Position Title: Scenic Painter / Properties Lead (Full-Time OPS, 12-Month Appointment)
Department: Theatre and Dance / Theatre LAB at FAU
Reports To: Chair, FAU Department of Theatre and Dance

 

Position summary

The Scenic Painter / Properties Lead is a full-time OPS staff position responsible for the planning, execution, and supervision of all scenic painting and properties work for Theatre LAB and the FAU Department of Theatre and Dance. This role collaborates closely with the Technical Director, Associate Technical Director, and design teams to realize the visual world of each production, ensuring that painted scenery and properties meet artistic, functional, and safety standards. The position supports both professional and academic productions, contributing to a learning-centered environment for students.

 

Primary responsibilities

  • Interpret scenic and properties design renderings, research images, and drafting to develop detailed paint treatments, samples, and execution plans for all productions.
  • Lead the layout, sculpting, texturing, and painting of scenery, drops, floors, and scenic elements using a range of traditional and contemporary techniques.
  • Oversee the acquisition, fabrication, modification, and maintenance of hand props, set dressing, and furniture in collaboration with designers and directors.
  • Supervise and train student workers, assistants, and interns in scenic painting, props construction, and safe shop practices.
  • Manage properties and paint inventories, including organization, storage, and periodic assessment of stock for reuse, repair, or deaccession.
  • Coordinate schedules and workflows with the Technical Director and Associate Technical Director to align paint and props work with overall build, load-in, and tech timelines.
  • Ensure compliance with safety procedures in the use of paints, solvents, adhesives, coatings, and shop tools, including appropriate PPE and ventilation practices.
  • Attend production meetings, design run-throughs, and technical rehearsals as needed to adjust, refine, or troubleshoot scenic and properties elements.
  • Support Theatre LAB and departmental special events, outreach, and ancillary projects that require scenic or properties support.
     

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, Scenic Art, Properties Design/Management, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in scenic painting for theatre, including surface preparation, color mixing, aging/distressing, faux finishes, and large-scale layout.
  • Experience in properties acquisition and fabrication, including basic carpentry, crafting, soft goods, and furniture modification.
  • Strong knowledge of shop safety practices and safe handling of paints, chemicals, and tools.
  • Ability to read and interpret design drawings, paint elevations, and prop lists, and to collaborate effectively with designers and directors.
  • Excellent organizational, time-management, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects on overlapping timelines.
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet production deadlines.
  • Preferred: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Scenic Art, Properties Design/Management, or a closely related field; experience in a professional or academic theatre environment; and familiarity with digital tools for paint elevation creation, props research, and documentation.
     

Teaching opportunities

Qualified candidates may be considered for part-time teaching or workshop assignments in scenic art, properties, or related areas within the Department of Theatre and Dance, subject to departmental needs and credentials. Such instructional duties would be compensated separately from this position and are not guaranteed as part of the full-time OPS appointment.

 

Compensation and appointment

This is a full-time OPS staff position (12 months), renewable annually based on performance and funding. The anticipated starting salary range for this position is $48,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.  Health benefits are available. Position is anticipated to work 9am to 5pm weekdays, with occasional nights and weekends to support technical rehearsals.

 

To Apply:

Submit cover letter, resume, representative portfolio example, and two reference contacts to:

                Thomas Shorrock
                Chair, Department of Theatre and Dance
                Florida Atlantic University
                shorrock@fau.edu

 

Application is open until filled. Anticipated start date is immediate.