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Lead Scenic Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arena Stage

Scenic Artist

Washington, DC · On-site

$23 - $24.75/hr

Lead effective partnerships and collaboration to serve artists and arts professionals. WHAT YOU'LL DOThe Scenic Artist acts as the primary scenic artist for all Arena Stage productions and events.

Arena Stage

Scenic Artist

Washington, DC · On-site

$23 - $24.75/hr

Lead effective partnerships and collaboration to serve artists and arts professionals. WHAT YOU'LL DO The Scenic Artist acts as the primary scenic artist for all Arena Stage productions and events.

Bednark Studio Inc.

Finisher

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$32 - $36/hr

As a Finisher at Bednark Studio, you will be a member of a highly-collaborative team of artists ... Apply faux finishing techniques according to the direction of the Lead Scenic/Finisher or Finishing ...

Mills James Inc

Scenic Foreman

Hilliard, OH · On-site

$26 - $32.50/hr

Leadership skills to guide a team of carpenters, painters, and artists through the production ... Lead the construction of scenic elements while coordinating with Scenic Team, Freelance labor ...

Skillforce

Scenic Sculptor Fabricator

Orlando, FL · Remote

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

Zach Theater

Technical Director (Theater)

Austin, TX

$67K - $80K/yr

... Lead Scenic Charge * Supervises the execution of technical and construction drawings by the ... Works with Development, Director of Production, and the Artistic Director in the scheduling ...

Zach Theater

Technical Director (Theater)

Austin, TX · On-site

$67K - $80K/yr

... Lead Scenic Charge * Supervises the execution of technical and construction drawings by the ... Works with Development, Director of Production, and the Artistic Director in the scheduling ...

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How much do lead scenic artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead scenic artist in the United States is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead scenic artist?

To thrive as a Lead Scenic Artist, you need a strong background in fine arts, color theory, and scenic painting techniques, often supported by a degree in art or theater and substantial experience in set design. Mastery of specialized tools and materials such as airbrushes, faux finishing techniques, and digital design software is commonly required. Excellent leadership, collaboration, and time management skills help in coordinating teams and executing creative visions under tight deadlines. These skills ensure the seamless creation of visually compelling sets that bring productions to life and meet the director's artistic intent.

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

AspectLead Scenic ArtistScenic Artist
CredentialsRelevant art or design certifications, experience in scenic paintingSimilar credentials, often entry-level or mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLeads team on large productions, manages project timelinesPerforms painting and finishing work under supervision
Industry UsageUsed in theater, film, TV, and live events for leadership rolesCommonly employed in scenic painting and finishing tasks

The Lead Scenic Artist typically oversees the scenic painting team, manages project schedules, and ensures quality standards. Scenic Artists focus on executing painting and finishing tasks. The Lead Scenic Artist has more leadership responsibilities, while Scenic Artists concentrate on hands-on work. Both roles require artistic skills and industry experience, but the Lead Scenic Artist holds a supervisory position within the scenic construction process.

What is a lead scenic artist?

A lead scenic artist is responsible for designing, painting, and finishing backdrops, scenery, and props for theatrical, film, or television productions. They oversee a team of artists, ensure the work meets artistic and technical standards, and often use tools like airbrushes and paints. Strong artistic skills, knowledge of materials, and leadership abilities are essential for this role.

What are some common challenges lead scenic artists face when managing large-scale productions?

Lead Scenic Artists often encounter challenges such as coordinating a team of painters and craftspeople under tight deadlines, ensuring consistent quality across expansive sets, and adapting designs to last-minute changes from directors or designers. Balancing creativity with practical constraints—like budget limits and material availability—is a frequent part of the job. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as the Lead Scenic Artist regularly collaborates with set designers, technical directors, and production managers to bring the artistic vision to life while meeting production schedules.

What does a Lead Scenic Artist do?

A Lead Scenic Artist is responsible for designing, painting, and finishing scenery for theatrical, film, or television productions. They oversee a team of artists, ensure that the scenery aligns with the director's vision, and use tools like airbrushes and paints to create realistic or stylized backdrops. Strong artistic skills, knowledge of materials, and leadership abilities are essential for this role.

How do I become a lead scenic artist?

To become a lead scenic artist, one typically gains several years of experience as a scenic artist or painter, developing skills in painting techniques, color theory, and set design. Advancement often requires demonstrating leadership abilities, a strong portfolio, and knowledge of tools like airbrushes and paints; some positions may also require relevant certifications or training in stagecraft or fine arts.
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Lead Scenic Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Scenic Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,524 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Scenic Artist

Arena Stage

Washington, DC • On-site

$23 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

WHO WE AREArena Stage is the voice of American theater resident in our nation's capital. Focused on American artists, our productions are innovative and representative of stories from across the country. We nurture new plays and reimagine classics. We celebrate our democracy and diversity through a multitude of voices in our productions and community engagement programs to inspire people to action. WHAT WE VALUEA work culture that values experimentation and collaboration.Excellence in all aspects of our endeavor.Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion throughout the Organization and within our audience and the community.Community Service through education and public engagement.Lead effective partnerships and collaboration to serve artists and arts professionals. WHAT YOU'LL DOThe Scenic Artist acts as the primary scenic artist for all Arena Stage productions and events. MINIMUM/CORE REQUIREMENTS: 2-4 years experience scenic art, mural work, fine art, theatrical scenery, related artistic fields or educational equivalent1 year experience in a leadership roleSKILLS REQUIRED: Experience in faux finishing (wood grain, marble, stone, etc.), textures, foam carving/sculpting, drawing, drop layout work, color matching and mixing, aging & distressing techniquesAbility to use HVLP, airless, airbrush, and pump sprayers.Knowledge of current safety standards, MSDS's and OSHA practicesAbility to work quickly and efficiently while maintaining qualityAttention to detail in all aspectsAbility to read draftings and renderings/elevationsAbility to adapt to frequently changing circumstances, work collaboratively with other employees and guest artists, and maintain a positive attitude in challenging situationsKEY FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:Execute scenic treatments on all scenery pieces and specialty prop pieces, as directed by the Scenic Charge ArtistIn conjunction with the Scenic Charge Artist, lead a team of over hire scenic artists in the execution of scenic treatmentsIn conjunction with the Scenic Charge Artist, maintain paint shop tools, inventories, and cleanlinessIn conjunction with the Scenic Charge Artist, maintain all three theatre spaces for internal and external eventsCreate touch up kits for Production Carpenters to maintain the finish of each show throughout the runMay be required to work late nights and holidays depending on show needsPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Ability to climb and work from lifts/ladders with or without reasonable accommodationFrequently required to use repetitive hand motions and to reach and bendAbility to stand for 8-10 hours per dayCapable of wearing a respirator The Washington Drama Society, Inc., Arena Stage does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Human Resources at hr@arenastage.org.Offers of employment at Arena Stage are contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check and/or professional reference check as allowed by employment law in the District of Columbia. 
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