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Contract Scenic Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Design Manager

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$95K - $102K/yr

... scenic designers). * Translate creative briefs into actionable design strategies, ensuring ... Contract Type: Full-time FTC contract Location : Birmingham Ideal start date: 15 August 2026 ...

PULSE STUDIO, LLC

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Mid-Level Scenic & Event Designer 2026

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Mid-Level Scenic & Event Designer (2 - 5+ Years of Experience) Pulse Studio LLC is a design ... Position Type - Contract to start (Hourly) / After 3 months Full Time is possible (Salary) Our ...

PULSE STUDIO, LLC

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Entry Level Scenic & Event Designer / Production Artist 2026

Lisle, IL · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Entry-Level Scenic & Event Designer Pulse Studio LLC is a design previsualization firm based in ... Position Type - Contract to start (Hourly) / After 3 months Full Time is possible (Salary) Our ...

Ideum

Exhibit Designer

Corrales, NM · On-site

The role is focused on the design, integration, and coordination of exhibits and other scenic ... for contracts or to create fabrication or installation drawings * Interface with Ideum clients ...

Jackson Therapy Partners

COTA - Travel Contract

Waldron, AR · On-site

$24.75 - $33/hr

Benefits Designed for Travelers We deeply value your commitment to impacting others, that's why we ... Travelers can also explore the nearby Poteau Mountain area and Talimena Scenic Drive region, both ...

Jackson Therapy

COTA - Travel Contract

Denison, IA

$26.75 - $35.50/hr

Nearby, Preparation Canyon State Park and the Loess Hills Scenic Byway offer hiking opportunities ... designed specifically for therapy professionals. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We are an ...

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How much do contract scenic designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract scenic designer in the United States is $58,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract scenic designer?

Contract scenic designers are professionals who are hired on a project-by-project basis to create and oversee the visual environments for theatrical productions, television shows, films, or events. Their responsibilities typically include designing sets, selecting materials, collaborating with directors and other designers, and ensuring the set aligns with the overall artistic vision. Unlike full-time staff, contract scenic designers work as freelancers or independent contractors, often juggling multiple projects with different clients. Their expertise is crucial for bringing stories to life through engaging and functional stage or screen settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract scenic designer?

To thrive as a Contract Scenic Designer, you need strong artistic ability, spatial awareness, and a background in theater design or a related field, often demonstrated through a portfolio and relevant degree. Mastery of design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, along with knowledge of stage construction techniques, is essential. Creativity, collaboration, and effective communication distinguish standout designers in this role. These skills ensure visually compelling, practical, and safe scenic environments that meet both artistic visions and production requirements.

How does a contract scenic designer typically collaborate with directors and other production team members during a show’s development?

As a contract scenic designer, you’ll work closely with directors to understand their vision and translate it into tangible set designs. Collaboration often involves attending production meetings, sharing drafts and models, and integrating feedback from lighting, costume, and technical directors to ensure all elements work harmoniously. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as adjustments to designs may be required throughout the rehearsal process. Your role is central in bringing the visual environment of a production to life while balancing creative goals with budgetary and logistical constraints.

What cities are hiring for Contract Scenic Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Scenic Designer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Scenic Designer jobs?

The most popular types of Scenic Designer jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Scenic Designer jobs?

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Contract Scenic Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Scenic Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 81% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,549 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Faculty, Theater - Scenic Design, Production Management, Technical Direction (NWSA)

Miami, FL • On-site

Miami Dade College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

365th of 627 rated colleges and universities

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Recommended by students

Learn more about Miami Dade Collegeexternal

$53K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Family FAC - Faculty Grade N/A Salary $53,274 - $65,370 (Based on Education and Experience) Department Theater, New World School of the Arts Reports To Dean of Theater Closing Date Open Until Filled FLSA Status Exempt - Not Eligible for Overtime Compensation First Review Date September 02, 2026
Position Overview
This faculty teaches theater courses in a professionally-focused curriculum for NWSA High School and Bachelor of Fine Arts college degree programs, teaching stagecraft, stage management, designing scenery and serving as production manager and technical director for five (5) Mainstage productions, constructing scenery and supervising college and high school construction and production crews. This is a full-time Faculty (FAC) position for which an annual contract reflecting the base salary within the fiscal year (July 1st to June 30th) will be issued after ratification by Miami Dade College's District Board of Trustees.
What you will be doing
  • Teach courses in stagecraft and stage management at the high school and college level.
  • Design scenery, purchase necessary materials, and plan and execute construction and installation schedule in consultation with the dean and show director(s) for each of the five (5) mainstage shows and/or other productions. Execute and deliver assigned designs and deliverables on schedule.
  • Schedule and lead production meetings. Work with the dean, show director, and designers to create, manage, and maintain production schedules, budgeted and actual costs, with respect to scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, and properties.
  • Maintain the theater, shop, studios, and stage spaces, equipment and tools. Maintain inventory of all equipment, props, and stage furniture in conjunction with the dean and design faculty.
  • Oversee and promote safety in all activities, including safety with respect to students, faculty and staff, audiences and patrons and physical plant equipment.
  • Create and maintain production calendar for all theater division performances in consultation with the dean. Serve as production manager for additional school events as needed including Rising Stars.
  • Assign and supervise student crews in the construction, setup, rehearsal period, and performance run of all mainstage shows and participate in their evaluation.
  • Supervise contracted designers, assistant designers, technicians, and charge artists.
  • Participate in department meetings and all other department, division, campus and college committees as assigned.
  • Advise and recruit perspective students.
  • Evaluate student juries, performances, and attend student conferences as requested.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
What you need to succeed
  • Master's degree in Theatre or Drama; or Master's degree and 18 graduate semester hours in Theatre or Drama.
  • Three years minimum teaching experience in a college and or university setting
  • Professional theater experience as a scenic designer, production manager, and technical director
  • Flexibility to work a flexible schedule to accommodate rehearsals, performances, juries, auditions, including production load-in, build and strike and other departmental and school activities
  • Ability to work in a multi-ethnic and multicultural environment with students, faculty and staff
  • Doctoral stipend is awarded in addition to base salary, as applicable
  • Anticipated start date at beginning of Spring Semester 2027.
Preferences
  • Masters of Fine Arts in Theater preferred
  • Preference will be given to applicants with College level teaching experience
  • Demonstrated effective use of active learning techniques
Additional Requirements
The final candidate is to successfully complete a background screening and reference check process.
EQUAL ACCESS/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Miami Dade College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution which does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran's status, ethnicity, pregnancy, sexual orientation or genetic information.
To obtain more information about the College's equal access and equal opportunity policies, procedures and practices, please contact the College's Civil Rights Compliance Officer: Cindy Lau Evans, Director, Equal Opportunity Programs/ ADA Coordinator/ Title IX Coordinator, at (305) 237-2577 (Voice) or 711 (Relay Service). 11011 SW 104 St., Room 1102-01; Miami, FL 33176. CRCTitleIXADA@mdc.edu

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