JOB DESCRIPTION

Role/Title:Scenic Art Apprentice

Reports to:Apprenticeships Manager

Line managedby (daily basis): Head of Scenic Art/Assigned Scenic Artist

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What is a Scenic Artist?

Within the performing arts a Scenic Artistworks with set designers, and is responsible for translating their vision into reality. Scenic Artists are highly trained and possess many skills including traditional fine arts skills of sketching, rendering, and painting. They are well versed in techniques such as marbling, ragging, wood graining and texturing, and have a good understanding of art history, period styles, motifs and architecture.

Purpose of the Apprenticeship

The Scenic Art Apprenticeship is an opportunity to learn and understand the role of a Scenic Artist within the performing arts industry.

About the Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House ( is one of the most famous stages in the world for opera and ballet. The iconic theatre is home to The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, with more than 290 performances given in the main auditorium each year. More than 1000 staff work at the Royal Opera House in areas ranging from lighting, costume making, set building and scenic art, marketing, finance, box office, IT and fundraising.

What is involved?

The apprentice will be based at the Royal Opera House’spurpose-built production workshop on the High House Production Park in Purfleet, Essex. The Scenic Art team at the workshop is responsible for painting, repairing and modifying scenery for The Royal Opera, The Royal Balletand Birmingham Royal Ballet productions.

The apprentice will spend the majority of their time in the workshop under the guidance of members of the Scenic Art team. They will also have the opportunity to undertake short courses at the workshop or at other locations to develop their skills.

  • The apprentice will be supported by a mentor who will be assigned to them from the beginning of their training.
  • During the second year of the apprenticeship, there will be the opportunity to spend time in the scenic workshop of another venue or a commercial scenic art studio.
  • Work is usually carried out at the Royal Opera House workshops in Purfleet but may be required at other designated venues and at Covent Garden.
  • The working week is 40 hours.

What will you do during the Apprenticeship?

  • Assist in the realisation of all painted scenery requirements using a wide range of techniques, materials and finishes as appropriate with the level of training undergone.
  • Apply and put into practice in the workshop environment, all skills gained in training.
  • Gain familiarity with, and continually update knowledge, of any new and improved painting techniques, materials or working practices.
  • Understand basic health and safety requirements.
  • Maintain a clean and orderly working environment.
  • Participate in training as necessary and appropriate.
  • Attend regular meetings with line managers and the Apprenticeships Manager to review progress.
  • Maintain a learning log book and submit regular written progress reports to the ApprenticeshipsManager.
  • Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Head of Scenic Art or Apprenticeships Manager.

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Minimum essential requirements

  • You must be 18 years old or over on the 1st September 2015.
  • You must have work authorization for the UK.
  • You must be able to demonstrate strong drawing skills.
  • You must be able to demonstrate an interest in developing a career as a theatrical scenic artist.

What are we looking for in a Scenic Art Apprentice?

  • A demonstrable interest in theatre
  • Ability to work well within a team
  • Good communication skills
  • Good practical and problem solving abilities
  • Ability to work on own initiative and under supervision
  • A helpful, positive and flexible approach
  • Be punctual and good at managing your own workload
  • Be self motivated to acquire new skills and knowledge
  • Be physically capable of undertaking the requirements of the job

Note: This Job Description reflects the current situation. It does not preclude change or development that might be required in the future.

JD Scenic Artist _April2015

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