Temporary Overhire Scenic Artist

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang college of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

POSITION/ROLE OVERVIEW

The College of Performing Arts at The New School is seeking a highly qualified Overhire Scenic Artist to join its Performance Operations – Scenic Department Staff. The Scenic Department is responsible for the creation, alteration, and sourcing of all scenery for productions in the Mannes School of Music, School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, and School of Drama. The Overhire Scenic Artist is delegated as needed to work on completion and finishing of scenic builds.

The Overhire Scenic Artist is a qualified and organized collaborator who can follow instructions, work independently, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly team-oriented environment. The Overhire Scenic Artist reports to the Production Shops Manager.  

This is an overhire position without regular or guaranteed weekly hours. Opportunities for work will be scheduled on an as-needed basis by the Scenic department. This position may be renewed pending institutional need and availability of funding.

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a painter to assist the Scenic Charge Artist complete tasks as needed. 

• Carry out duties assigned by Scenic Charge or Production Shops Manager.

• Maintain a clean paint area in the prop shop and clean up at end of day

• Work alongside carpenters for space management and build completion

• Apply painting techniques to scenery 

• Ensure proper fire retardancy is being added to paint and scenery as needed/described by the Production shops manager 

• Additional duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with theatrical painting techniques

• Comfortability working alone and asking questions for clarification

• Ability to read a scale rule

• Experience working as a theatrical scenic painter

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement.

Some weekends and weeknights may be scheduled as needed and defined by the production tech schedules.

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Hourly Rate: $30.00/hour

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Applicants should submit a resume outlining their skills and experience concerning this position, and an artistic portfolio or website of samples.