Scenic Designer

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Reports to: Production Manager

The Scenic Designer will work closely with the Director, Lighting Designer, and Production Manager to design and oversee the construction of a scenic design for BlueJay’s production of “The Shape of Things.” They will need to read the play several times to gain a complete understanding of the play’s needs and plot. The scenic designer will need a thorough understanding of theatrical design, drafting, and rendering, and a strong artistic ability is recommended.

The full list of expectations of this position are listed below in accordance with the STA Contract:

Responsibilities and Characteristic Duties:

• In collaboration with the Director and other design colleagues, develop and implement a design concept and visual style for the production.
  • Meet regularly with the director and creative team as the project requires.
  • Research historical periods, artistic and architectural styles, and/or other visual approaches as required by the script or from conversations with the director.
  • Prepare sketches, ground plan, and/or other tangible examples to illustrate the developing ideas.
  • Consult with the producer when unusual technical demands are involved. Examples of such demands include untried or difficult technologies, new or unconventional materials, or large quantities of scenery or props.
• In accordance with the attached schedule, prepare preliminary design documents that will be used to determine feasibility of the design. 
  • Prelim design documents typically include:
    • Research that can illustrate the overall aesthetic of the design;
    • Sketches
    • Rough ground plan, rough elevations
    • Overall material, treatment and/or color
  • Ensure that the director and producer see and approve all preliminary design documents.
  • Such documents will typically include a rough ground plan, elevations, and sketches.
  • Communicate to the producer all known physical details of the design.
•  Collaborate with the producer to resolve any structural or budgetary challenges that become apparent.
• Prepare final design documents which typically include:
  • Drawings
    • Ground plan
    • Deck Plan
    • Front elevations
    • Additional detail views as required to describe the design.
  • Other documents
    • Research of links of specialized furniture, set, props, and set dressings.
  • Ensure that the director, producer, and props lead see and approve all significant design documents.
  • Ensure that the lighting designer, costume designer, and stage management are aware of all design documents. Provide them with copies of all relevant information.
• Strive to meet all deadlines for preliminary and final design documentations.
  • This is essential to providing a positive educational experience for other designers and production staff.
  • Communicate early and often with the design advisor and technical director if it appears that some deadlines may be missed.
  • Failure to adequately meet these deadlines may result in the removal of the designer from the project.
• Be responsible for finding a technical director/scenic carpenter or carrying out the responsibilities of the technical director to ensure the design is built to its full extent. Responsibilities for the technical director include:
  • Shop for and/or approve all visual specialty purchases required for the scenery and props. For example: curtain and upholstery fabrics, furniture, etc.
  • Develop a build schedule for the production in an available space.
  • Supervise construction process, in cooperation with the designer (if they are not the same person), and producer
  • Participate in the construction and finishing of scenery, properties, and special effects.
  • Supervise and participate in the load-in and set-up of all scenery, properties, and special effects for the production.
  • Comply with all City of Boston fire codes and College regulations.
  • Comply with state and federal safety regulations, including Right-to-know regulations and EPA hazardous material regulations.
• In accordance with the attached schedule, remain in close and regular contact with members of the production team who are executing the design, including the producer and props lead.
• Provide timely answers to requests for information/clarification.
  • Consult with the director when adjustments or changes are made to the design and notify all affected parties. Participate when appropriate in the painting and finishing of scenery and props, and set dressing.
• Maintain regular communication with the director and SM team throughout the rehearsal process. Check-ins and/or attendance to rehearsals is highly encouraged to ensure that the design will work with the developing performance.
• Respond to rehearsal report notes within 24 hours. Some questions under SCENERY might be answered by the Producer or Props Lead. Please consult with them.

All positions at BlueJay Theater Collective must adhere to the mission statement and core values of the organization, both of which are listed below:

Mission Statement: BlueJay is a Dramatic Theater-based student organization at Emerson College. Their purpose as a collective and organization is to execute and depict relatable theater in which their young-adult and college-aged audiences can see themselves accurately portrayed onstage. In doing so, BlueJay will also work to make audition material accessible for students who are struggling to find text that suits their age group, gender identity, relationship to the content, and/or more, creating a collection of literary materials available for use. They aim to appeal to and uplift the demographic they are working with in creating an inclusive, professional, and familial work environment, as well as creating a space in which actors, designers, Managers, and staff feel supported and encouraged to share their ideas. Their goal is to inspire the artistic spirits of young creatives through proper representation and relatability.

The objectives and goals for BlueJay Theater Collective:

• Execute relatable theater.
• Create a platform for students to access audition materials that appeal to their demographic.
• Provide opportunities for performers to feel personally connected to the characters they portray.
• Reflect on and depict honest stories that will impact the audience beyond the world of theater.
• Create an inclusive, accepting, and collaborative work environment.
• Encourage growth and learning as a collective.
• Inspire joy and excitement for the art we create to influence the communities that surround us.
• Aim to foster an equitable and unbiased space for all.