at the Max Bell Theatre in the Arts Commons building. The stage is typically used for theatre and dance presentations. The seasons are structured with 6 shows spanning from September through May. On average 3-4 shows are built in house and require paint. Three weeks are provided each summer for maintenance and repairs.

Required knowledge, assets, skills, and abilities:  

·         An extensive and detailed knowledge of scenic painting, filling, sanding, and other finishing details.

·         The ability to deliver finished pieces in an efficient manner, often on night or early morning shifts.

·         Knowledge of sculpting is an asset.

·         A demonstrated ability to function under stress and work independently.

·         Effective communication skills with designers, crew members, and management

·         A current Alberta driver’s license to maintain access to offsite warehouse and acquire materials outside of office hours.

·         Use of a personal vehicle is an asset

·         The ability to:

o   Lift and work with weights in excess of 40 pounds

o   Work from various lifts and ladders at heights up to 30’

o   Examine and create samples from renderings and models

o   Lead and manage a crew of varying skillsets