Scenic Charge Artist/ Adjunct Faculty, Theatre Design and Production

Shenandoah Conservatory is a renowned visionary and collaborative arts community that educates motivated students in a supportive and inclusive environment and equips them for professional success.
It offers undergraduate and graduate instruction in music, as well as undergraduate programs in theatre and dance, a master’s in performing arts leadership and management, and abundant opportunities to participate in a variety of performing groups.
It is also home to Virginia’s oldest music therapy program and a top music education program, as well as an innovative voice pedagogy program with tracks in both classical and contemporary commercial music.
The Shenandoah Conservatory is looking for a highly qualified candidate to join our team in a newly created position as the Scenic Charge Artist, and to serve as an adjunct faculty member for the Theatre Design and Production program.
This is a full-time, 12-month staff position with benefits and requires evening and weekend work.
This position requires a current driver license and the ability to work at heights and stand for long periods of time.
Reporting to Shenandoah Conservatory’s Executive Director for Performances and Engagement, and in coordination with Theatre Division faculty, the Scenic Charge Artist supports the general operation and production needs of the Conservatory, with a specialized focus on the scenic design and scenic art needs of the Theatre Division, Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT), as well as guest artist performances and other university events, as needed.
In addition to serving as the Scenic Charge Artist for Shenandoah Conservatory and Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre, this position manages the Paint Shop; supervises and mentors students; serves as a scenic designer or mentor for select productions, as assigned; and teaches one course per semester.
Responsibilities: Oversee and manage year round paint shop operations, which supports productions by the conservatory’s academic divisions and Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT), as well as special university events and guest artist performances.
Collaborate with faculty, guest artists, designers, and students to provide scenic art and staffing support for Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre and academic year productions, including Theatre and Musical Theatre productions, Opera, Dance Concerts, Performing Arts Live guest artist performances; Holiday Gala; Convocation; and other special events Serve as the Scenic Charge Artist, or act as a mentor to student Paint Charge, for all Theatre Division performances; Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT) productions; and other university performances and events as needed Manage paint shop operations and logistics for Shenandoah Summer Musical Theatre (SSMT) productions — working with designers to implement designs; hiring, training, and supervising seasonal paint shop staff; overseeing safe and effective use of equipment and resources; troubleshooting issues as they arise; and assisting/advising the production and creative team as needed In collaboration with Scenic Design faculty, Technical Director, and Scene Shop Manager, establish paint shop hours; maintain a consistent presence in the shop to supervise students and ensure safe practices; and train, schedule, and supervise Paint Shop staff, overseeing seasonal staff, work study students, and students completing lab hours for credit in the shop Ensure a safe working environment in the scenic and paint shops and theaters Assist students with production assignments in properties, scenic construction, scenic art and technical direction Oversee and maintain the paint shop area tools, equipment, and organization; restock shop supplies on a regular basis; maintain and track shop budget in coordination with the with Technical Director and Scene Shop Manager Provide additional technical support for special events in theatre facilities as needed whenever appropriate and available Serve as adjunct faculty, teaching one course per semester, including Introduction to Drawing, Introduction to Design, Scenic Art Serve with TDP faculty and staff on aligned recruitment and retention activities.
Serve as Scenic Designer for the Conservatory’s Annual Holiday Gala Participate in production meetings, auditions, and recruitment activities as needed Required Skills Skills: An ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience: 2D and 3D scenic art execution (including drop painting and sculpting); understanding of scenic construction, stage rigging, and stage properties; management and mentorship of variously skilled labor; and time and project management.
An MA or MFA in Theatrical Design and Production, or equivalent professional experience, is required.
Successful candidates will also have a demonstrated ability to create and maintain a positive working environment; a working knowledge of paint shop safety practices; and a passion for teaching and mentoring students.
Teaching experience on the college level is preferred.
This position requires excellent communication and relationship-building skills; and an ability to manage people and events effectively, navigating various stakeholders in order to solve problems in a fast-paced work environment.
Required Qualifications: MFA or MA in Theatrical Design and Production or commensurate professional and educational experience Evidence of successfully produced scenic designs Strong organizational and communication skills Must possess management and administrative skills as well as the maturity to supervise student workers; to efficiently schedule student staffing for the shop, and to effectively administer policies.
Competence in Google Suite Must be able to work independently, but also enjoy contributing in a team work situation.
Must be able to work with diverse personalities and constituencies.
Must be able to handle multiple tasks, to work under deadlines, and to prioritize workload Current Driver’s License Desired Qualifications: Two to three years of professional experience in the entertainment industry Teaching at the university level Required Experience How to Apply: The complete application will include a cover letter, CV, contact information for three professional references, and a link to an online portfolio.
The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.
Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff.
All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.
**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.
Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected.
The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.