Production Apprentice, Scenic Paints

Description:   

The apprentice will work on all productions under the supervision of the charge artist and assistant charge artist. They will expand on their painting techniques and sample processes, and build a portfolio of hard scenery, textures, soft goods, faux finishes, and other scenic techniques. A great fit for this role is someone with previous scenic art experience, who works well with a team, takes direction well, and is a creative problem solver. 

We are a team of creatives that work together to execute unique paint finishes for the Drama, Opera, and Dance division productions at Juilliard. This position provides mentoring from an experienced charge artist, further honing of skills, and portfolio development. 

This role reports to the charge artist and assistant charge artist. This role is expected to work Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm, with weekend calls when requested. Please note that this is a full-time position.  

The salary is $18.50 per hour for 40 weeks, or a contracted amount of $29,600.00 for the school year. 

 

About the Professional Apprentice Program: This program provides immersive training for emerging performing arts technicians and administrators, addressing the need for practical training in the field. For over four decades, it has prepared recent graduates, early-career professionals, and individuals undergoing career transitions for employment in the cultural sector. This is achieved through hands-on experience, professional development, and networking and mentorship opportunities.  

Details can be found on the Juilliard Website's Professional Apprentice Program Page. 

 

Working at Juilliard: 

Founded in 1905, The Juilliard School is a world leader in performing arts education. The school’s mission is to provide the highest caliber of artistic education for gifted musicians, dancers, and actors from around the world so that they may achieve their fullest potential as artists, leaders, and global citizens. 

Excellence and professionalism are important guides in how we go about our work, but we also connect to the mission as individuals in the workplace. We thrive because of our variety of backgrounds and our ability to be open and honest, and we also thrive because we enjoy each other’s company. We believe that each employee has the responsibility to help shape the Juilliard organizational culture, and we provide opportunities to participate in team-building throughout the year. Our organizational values focus on excellence, creative enterprise, and equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. 

We encourage you to read more about how we achieve our mission on our website, juilliard.edu.  

 

Role Responsibilities:  

• Assimilate and execute scenic work skills taught on the job. 

• Paint scenery according to demonstrated techniques. 

• Learn and utilize techniques for back painting and fire-retarding scenery. 

• Help move, arrange, set up scenery, and assist in the preparation of surfaces for painting. 

• Instruct other shop employees on the proper application of scenic techniques. 

• Touch up scenery after load-in. 

• Assist in maintenance of the Paint Shop and mixing area . 

• Touch up all theater spaces as needed. 

• Assist with props, work with staff carpenters, assist with costume crafts projects as requested 

 

Minimum Requirements:  

• Passion for and basic knowledge of the intended craft.  

• Bachelor’s Degree, or related professional experience and transferable skills, or a combination of both.  

• Prior experience working in theater, especially scene painting, the ability to use a scale rule, and read design drawings, as well as portfolio with examples of drawing and painting ability. 

• Able to move around frequently for most of the day and carry a 5-gallon bucket of paint. 

• Available to work onsite Monday through Friday, with the occasional weekend call if the production calls for it. 

 

Preferred Background: 

• Experience painting in professional settings, such as scene shops, film projects, or theater (this includes summer stock). 

• A degree in theater or fine arts is welcome. 

• Prior non-theater work history, including but not limited to house painting, construction, service jobs, and teaching; can complement a fine art portfolio if accompanied by recent applicable experience in painting for theater on your resume, and references supporting a scenic art track. 

 

Benefits: 

• All Juilliard performances are free to Juilliard employees 

• Discounts on day-of tickets to partner organizations at the Lincoln Center campus.  

• Tuition-free Extension classes. Feel free to browse available courses here. 

• Generous paid time off, including personal leave, sick leave, and scheduled school holidays. 

• A culture of excellence, best practice, and employee engagement with like-minded colleagues. 

• Apprentices will be provided with a desk each and access to a locker to store belongings during the work day. 

 

Nondiscrimination Policy: 

The Juilliard School is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its relations with its faculty, staff, students, and other members of the Juilliard community, and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin, alienage, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, physical or mental disability, medical condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, partnership status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable local, state, or federal law. This nondiscrimination policy covers, but is not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, benefits, rates of pay and other forms of compensation as well as student admission, access, and treatment in school programs and activities.