Comment

Comment by Drake Barry on March 23, 2011 at 9:43am

Thanks so much for your time and info.Now I have a starting point. Time to do some research and make some calls.I think I have a solid portfolio. I guess we'll see.Thanks again.

Comment by Kristen Sabo-Foures on March 22, 2011 at 8:08pm

Drake, murals are a great way to transition into scenic painting. I started adding part time scenic work to my full time mural work a couple years ago. My portfolio is the main thing that landed me professional gigs. If you have quality skills it will show. Track down lead charge artists and production managers at repertory theatres, e-mail them your resume and killer portfolio, then request some face time. Be eager, ask questions, and check in often to show your interest.

In the meantime, volunteer to get scenic exposure. I did this in community theatre for many years and learned a lot about how the industry works. I also offered to volunteer painting on a repertory theatre show to get my foot in the door professionally, and proved myself. I got a call back for the paid spot next time. Best of luck!

Comment by Drake Barry on March 22, 2011 at 5:00pm

Any advice for breaking into the scenic artist business? I currently paint murals in New Jerey, but I looking to make a career change.

Comment by Leah Boogertman on July 1, 2009 at 3:42am

I love North Conway NH. and wish I could do that job. I will get my mind on that. Good luck!

Comment by David Dwyer on June 30, 2009 at 10:07pm

Hello all, I'm not sure if this is the place to post this or not, but we are in desperate need of a scenic artist/ painter as our current painter had to leave for family reasons. I would appreciate any leads or if you passed this info on to anyone who might be interested.

Mount Washington Valley Theatre Company, North Conway, NH
It pays $250 a week housing is provided. Send resume and portfolio samples to david@dwyerdesignstudio.com
Shows are: The Producers, Blood Brothers, Forever Plaid, and Hello Dolly
We need someone yesterday through August 20th or any part thereof.

Comment by Christien Fontaine on June 17, 2009 at 7:58am

Hey Dan, the best education for a designer is their sketchbook! never go anywhere without it! we could argue about practical or classroom for days. the classroom approach gives you a range of "tools" in your belt, practical actually lets you use the tools.

Comment by Jessica E. Sokolowski on May 26, 2009 at 6:45pm

Thank you very much!

Comment by Valerie Light on May 26, 2009 at 2:19pm

Are you looking for a summer internship or a full-season job? I'd say that summer theater is a great bet for some low-pay residential experience- I really learned a ton by doing that, and got to see some beautiful parts of the country. Applications for the larger summerstock theaters can start as early as September and some continue hiring through March or April. As for year-long internships, offhand I could say that Berkley Rep, Juilliard, and New Jersey Shakes are known to hire but I'm sure that some research could yeild a great deal more than that.
If you're not already a member, I recommend checking out the Scenic Artists Forum, a yahoo group. Sometimes internships get posted on there. And of course, BackstageJobs.com
Good luck!

Comment by Jessica E. Sokolowski on May 26, 2009 at 1:43pm

Thanks for the advice about sticking with the theatre major- I am going to keep it. Another question: Does anyone know where I could get a good internship? One that lets me help with painting preferably. I've been searching, but was still wondering if anyone knows any great places for internships.

Comment by Leah Boogertman on April 26, 2009 at 8:02am

I started out in school for advertising art. Luckily I met a teacher there that had worked on a film set and it was love at first site. I worked in theater almost as soon as I got out of school. Also I had some basic painting skills from working with my dad as a kid. He was a carpenter and painter. I started at ground level and learned from a variety of brilliant scenics. Now it is twentyfive years later and I have worked on countless plays, 25 films, many of them features, and even Mister Rogers Neighborhood. My best advice is to learn from others and share your knowledge too. I don't play trade secret games. I keep a list of names and numbers of folks that have mentored or taught me skills. We call each other about materials and techniques all the time. The most important thing about scene painting is have fun. When it seems like you can't handle it, remember tech week will not last forever and the show will go on.

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