Role Introduction

We are seeking to recruit a talented, dynamic and imaginative Junior Designer and Scenic Artist to work as part of our professional theatre staff. The Junior Designer will support the Designer in designing, making and painting sets for high quality productions in our main house, studio spaces and other college venues. The Junior Designer will also have the opportunity to take the role of lead Designer on several productions, under the guidance of an experienced Designer and Scenic Artist. This role would potentially suit someone looking to gain more experience in the profession.

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

Main Duties

• Assisting the Designer:
  • With designing, painting, making and dressing sets for productions in the Main House Theatre, Caccia Studio and other spaces across the school;
  • By 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;
  • With supervising students working in the Farrer Theatre and Caccia Studio and other College venues used for performance;
  • By motivating, guiding and working with students on painting techniques and the stage management of shows;
  • With production design advice for directors.
• 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;
• You will have the opportunity to take the role of lead Designer on several productions, under the guidance of a more experienced Designer and Scenic Artist. During these productions, your key tasks and responsibilities will include:
  • 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;
  • Meeting production deadlines;
  • Offering production design advice for Directors.
• 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);
• Ability to follow the brief set by the Designer and Scenic Artist;
• 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;
• 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;
• A working knowledge and experience of design-related software is desirable;
• Experience of making sets.

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