Theatrical Design, Scenic

Scenic Designer

Serve as the resident and primary scenic designer for the Eisner Center for the Performing Arts by creating original scenic designs for productions in the departments of theatre, music, and dance. Share the design process with undergraduates through teaching and hands-on realization. Provide students, faculty, and guest artists the opportunity to collaborate and work with a range of design styles and approaches.

Teach one design course per semester in the theatre department.

Department/Division Overview:
The Michael

D. Eisner Center, named after one of Denison's proud alumni, is the vibrant heartbeat of creative life at Denison University. Bringing the departments of Dance, Music, and Theatre under one spectacular 108,000-square-foot roof, the Center is specifically designed to champion interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and risk-taking. From our 400-seat Sharon Martin Hall to our intimate black box and recital spaces, we provide a dynamic environment where student curiosity meets professional-grade performance.

We are looking for collaborative, forward-thinking professionals who are eager to inspire students, connect diverse artistic mediums, and help us redefine what performing arts education can be in the 21st century.

Responsibilities:

• Produce two musicals, four plays, and two dance concerts per year. The resident designer will serve as the primary scenic designer for the season and design up to six productions.
• Provide clear, timely communication of design work including, initial research and concept ideas, preliminary sketches, final renderings, and technical drafting.
• Participate fully in the production process by initiating concept conversations with directors and the design team, attending production meetings, and adhering to deadlines established by the Production Manager. Attend technical and dress rehearsals and respond to rehearsal and production report requests in a timely manner.
• Ensure designs meet conceptual aims of the production through collaboration with directors, designers, and choreographers, and work closely with production staff to ensure adherence to resource limitations of time and budget.
• Work closely with the Eisner Center Technical Director-Production and student scene shop staff in the realization of the scenic design, specifically in the areas of scenic painting and props.
• Collaborate with the technical staff to oversee the props and furniture stock and utilize student assistants for organization and inventory management.
• Supervise and train student stagehands in production-specific work during the technical rehearsal process.
• Teach one introductory design and production course per semester in the Department of Theatre, such as Elements of Scenic Design.
• Mentor and advise directed studies, senior projects, and design assistants.
• Participate with faculty in theatre department curricular and season planning.

Required Qualifications:

Required:

Bachelors of Arts – with theatrical design work as demonstrated via portfolio. Relevant experience can be substituted for education.

Preferred Requirements:
Master of Fine Arts or terminal degree in related area

Denison University is a leading, fully residential liberal arts college in Granville, Ohio, located just outside the Columbus metro area. Established in 1831, Denison blends a rigorous academic foundation with an award-winning approach to student mentorship and career readiness. With a vibrant campus community of 2,400 students and around 2,000 employees, Denison offers employees a supportive, forward-thinking environment dedicated to educational excellence and professional growth.

Denison provides a number of staff-focused benefits, with some highlights:

• 10% contribution to your retirement
• 22 vacation days
• 3 floating holidays
• Paid campus closure from Christmas to New Years
• Free parking and gym membership
• Free classes for employees
• Full tuition coverage for dependents

Salary:
Up to $62,000