Designer and Scenic Artist

The Designer and Scenic Artist works alongside the team of theatre professionals to provide at least ten productions within the academic year as part of a fully programmed season. The Designer and Scenic Artist will take full design responsibility for the set design for at least eight of these productions, making and painting the sets and work collaboratively with our Head of Wardrobe/Costume Designer on the costume design.

All members of the department work on all productions. This role is key in effectively delivering the artistic and creative teams’ vision to the stage. It entails detailed collaboration with directors, colleagues and students, working on a wide range of plays and styles, in a variety of performance spaces. The ability to lead, develop and enthuse a team of students, to remain calm and focused under pressure, to meet deadlines and have flair and a creative approach to design is essential.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

BenefitsEton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

Main Duties

Designing, painting, making and dressing sets for productions in the Main House Theatre, Caccia Studio and other spaces across the school; Providing production design advice for all directors; Working collaboratively with the Head of Wardrobe/Costume Designer on the costume designs for each production; Working with the Director of Drama and Head of Production on the practicalities of construction before finalising a design; Identifying any extra support required to construct sets, and working with the Head of Production and Director of Drama to source that support; Operating within the constructional, budgetary and health and safety constraints of the theatre as set by Director of Drama and/or Head of Production; Providing detailed specifications, scaled ground plans, white-card and fully-finished models and working drawings as required; Sourcing scenic materials, props and furniture for all productions designed; Meeting production deadlines; Advising on the design of sets and props for productions in other College venues including but not limited to Independent plays and curricular drama productions; Alongside the Head of Wardrobe/Costume Designer, supervising the work of the Scenic Artist on a day-to-day basis, and overseeing their design work on the productions where they act as the lead Designer; Working closely and sharing skills with the Assistant Designer; Co-ordinating the student led stage management of Main House and Studio shows, alongside the rest of the theatre team; Motivating, guiding and working with students on painting techniques and the stage management of shows; Supervising students working in the Farrer Theatre and Caccia Studio and other College venues used for performance; Ensuring that all College health and safety and security procedures are observed; Maintaining and encouraging good housekeeping practices throughout the theatres along with the rest of the creative team; Assisting with fit-ups and get outs as part of the theatre team; Supporting the Head of Theatre Studies in a non-teaching capacity in the delivery of the academic programme; In relation to safeguarding: Where required, undertake regulated activity, such as unsupervised contact with students, ensuring that safeguarding procedures are followed and providing safe and effective care at all times; Good understanding and effective implementation of Child Protection procedures; Commitment and promotion of equality, diversity & inclusion; Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood; Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality. In relation to Health & Safety: Maintain the highest levels of health and safety standards, working within agreed health and safety policies and procedures, and acting as a role model for the students in these standards; Keep abreast of current Health and Safety legislation, specifically in relation to Care of Substances hazardous to health (COSHH). Correct procedures and record keeping when working with scenic products & materials is essential. Observe and adopt Manual Handling at Work (MHAW) regulations; Be responsible or the safe disposal of all waste generated in the scenic areas; As a member of the Eton Drama team: Attend daily check ins and weekly meetings with the theatre team and harness a creative environment that is supportive and collegiate; Ensure a warm welcome to all collaborators and users of the theatre; Support the smooth running of all projects by sharing information with all colleagues, so that all staff involved have all the information they need to perform their duties effectively; Help student teams focus on specific tasks, help coordinate effort and motivation of all team members, clarifying requirements as and when required; Undertaking any other reasonable task as requested by the Director of Drama/Head of Production to ensure the effective running of the theatre. Please see job description for full details on working pattern.

The Ideal CandidateTo be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:

A good training qualification in a relevant subject (and/or equivalent professional training); Experience of designing and painting sets and props. If you also have experience of prop and furniture sourcing and providing design advice then this would be particularly advantageous; Traditional fine arts skills of sketching, rendering, and painting. Also, ideally be well versed in techniques such as marbling, ragging, and wood graining and texturing, and should have a good understanding of art history, period styles, motifs and architecture; Good working knowledge and experience of design-related software; Good IT skills including use of emails, Word and Microsoft Excel; Detailed knowledge of the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures when working with paints is essential; Experience of making sets; Prior experience of supervising others is desirable; Experience of stage management practices is desirable.In addition to your experience, you may enjoy this role if you possess:

Excellent verbal communication skills and presentation skills; Good written communication skills; Strong planning and organisational skills; Excellent time management skills with the ability to work well under pressure and to deadlines; Creativity and resourcefulness in problem solving; The ability to work alongside and motivate students; The ability to change ideas into a three –dimensional design; A commitment to continued professional development; The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team; An imaginative, enthusiastic and adaptable approach with high levels of efficiency. About The CollegeWe are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on so we can make adjustments accordingly.

Disclosure Checks

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College