Demo

Lead Scenic Artist

Arena Stage
Washington, DC Full Time
POSTED ON 4/15/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/14/2031

WHO WE ARE

Arena Stage is the voice of American theater resident in our nation's capital. Focused on American artists, our productions are innovative and representative of stories from across the country. We nurture new plays and reimagine classics. We celebrate our democracy and diversity through a multitude of voices in our productions and community engagement programs to inspire people to action.

 

WHAT WE VALUE

A work culture that values experimentation and collaboration.

Excellence in all aspects of our endeavor.

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion throughout the Organization and within our audience and the community.

Community Service through education and public engagement.

Lead effective partnerships and collaboration to serve artists and arts professionals.

 

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Lead Scenic Artist acts as the primary scenic artist for all Arena Stage productions and events.

 

MINIMUM/CORE REQUIREMENTS:

  • 2-4 years experience scenic art, mural work, fine art, theatrical scenery, related artistic
    fields or educational equivalent
  • 1 year experience in a leadership role

SKILLS REQUIRED:

  • Experience in faux finishing (wood grain, marble, stone, etc.), textures, foam
    carving/sculpting, drawing, drop layout work, color matching and mixing, aging &
    distressing techniques
  • Ability to use HVLP, airless, airbrush, and pump sprayers.
  • Knowledge of current safety standards, MSDS's and OSHA practices
  • Ability to work quickly and efficiently while maintaining quality
  • Attention to detail in all aspects
  • Ability to read draftings and renderings/elevations
  • Ability to adapt to frequently changing circumstances, work collaboratively with other
    employees and guest artists, and maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations

KEY FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Execute scenic treatments on all scenery pieces and specialty prop pieces, as directed by the Scenic Charge Artist
  • In conjunction with the Scenic Charge Artist, lead a team of over hire scenic artists in the execution of scenic treatments
  • In conjunction with the Scenic Charge Artist, maintain paint shop tools, inventories, and cleanliness
  • In conjunction with the Scenic Charge Artist, maintain all three theatre spaces for internal and external events
  • Create touch up kits for Production Carpenters to maintain the finish of each show throughout the run
  • May be required to work late nights and holidays depending on show needs

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to climb and work from lifts/ladders with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Frequently required to use repetitive hand motions and to reach and bend
    Ability to stand for 8-10 hours per day
  • Capable of wearing a respirator

 

The Washington Drama Society, Inc., Arena Stage does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Human Resources at hr@arenastage.org.

Offers of employment at Arena Stage are contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check and/or professional reference check as allowed by employment law in the District of Columbia. 

Salary : $23 - $25

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