The Scenic Art Apprentice will work with the Scenic Charge and their assistant to interpret and realize scenic designs from models, elevations, or reference materials and to complete onstage touchups and designer notes given during the tech process. Projects may range in style from realistic interiors and exteriors to abstract designs. Duties may include creating texture and color samples for the scenic designer; preparing surfaces for paint treatments by priming, carving or adding texture; laying out, starching, and painting backdrops or other elements; color mixing, spraying, and development/implementation of various faux finishing techniques; learning about safety precautions and proper maintenance of paint shop tools and equipment. This is a scene shop-based position (Scene Shop is located in West Humboldt Park) that also requires working at the theatre.

Dates & Hours

To be announced at a later date

40 hours/week

Position is Supervised By

Scenic Charge

Who Should Apply For This Position

Motivated individuals who are interested in learning how a regional theatre paint shop operates. A degree in scenic/theatre production and experience working in a professional /college paint shop is preferred.

Alumni for this position include

  • Claire Buchanan, Scenic Painter, Ravenswood Studios, Chicago, IL
  • Elyse Balogh, Freelance Scenic Artist, Chicago, IL
  • Meghan Erxleben, Resident Scenic Charge, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
  • Melissa Rutherfoord, Scenic Artist, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
  • Amy Couey, Scenic Artist, Chicago Scenic Studios, Chicago, IL

Application Requirements

  • Cover Letter Addressing the Following:
    • Why you want to work in this department at Steppenwolf
    • What skills and experiences you bring to this department
    • What you hope to learn from this internship or apprenticeship 
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Work Sample (PDF or online portfolio)

The cover letter, resume, and two letters of recommendation should be submitted as one PDF titled "lastname_firstname.pdf" (i.e. letts_tracy.pdf). If submitting a work sample as a PDF file, it should be submitted as a separate PDF titled "lastname_sample" (i.e. letts_sample). You may also submit a link to your online portfolio, if preferred.