Scenic Charge Artist

Scenic Charge Artist

Full-time • San Jose, CA

POSITION SUMMARY

Opera San José seeks an experienced Scenic Charge Artist to lead the painting of all mainstage productions and rental sets. The Charge Artist executes fine scenic painting—from faux finishes and carving to full-scale backdrops and signage—while managing the paint deck, training over-hire painters, and partnering with designers and the production team to bring each show to life. This is a hands-on, largely autonomous role ideal for a skilled artisan and steady leader who takes pride in craft, safety, and a well-run shop.

POSITION DETAILS

Position Type: Full-time; in-person at the OSJ scene shop in San Jose, CA.

Reports To: Technical Director

Compensation: $30–$40 per hour, based on experience.

Start Date: Position open until filled; applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Scenic Painting & Craft

•    Execute faux finishes including woodgrain, marble, and trompe l’oeil, plus painted textures and aging effects.

•    Mix colors, build custom tools, and create stencils of varying sizes by hand or digitally; select the right products for each substrate.

•    Carve and sculpt with hot-wire setups and related tools; create applied textures using a range of materials, with a working knowledge of dry times and finishes.

•    Prepare and paint backdrops from start to finish on muslin, scrim, gauze, plastic, and other fabrics.

•    Hand-letter and paint signage and display pieces as needed.

•    Bring strong drawing skills to the work, including anatomy, perspective, and gridded layouts.

Shop, Documentation & Organization

•    Maintain a clean, organized, safe paint deck and mixing area.

•    Create and maintain paint documentation for all new builds and update records for existing shows as needed.

•    Build and maintain touch-up kits that ship with sets for rentals and remounts.

•    Assess touch-up needs of rented productions on arrival.

Supervision & Collaboration

•    Maintain the over-hire list and schedule additional painters as productions require.

•    Train and mentor painters at varying career stages.

•    Build and sustain relationships with scenic shops across the Bay Area to source over-hire when needed.

•    Collaborate with designers and with Props, Carpentry, and Costumes, as well as other departments across the company.

•    Design or source scenic elements for mainstage lobby displays and other company events.

Budget, Inventory & Production Planning

•    Purchase tools and materials; track spending and labor through receipt coding; maintain inventory.

•    Prepare bids for incoming productions.

•    Maintain and service HVLP and airless spray equipment.

•    Work with the Technical Director to set painting schedules and meet production deadlines.

•    Attend staff and production meetings.

Technical Skills

•    Read and work from technical drawings and renderings.

•    Work fluently with Procreate, Photoshop and the Adobe Suite, Canva, and Microsoft Word and Excel; familiarity with drafting or 3D software is a plus.

Safety & Compliance

•    Uphold OSHA standards and safe handling of hazardous materials, including proper ventilation and PPE for every tool and situation.

•    Train and supervise painters on safety practices; ensure standards are met for all personnel on the paint deck.

•    Apply flame-proofing techniques and materials so sets meet California standards and the standards of any state to which a production is rented.

•    Follow California paint disposal laws when handling old paint, hazardous chemicals, and other materials.

QUALIFICATIONS

•    4–6 years of qualified scenic painting experience or equivalent training.

•    Strong preference for prior Charge Artist and supervisory experience.

•    Proven proficiency across the painting, technical, and safety skills listed above.

•    Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and keep a production schedule.

•    Physical ability to climb ladders and scaffolding, lift up to 50 pounds, and stand for extended periods.

ABOUT OPERA SAN JOSÉ

Opera San José is a nationally recognized resident opera company based in San Jose, California. Since 1984, OSJ has distinguished itself by maintaining a resident ensemble of principal artists and investing in the next generation of opera singers, musicians, and theatrical artisans. The company produces a season of fully staged mainstage operas at the California Theatre, alongside community, education, and chamber programs throughout the year.

HOW TO APPLY

Send a cover letter, resume, and portfolio (PDF or link) to jobs@operasj.org with “Scenic Charge Artist” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Opera San José is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of other historically underrepresented groups. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.