Charge Artist

DEPARTMENT: Production-Scenery

CLASSIFICATION: Full Time, IATSE Local 122, Non-Exempt (Hourly)

PAY: $34.14 to $41.60 per hour (DOE)

LOCATION: La Jolla, CA on the beautiful UC San Diego campus

SCHEDULE: Regular weekday work, occasional overtime, weekend and/or holiday work

REPORTS TO: Technical Director

WORKS WITH: LJP Staff, Visiting Artists and Designers

LEADS: IATSE Scenic Artists

Required Application Materials

Cover letter, resume, and references

About The Position

The Charge Artist is the point person for all scenic art execution and paint shop operations. They lead the scenic art team in the safe and successful realization of all scenic finishes, ensuring alignment with the designer’s intent, production schedule, and available resources.

The Charge Artist collaborates closely with the Technical Director and Scenery Leadership Team to develop and execute paint schedules, labor plans, and material strategies. They actively communicate across departments to ensure scenic treatments are integrated efficiently into the build and load-in process.

Responsibilities

• Scenic Art Execution, Planning, and Paint Shop Operations
• Lead scenic painters in the execution of all scenic treatments, textures, and finishes following industry best practices, with attention to safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Interpret design renderings, elevations, and finish samples to develop executable scenic art processes.
• Create and implement paint schedules in coordination with the Technical Director and Lead Carpenter to meet production milestones.
• Develop sample processes and mockups to support designer decisionmaking and budget alignment.
• Advise the Technical Director on labor, materials, and cost implications of scenic treatments during design and build phases.
• Oversee the preparation, finishing, and maintenance of scenic elements throughout build, tech, and run.
• Coordinate with other production departments to ensure proper sequencing and integration of scenic finishes.
• Maintain organization, cleanliness, and functionality of the paint shop and associated work areas.
• Manage procurement, inventory, and safe storage of paint materials and supplies.
• Monitor and ensure the safe use of all paintrelated facilities, tools, and materials.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Leadership
• Lead a crew of 1 to 6 painters, including fulltime and overhire staff.
• Collaborate with the Technical Director on labor estimates, staffing plans, and scheduling for scenic art.
• Work within the production schedule to ensure daily and weekly targets are achieved.
• Communicate regularly with the Scenery Leadership Team regarding project progress, risks, and resource needs.
• Supervise and train staff in scenic techniques, workflow, and safe work practices.
• Support and reinforce department standards for quality, efficiency, and safety.
• Contribute to daily safety briefings and communicate paintspecific considerations to the team.
  
  

INCLUSIVE AND SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Communicate in a professional and collegial manner when collaborating with all theatre personnel, professional creative teams, staff, management, and other visiting artists.
• Be an active participant in LJP’s work towards being a more equitable and inclusive workplace.
• Commitment to a culture of learning, community, inclusion, belonging, and respect among employees and visiting artists.
• Commitment to a culture of safety, both psychological and physical, ensuring a safe work environment.
• Maintain current knowledge of safety best practices and standards.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3 years of professional experience in theatrical scenic art (LORT or equivalent preferred).
• Demonstrated success in leadership, crew management, and production workflow planning.
• Advanced knowledge of scenic painting techniques, materials, color theory, and process development.
• Ability to read and interpret scenic design and construction drawings.
• Strong verbal communication, critical thinking, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fastpaced production environment.
• Knowledge of and dedication to safe work practices; OSHA 10 or 30 a plus.
• Familiarity with digital tools such as Photoshop, Excel, and productionrelated software.
• Commitment to uphold and engage with the mission and values of La Jolla Playhouse.
• Ability to reliably commute to the worksite.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequently ascends/descends and moves about on ladders, lifts, catwalks, and grids.
• Ability to work extended hours including nights and weekends during load in.
• Frequently moves items weighing up to 50lbs and maneuvers heavy items with assistance.
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Exposure to dust/fumes PPE provided.
• Environment varies from dark/quiet backstage to bright/loud on stage and shops, as well as outdoor locations.