We have an exciting opportunity for an Apprentice Scenic Artist to join the National Theatre Workshops Team on a 24 Month Fixed Term Contract.
PLEASE NOTE: Please do not use the apply button on this webpage. To apply, please follow the attached link: https://creativealliance.org.uk/opportunities/apprentice-scenic-artist/
What is a Scenic Artist?
In a theatre, a scenic artist works with set designers and is responsible for translating their vision into reality that can go onto the stage. This requires practical craft skills and imagination and problem solving. Scenic artists have many skills including drawing, sculpting and painting in both 2D and 3D. They are experienced in painting techniques such as marbling, sign writing, wood graining, and working with 3D carving and texturing. They have a good understanding of art history, period and contemporary styles. Scenic artists must adhere to safe working practices and consider sustainability.
What is the National Theatre?
Based on the South Bank in Waterloo, London, the National Theatre (NT), has three theatres, a bookshop, cafes and bars which are all open to the public. Behind the scenes, there are workshops where we make sets, props and costumes for the shows, spaces for actors to rehearse and offices for all the administration staff. The National Theatre Apprenticeship Programme has recently been awarded the Princess Royal Training Award for outstanding training and skills development.
Our Purpose
The National Theatre (NT) makes theatre that entertains and inspires using its creativity, expertise and unique reach. We share unforgettable stories with millions of audience members across the UK and around the world – on our own stages, on tour, in schools, on cinema screens and streaming at home. World-leading artists make their best work at the NT with the widest possible audience and impact. A registered charity with deeply-embedded social purpose, the NT works with hundreds of schools and communities across the UK to spark imagination and inspire creativity, and to develop skills and pathways for careers in theatre. Our key objectives as we look to the next five years are towards economic, environmental and social sustainability, upholding a culture that aims to take care of our people and the wider world.
Purpose of the Apprenticeship
As an invaluable member of the Scenic Art team within the scenic construction department, the Apprentice Scenic Artist will learn highly transferable painting, drawing and texturing skills alongside gaining a knowledge of materials and scenic construction techniques that will then be applicable not just to theatre but film, events and TV. The apprenticeship will be based at the NT’s flagship workshops on the SouthBank and also at the RADA Scenic Studio. As this is a training position, we are not looking for experience in scenic art or in theatre, but for someone who has practical skills, which can be applied to this apprenticeship. You will need to show us that you have creative skills and can work well in a team and will be committed to completing this apprenticeship and your own development. The Scenic Artist Apprenticeship is designed to be the first step in working in theatre or going on to further study. Although we cannot guarantee that this apprenticeship will lead to a permanent post, this is an area of specialisation where there is a skills gap in the theatre sector, and we would expect there to be good opportunities for further work in the sector on completion of the apprenticeship.
What you will do during the apprenticeship
The apprenticeship will be split between the National Theatre, RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) and Creative Alliance.
- At RADA the apprentice will undertake specific project-based training in Scenic Art finishes and techniques.
- There will be an online assessment with Creative Alliance at the completion of each project
- You can view the details of the apprenticeship here Scenic Artist Standard
- You will also be required to produce a portfolio as part of your course, which the NT will support you with.
- It may be possible to support you in passing functional skills in English or Maths if you need to take one of them, however Creative Alliance will discuss your existing level with you before any interview offer is made
At the NT you will:
- Under supervision, be expected to undertake tasks including painting, texturing, and carving in relation to the requirements of any given project or NT production.
- Undertake tasks for daily maintenance of the studio, including cleaning equipment, brushes paint kettles etc and clearing and maintaining work areas.
- Work on specific projects in order to develop scenic skills, techniques and finishes. This will be done in conjunction with RADA.
- Repair and refurbish scenery as required as part of the maintenance of shows in performance. This may involve repainting scuffs and scratches and reapplying textures.
- Work from designs and pictorial references provided by a designer including technical drawings and scale model pieces in collaboration with the Production Manager, Scenic Art Supervisor, fellow scenic artists and the Head of Scenic Art.
- Attend dress rehearsals.
- Work to agreed deadlines established by the HOD’s, consulting at all times with the Scenic Supervisor.
- Work on stage when required, working under instruction from the Scenic Art Supervisor. This may entail working on all elements of the scenery, such as stage floor/cloth, scenery items or backdrops.
- Participate in safety checks and weekly planning meetings.
- Always Work safely, following the NT’s Health and Safety policy
- Participate in other training as necessary and appropriate.
- Carry out reasonable duties as requested.
At all times you will be expected to:
- Take responsibility for being on time and always working safely and considerately.
- Take responsibility for completing your college work and making sure your manager knows when a college assessor is visiting.
- Behave professionally, including keeping workspaces neat and tidy.
- To work at height and sometimes in small spaces, training will be given to you before you do this.
- You will sometimes be asked to work evenings and weekends, and will be given time off in the week to make up for it (this is called Time Off in Lieu)
This is a Level 3 apprenticeship therefore applicants must be suitable for study at that level and NOT hold a degree, Level 4 Art Foundation Degree, HND, or a post graduate qualification. They must not have any professional experience of working in scenic art or extensive experience in other backstage areas.
Download the Job Description here.
To apply, please follow: https://creativealliance.org.uk/vacancies/
If you require assistance with applying or would like to apply using a different format, please contact tom@creativealliance.org.uk
Closing date: Monday 13th January 2025 at 12 noon
Further queries: email recruitment@nationaltheatre.org.uk