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Assistant Scenic Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apply and refine textures, details, and surface treatments to achieve artistic accuracy and realism ... finishing. * Assist in or lead the daily coordination of sculpting activities, depending on ...

... artistic impact of financial resources by evaluating designs and creating material and labor estimates. * Assist scenic designers through entire process, from initial drawings, through the tech and ...

... artistic impact of financial resources by evaluating designs and creating material and labor estimates. * Assist scenic designers through entire process, from initial drawings, through the tech and ...

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Assistant Scenic Artist information

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$10

$67

$125

How much do assistant scenic artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant scenic artist in the United States is $67.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $92.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant scenic artist?

Assistant Scenic Artists are professionals who support the design and creation of scenery for theater, film, television, or live events. They work under the guidance of lead scenic artists or set designers to paint, texture, and finish sets and backdrops according to artistic specifications. Their duties often include mixing paints, applying special finishes, replicating textures, and helping with set installation. Assistant Scenic Artists play a crucial role in bringing the visual elements of a production to life, ensuring that sets look realistic and match the intended design.

How does an assistant scenic artist typically collaborate with other members of the production team during a project?

Assistant Scenic Artists work closely with scenic designers, lead scenic artists, and carpenters to bring set designs to life. They frequently attend production meetings to understand design intent and coordinate their work with construction schedules. On a daily basis, they communicate with other departments to ensure paint, textures, and finishes align with lighting and stage requirements. This collaborative environment often requires flexibility, quick problem-solving, and the ability to interpret detailed design drawings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant scenic artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Scenic Artist, you need strong artistic abilities, knowledge of painting techniques, and a background in fine arts or theatrical design. Familiarity with scenic painting tools, color mixing, and industry-standard materials is essential, and experience with CAD or Photoshop can be beneficial. Attention to detail, adaptability, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating on creative projects. These competencies ensure that scenic elements are produced accurately, efficiently, and to the director's artistic vision, contributing to the overall success of stage or screen productions.

What is the difference between Assistant Scenic Artist vs Scenic Artist?

AspectAssistant Scenic ArtistScenic Artist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship or on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; specialized training or apprenticeship in scenic painting
Work EnvironmentAssist in painting and preparing scenery under supervision, often on film, theater, or TV setsLead or independent painter responsible for creating detailed scenic backgrounds and finishes
ResponsibilitiesSupport scenic artists, prep materials, and perform basic painting tasksDesign, execute, and oversee scenic painting projects, ensuring quality and accuracy

The Assistant Scenic Artist typically supports scenic artists by performing preparatory and basic painting tasks, while the Scenic Artist takes on more complex, creative, and supervisory roles in scenic painting projects. Both roles are essential in the scenic construction process within the entertainment industry.

More about Assistant Scenic Artist jobs

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Infographic showing various Assistant Scenic Artist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,766 per year, or $67.7 per hour.

On-Call, Scenic Charge Artist

Santa Clara, CA โ€ข On-site

Santa Clara University
Education Programs Administrationย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$33.94 - $40.72/hr

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Title:On-Call, Scenic Charge ArtistPosition Type:Fixed Term (Fixed Term)Hiring Range:

$33.94 - $40.72 per hour; Compensation will be based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.

Pay Frequency:HourlyA. POSITION PURPOSE

The Scenic Charge Artist assists in the execution of set and prop designs for departmental productions. Working closely with the Set Designer, Technical Director, and student painters, this position helps maintain an organized and productive shop environment while supporting student learning and the production process.

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Scenic Painting

  • Support the execution of scenery for department productions.

  • Collaborate with Set Designer to determine best approaches to each project.

  • Lead scenic art projects - Will be the on-site lead in the paint shop when the Set Designer is not present.

  • Work hands-on in the paint shop, guiding students in different scenic art techniques, through the technical processes of scenic and prop artistry for all painted and sculptural elements of theatrical scenery.

  • Paint responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

    • Mixing paint to achieve desired color

    • Producing test samples

    • Using multiple techniques to achieve a variety of textures and finishes

    • Creating a purchase list for supplies

  • Help to maintain an organized paint shop.

  • Communicate with Technical Director and Set Designer for coordination of shop timing and organization.

2. Prop Construction

  • Support the execution of props for department productions.

  • May include working with paint, foam, clay, fabric, and/or other scenic art materials.

3. Training Student Crew

  • Work with the Scenic Designer to assist in teaching scenic painting skills to student work crews.

  • Supervise student work crews to ensure safety while maintaining a positive and collaborative environment.

4. Other duties as assigned.

C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION

Provides direction and guidance to student work crews in the paint shop.

D. QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.

1. Knowledge

  • Advanced painting skills: paint color matching, common paint techniques (wood grain, brick, marble, lettering, etc.), surface textures.

  • Working with a variety of paint applications - different styles of brushes, sponges, sprayers, etc.

  • Other scenic art skills including working with fabric, foam, clay, and other materials.

  • An understanding of the work flow in both professional and education scenic shops.

  • An understanding of and appreciation for teaching theatre within a liberal arts context desired.

2. Skills

  • Time management.

  • Clear communication with both professionals and students.

  • Intermediate proficiency in scenic painting and prop construction.

  • Ability to paint from a provided paint elevation or reference image.

  • Strong organizational and collaborative skills.

3. Abilities

  • Excellent communication skills.

  • Ability to supervise and maintain a paint shop.

  • Ability to work independently when necessary.

4. Education

  • Bachelor's degree in theatre, preferred.

5. Experience

  • 4 years scenic charge artist experience and experience working with students/novice painters, required.

E. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

  • Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

  • Must be able to climb stairs and ladders.

  • Can perform typical duties of a painter and/or craftsperson.

F. WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Scene shop for Louis B. Mayer Theatre and Fess Parker Studio Theatre on Santa Clara University Campus. All work is presented in-person.

  • Paint area is in a shared shop with carpentry crew. Noise from saws, drills, etc. Safety glasses (provided) are to be worn at all times. Hearing protection is also available.

  • Schedule typically Monday-Thursday from 1-5pm with an occasional Friday or Weekend.


Telecommute

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decision making, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University's equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website athttps://www.scu.edu/title-ix/.

Clery Notice of Availability

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Serviceswebsite. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team athraccommodations@scu.eduor by phone at (408)554-4392. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact hrservicedesk@scu.edu.