Director of Scenic Art at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 525990

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Theater

Union: PSU

Categories: Theater/Performing Arts, Fine Arts Center

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Director of Scenic Art provides leadership and support in all aspects of scenic making including planning, technical design, creation and maintenance, as well as storage of scenic elements and stage properties for the Department of Theater's main stage production season and related events. Specific responsibilities will focus on all prop-making and the finishes of all scenery and properties. The Director of Scenic Art will also serve as a trainer and mentor to undergraduate and graduate scenic students, designers, and technicians.

Essential Functions

• Works in close coordination with the Technical Director and Scenic Construction Director on all aspects of scenic and property fabrication.


• Leads artisan on scenic finishing work, scenic detail, scenic painting, shop-created properties, scenic special effects.


• Assists in touch-up work once the scenic elements are on stage.


• Participates in project planning and scheduling, and meets deadlines set by Technical Director and production calendar.


• Maintains accurate lists of all supplies and materials needed for each project.


• Presents cost estimates and quotes to Technical Director for appropriate items.


• Assists in training the undergraduate and graduate students in scenic labs and classes.


• Attends production load-in, load-out, technical rehearsals and note sessions as requested by the Technical Director.


• Trains and mentors student scenic and properties crews in the fabrication and installation of scenic art.


• Participates in the creation of scenic automation equipment.


• Assists in scenic rigging installation in coordination with the Scenic Construction Director and Technical Director.


• Responsible for maintenance and inventory of prop and scenic art elements.


• Assists in maintaining all elements in warehouse storage.


• Safely operates campus vehicles to transport materials or personnel.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's Degree and at least 4 years of related work experience in scenic fabrication, theater technology, and mentoring within a shop or lab environment at a secondary or post-secondary educational institution.


• Skilled in fabricating unique designs using diverse materials, including wood, metal, plastics, fabrics, and both traditional and innovative materials.


• Proficiency in advanced scenic automation equipment, rigging installations, and precision finishing techniques.


• Ability to create, read, and interpret technical drawings, renderings, models, and research materials for accurate execution.


• Demonstrated artistic creativity and imagination.


• Proven experience managing multiple projects, building schedules, and meeting deadlines.


• Knowledge and application of project management tools and techniques.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a production team while modeling professional practices and maintaining a safe production environment.


• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with attention to detail.


• Demonstrated work ethic and commitment to high-quality results.


• Valid driver's license required.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Advanced professional skills in Scenic Art, including but not limited to: scenic painting including trompe l'oeil, marbling, and similar techniques; sculpture; creating with found items; sustainable practices; 3D modeling; mask design and creation; scenic design; fine woodworking; metal fabrication; molding, casting.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Ability to move heavy equipment and scenic elements


• Ability to carry five-gallon bucket of paint


• Ability to climb ladders and work from heights


• Ability to work on uneven surfaces and stand for 4-6 hours at a time


• Ability to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends and some holidays

Work Schedule

Varies - 37.5 hours per week

Salary Information

PSU Level 26

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Upload your cover letter and resume, along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This position will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first. Early submissions are recommended.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Jan 7 2025 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: Apr 13 2025 Eastern Daylight Time