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Designer and Scenic Artist

Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.

Role Introduction

We are seeking to recruit a talented, dynamic and imaginative Designer and Scenic Artist to work alongside our professional theatre staff. The Designer and Scenic Artist will design, make and paint sets for high quality productions in our main house, studio spaces and other college venues

The Designer and Scenic Artist will act as a mentor to a Junior Designer and Scenic Artist, supervising their work on a day-to-day basis and offering them support and guidance.

Please be advised we are looking to hold interviews on 24th / 25th June 2021.

Main Duties

  • Designing, painting, making and dressing sets for productions in the Main House Theatre, Caccia Studio and other spaces across the school;
  • Providing production design advice for all directors;
  • Working with the Director of Drama and Production Manager on the practicalities of construction before finalising a design;
  • Identifying any extra support required to build a set and working with the Production Manager and Director of Drama to source that support;
  • Operating within the constructional, budgetary and health and safety constraints of the theatre as set by Director of Drama and/or Production Manager;
  • Providing detailed specifications, scaled ground plans, models and working drawings as required;
  • Sourcing materials, props and furniture for all productions designed;
  • Meeting production deadlines;
  • Advising on the design of sets and props for productions in other College venues including but not limited to Independent plays and curricular drama productions;
  • Supervising the work of the Junior Designer and Scenic Artist on a day-to-day basis, and overseeing their design work on the productions where they act as the lead Designer;
  • Developing the skills of the Junior Designer and Scenic Artist through mentoring and training;
  • Co-ordinating the student led Stage management of Main House and Studio shows, alongside the rest of the theatre team;
  • Motivating, guiding and working with students on painting techniques and the stage management of shows;
  • Supervising students working in the Farrer Theatre and Caccia Studio and other College venues used for performance;
  • Ensuring that all College health and safety and security procedures are observed;
  • Maintaining and encouraging good housekeeping practices throughout the theatres along with the rest of the creative team;
  • Assisting with fit-ups and get outs as part of the theatre team;
  • Supporting the Head of Theatre Studies in a non-teaching capacity in the delivery of the academic programme;
  • Undertaking any other reasonable task as requested to ensure the effective running of the theatre.

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:

  • A good training qualification in a relevant subject (and/or equivalent professional training);
  • Experience of designing and painting sets and props. If you also have experience of prop and furniture sourcing and providing design advice then this would be particularly advantageous;
  • Traditional fine arts skills of sketching, rendering, and painting. Also, ideally be well versed in techniques such as marbling, ragging, and wood graining and texturing, and should have a good understanding of art history, period styles, motifs and architecture;
  • Good working knowledge and experience of design-related software;
  • Detailed knowledge of the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures when working with paints is essential;
  • Experience of making sets;
  • Prior experience of supervising others is desirable;
  • Experience of stage management practices is desirable.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, free eyecare vouchers, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are committed to creating and sustaining an environment that values and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

Eton College

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