Scenic Designer - Ghostlight Creative Productions Incorporated

SCENIC DESIGNER



DESCRIPTION:

The Obsidian Theatre Festival, produced by GhostLight Creative Productions, Incorporated and Nicely Theatre Group, is CALLING for a Scenic Designer for its fifth season.



ABOUT: The Obsidian Theatre Festival centers Black stories, through an invigorating celebration of new work by emerging Black voices. Produced by Detroiters in the city of Detroit, the Obsidian Theatre Festival illuminates the rich diversity of experiences relevant to the African diaspora.



Our team seeks to normalize the panoply of Black American culture through an inclusive, color conscious lens. We are dedicated to the exploration of universal themes, and acknowledgment of the ways in which intersecting identities shape the world in which we live.



The Obsidian Theatre Festival accepts applicants of every identity, and does not discriminate on the basis of identity, including but not limited to: race, creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, religion, HIV serostatus, disability, height, weight, veteran status, marital status, or economic class.

The Obsidian Theatre Festival will be presented in 3 parts



*OTF Main Stage: Featuring full-length plays that examine the diversity of the black experience.

*Musical Theatre Showcase: Staged readings of new musicals, highlighting an important step in the development of new work.

*Obsidian Theatre Festival’s 5th Anniversary Concert: A musical celebration in honor of our 5th season

For more information about The Obsidian Theatre Festival please visit www.obsidianfest.org



LOCATION: Detroit, MI



SEEKING:

Scenic Designer with experience in Theatre and Musical Theatre. BIPOC artists are strongly encouraged to submit.

*A candidate who is flexible, strategic and able to work in a collaborative space.

*A candidate who is skilled in communicating clearly, with tact and discretion, as well as maintaining confidentiality.

*The Scenic Designer will be selected based on their experience to oversee pieces in the dedicated areas of the OTF Main Stage, MT Showcase and Obsidian Cabaret.

*Candidates within close proximity to Detroit Metro area are strongly preferred



RESPONSIBILITIES:

*Scenic Designer will report to the Production Manager and Technical Director

*Attend Virtual Orientations for the Main Stage and MT Showcase

*Provide a scenic design for the assigned plays and coordinate with TD to execute the build for approved designs

*Will assist in upholding the production calendar and have materials prepped and provided for: rehearsals, on-stage rehearsals and performances

*Work with the Directors and Production Manager to make sure you have all needed materials

*Pull set pieces from current inventory.

*Source materials that are needed.

*Transport materials to and from the rehearsal and performance spaces.

*Adhere to all production deadlines.

*Attend all designer runs.

*Attend all technical rehearsals.

*Attend and participate in all production and needed administrative meetings assigned by the Production Manager and Associate Production Manager.

*Give clear directions to the Stage Managers on how and what rehearsal items they have to utilize, how to set up materials and how to store materials at the end of the rehearsal each day.

*Clear communication with Stage Managers on if they need any additional items or when they are no longer in need of an item.

*Review and respond as needed to daily rehearsal reports to the show company and OTF Executive Staff. Act promptly to any notes given for the set.

*Adhere to the Set Design and Build Budget given by Business Management

*Keep track of the Scenic Budget for the festival and continuously update your budget document reflecting the set forecast and actual expenditures

*Other duties as assigned



QUALIFICATIONS:

*Experience working on a variety of projects such as musicals, straight plays, cabarets and new work is preferred

*Prior experience with set building and set design

*Ability to write/read technical drawings.

*Ability to adjust designs based on a given space

*Experience building and loading in scenery on site.

*Strong organizational, leadership, time management, administrative and mentoring skills

*Outstanding judgment and ability to prioritize varying tasks efficiently and safely

*Ability to work under pressure while multitasking

*Able to coordinate timely responses between internal departments

*Must be able to work extended hours, nights and weekends

*Ability to coordinate with production on needed design elements

*Ability to source and build all set needs for the season while having the budget in mind

*Excellent written and communication skills.



SAFETY:

*We are committed to the health and safety of all of our artists, employees and guests. In order to maintain the safest environment possible, all Obsidian Theatre Festival staff, artists, creative teams, crews, and ushers are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid 19 (both rounds of vaccinations.) The only exception to mandatory vaccination is providing a physician note due to a qualifying disability or a statement of religious exemption.

*Maintain safe work conditions in keeping with OTF’s health and safety guidelines and COVID19 protocols throughout the production process



SCHEDULE:

The Scenic Designer estimated workload averages 5-10 hours per week prior to rehearsal weeks, with a possible increase to 15-20 hrs during rehearsal weeks and 30+ hours during the technical rehearsals/the production week. Attend scheduled Design meetings that will begin in late February and all Technical Rehearsals.



Looking for someone to start by February 10th. The contract would go through July 18, 2025.



PRODUCTION SCHEDULE:

Weekly Departmental Breakout Meetings: Frequency/Time/Date TBD

Design Meetings Begin: Late February 2025

Production Meetings: Begin May 2025

Main Stage Virtual Orientation: May 19th

Virtual Rehearsal (Main Stage Only): Starts May 19th

In Person Rehearsal (Main Stage Only): Starts May 27th

MT Showcase Virtual Orientation: June 8th

In Person Rehearsal (MT Showcase/Obsidian Cabaret): Starts June 9th

Begin In Person Work (in the Downtown Office): Mid June

Main Stage Tech: Begins June TBD (MS)

MT Showcase Dress: June TBD

Performances: June 26th-June 29th

Strike/Load Out: June 30th



COMPENSATION:

Flat Fee: $2250.00(USD.)



APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Please fill out the Google Form (link below) and submit your Cover Letter and Resume per the instructions inside the form by January 27th.



Scenic Designer Google Form: https://bit.ly/scenic-des-apply-otf25



If you have any questions please email, gm@ghostlightinc.com



For more information about The Obsidian Theatre Festival please visit www.obsidianfest.org




Salary: $2,250.00