Head of Scenic Art

Company Overview

As one of the world’s leading theatre companies and Niagara’s 20 largest employers, The Shaw is dedicated to an ongoing process of increasing diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs, and in all of our hiring for staff, artists, and in the recruiting of board members. The Shaw is committed to a future when our theatres joyously draw on and include all peoples, fully reflective of the world around us. As such, the Shaw Festival is an equal opportunity employer committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We encourage and invite applications from applicants who identify as Indigenous, Black or as persons of colour (IBPOC), the LGBTQ2+ communities and those identifying as gender fluid. In accordance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and in keeping with our wish to ensure a fully inclusive environment, please advise Human Resources if you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process. We will be happy to assist.
We acknowledge and honour the land upon which we gather as the historic and traditional territory of First Nations peoples. In particular we recognize and thank the Neutral Nation, the Mississauga and the Haudenosaunee for their stewardship of these lands over millennia.

Job Description

Position Title: Head of Scenic Art

Location: Shaw Festival

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Reports To: Production Director

Position Summary

The Shaw Festival is seeking an experienced and imaginative Head of Scenic Art to lead the creation of all painted and finished scenic elements across our repertory season.
This is a senior leadership role for a skilled artist and collaborator who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment. You will play a central role in bringing designers’ visions to life—translating renderings into bold, large-scale scenic environments that define the visual storytelling on our stages.
Working alongside Designers, Technical Directors, and Production leadership, you will guide a talented team of scenic artists while ensuring artistic excellence, operational efficiency, and a safe, supportive workplace.

Key Responsibilities

Artistic Leadership & Execution
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Interpret set designs, renderings, and elevations to determine appropriate materials, techniques, and workflows.
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Produce samples and mock-ups for designer approval and ensure alignment with artistic intent.
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Lead the execution of advanced scenic painting techniques, including faux finishes (e.g., marbling, woodgraining, glazing), aging and distressing, and large-scale pictorial work.
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Ensure all scenic elements meet the artistic standards of the Festival.
Departmental & Crew Management
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Supervise the Assistant Head, scenic artists, and seasonal crew.
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Determine appropriate staffing levels in consultation with the Production Director.
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Schedule and assign work to meet production deadlines.
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Mentor, train, and support the professional development of team members, fostering a collaborative, respectful, and high-performing work environment.
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Address personnel matters and resolve conflicts with professionalism and discretion.
Operations & Administration
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Prepare estimates and manage departmental budgets, including labour tracking and material estimates.
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Oversee scheduling, departmental meetings, and workflow planning.
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Coordinate closely with Technical Directors, Head of Scenic Construction, and other departments to ensure seamless integration of scenic elements.
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Support research and development of new techniques, materials, and processes that improve efficiency and artistic outcomes.
Safety & Work Environment
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Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient scenic art shop.
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Ensure compliance with OHSA, WHMIS, Working at Heights, and all company policies and procedures.
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Oversee inventory, equipment, and facility maintenance.
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Promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture.
Required Qualifications
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Minimum five (5) years of professional scenic art experience, including supervisory responsibility.
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Demonstrated expertise in scenic painting techniques, materials, and shop practices.
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Strong skills in drawing, colour mixing, and a wide range of finishes and textures.
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Proven ability to manage teams, schedules, and budgets in a production environment.
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Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills with attention to detail.
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Knowledge of health and safety practices including WHMIS, Working at Heights, and Elevated Work Platforms.
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Valid Ontario G-class driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications
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Post-secondary education in technical theatre and/or fine arts.
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First Aid certification.
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Experience working in a unionized environment.

Working Conditions & Schedule

This is a physically demanding role requiring lifting, working at heights, and handling large scenic elements and soft goods. Work may include the use of ladders, scaffolding, spray equipment, and elevated platforms.
The regular schedule is typically Monday to Friday daytime hours; however, evenings, weekends, and overtime may be required in accordance with production demands and the Collective Bargaining Agreement

Compensation

Hourly Rate: $40.42 plus benefits, in accordance with the 2026 IATSE Local 828 Collective Agreement.

This position is a full-time seasonal role running approximately 40 weeks, typically from September through June, with a guaranteed minimum of 40 hours per week while under contract.