Harrogate Theatres and Harrogate Theatre Scenic Services (HTSS)

Head of Scenic Art Job Description

Responsible to:Head of Production

Other key members of the department:

Workshop Manager,Freelance Designers, Freelance painters, metalworkers, carpenters & Part Time/Casual staff

Hours:40 hours per week, including some evening and weekend work.

Time off in lieu is issued for work above this allocation.

This is a permanent post with a 6 months probationary period and a two months’ notice period.

Salary: £29,000 to£32,000 per annum

Holidays: 20 days per annum (extra day after five years continual service and then one extra day for every year worked after that)

Harrogate Theatres is a mixed economy theatre that produces/co-produces its own work whilst also hosting the work of visiting professional touring companies, presenting a programme of diverse entertainment. The theatre is also home to a number of local amateur societies. There are two auditoria – a 500 seat main house and 65 seat studio theatre.

Following six years of continual audience growth Harrogate White Rose Theatre Trust Ltd (the operating company) is on the brink of a new phase of development. In partnership with Harrogate Borough Council it is exploring the cultural landscape of the District by accepting programming responsibilities for the 2,000 seat HIC and the 1,000 seat Royal Hall alongside the Theatre and Studio. The four spaces are referred to collectively as ‘Harrogate Theatres’.

Harrogate Theatres is also undergoing a new artistic transition as it focuses on partnership working, nurturing new talent for the future and working with a diverse range of touring companies.

Harrogate Theatre also has an active education department (HTe), which delivers workshops and other support to educational groups and also runs Harrogate Youth Theatre, which currently has in excess of 300 members, which are now based in the newly acquired Hive at 12a Oxford Street.

The Workshop leases two units in Starbeck, which is approximately 2 miles away from the theatre. HTSS is going through a growth period with a buoyant portfolio of clients from all over the UK, including Sheffield Theatres, English Touring Opera, English Touring Theatre, Live Theatre Newcastle to name but a few.

Harrogate Theatre is run by Harrogate (White Rose) Theatre Trust Ltd and is a registered charity.

The Role

The post is line-managed by the Head of Production at the Theatre, who will have an active involvement in the workshop business, both as a ‘hands on’ member of the team and in a business development role.

The Head of Scenic Art will be required to attend meetings when required with the CEO, Finance Manager and Head of Production. These meetings may be at the Theatre or the workshop.

The Head of Scenic Art will be directly responsible for:

  • Ensuring all projects having scenic art finishes applied meet the clients requirements and that the highest standards are produced in realising those requirements
  • Ensuring the appropriate workforce, casual, freelance or fulltime staff are available as required.
  • The management of all scenic artists, timekeeping, conduct, motivation, Health and Safety awareness and ability to work to required standards and time scales.

Health and Safety

The Theatre has an excellent H&S record. To maintain this standard, the Head of Scenic Art will be required to follow all procedures laid out in the staff handbook and H&S manual.

The Theatre has a contract with a firm of H&S advisors who have produced the H&S manual and are available to offer advice when required.

The Head of Scenic Art in conjunction with the Workshop Manager and the Head of Production will be responsible for maintaining the workshop equipment to the required standard and ensuring a safe workplace is kept at all times.

Project management

As Head of Scenic Art you will be responsible in ensuring that the highest qualityscenic finishes be applied to all workshop projects and should:

  • Attend meetings with clients when necessaryand advise on all aspects relating to the scenic finishes on all projects
  • Recruit additional scenic artists as required to realise project deadlines
  • Assist the Head of Production and Workshop Manager in the planning of work schedules
  • Assist in the ordering of all materials
  • Handle all paperwork connected with the project as required
  • Ensure that high standards are maintained in all aspects of the scenic finishes
  • Attend and supervise paint calls at clients’ premises as required

General workshop management and duties

It is the Head of Scenic Art’s responsibility to ensure:

  • Good standards of housekeeping and tidiness are kept at all times, including the cleanliness of the workshops welfare facilities
  • Tools and machinery relevant to producing scenic art are well maintained
  • Stocks of consumable items are monitored and replenished as required
  • PPE is kept up to date and replaced as necessary

You will also be expected to perform any reasonable duties required by the CEO or Board of Directors.

Head of Scenic Art Person Specification

Essential

  • A minimum of 3 years’ experience of scenic painting and finishing in a theatre workshop or similar environment.
  • Extensive knowledge and experience in the application of a wide range of scenic materials in producing textured and finished paint effects.
  • Extensive experience of working with designers in realising their artistic vision.
  • Extensive experience of working from and interpreting designs from model boxes, drawings and photographic references.
  • Experience of producing and purchasing materials lists.
  • Ability to lead a team of scenic painters.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure and to deadlines.
  • Willingness to work flexible hours and at weekends.
  • Willingness to travel to work at paint calls as requested by clients.
  • A clear understanding of the theatre production process.
  • Willingness to work alongside the construction team.
  • The ability to solve problems and be open minded to new and innovative ideas.
  • Full clean driving license
  • An interest in the performing arts

Desirable

Further to these essentials, a candidate is likely to have the following attributes:

  • Experience of working with a producing or touring theatre companies.
  • Experience of polycarving and producing 3D sculpted scenery
  • Basic knowledge of scenery construction.
  • Good IT skills and an ability to use Autocad.
  • First Aid certificate
  • Knowledge of Health and Safety policies and practices and experience of Health and Safety Management

Equal Opportunities Statement

Harrogate White Rose (Theatre) Trust Ltd is committed to promoting equality of opportunity in its employment practices. In particular, the Company aims to ensure that no potential or actual employee receives more or less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origins, marital or civil partner status, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability or religious beliefs.

Application Process

Further information is be available at

If you are interested in applying for the role please complete our standard application form, equal opportunities form and submit a CV,covering letter of application that addresses the bullet points in the person specification and examples of recent work. Return all documents to no later than 13.5.16

Shortlisting will take place week commencing 16.5.16

Interviews will take place week commencing 23.5.16

Ideally the successful candidate will start the role in June 2016.

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