Art Director; Disney Live Entertainment (Internal Assignment/Project Hire)

Job ID 10108755 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Jan. 30, 2025

Apply Now

Job Summary:

Through innovative storytelling and a culture of collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment creates, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences. From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships and other locations the world over. This diverse team – representing a wide variety of disciplines and talents from technical directors, writers and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers – brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, incomparable ingenuity, unparalleled spectacle… and a dash of pixie dust.

The Art Director creates, develops, and executes innovative, unique production and scenic designs in support of original and adapted live entertainment experiences, including large stage shows, spectaculars, and parades. Through collaboration with our Director of Creative Development, Show Directors, Lighting Designers, Audio Designers, Special Effects Designers, Technical Directors, Producers, Production Managers, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Marketing partners, The Art Director will develop themed environments which convey the emotions and visual story of our live experiences!

You will report to the VP-Creative and Advanced Development.

This is either a Project Hire or an Internal Assignment role, with no guarantee of permanent placement.

Responsibilities/You Will

Develop and realize the design intent of live entertainment projects through the effective execution of the creative process

Participate and influence the project's creative development

Develop and implement scenic art designs and facility infrastructure as assigned

Work with external vendors and contractors to guide the creative work and provide leadership to crews installing artwork on projects

Research and produce concept art for design development and presentations

Collaborate with key production teams to ensure that the scenic design elements are seamlessly and safely integrated into the overall project

Produce design intent drawings, 5-view detailed drawings, provide materials selection, color callouts, and color elevations to help select vendors and communicate project information

Provide art direction in the field and to vendors to ensure that the final product meets the design vision

Partner with the Principal Art Director to provide input to art & design budget and labor requirements

Stay current with art research and development efforts within the industry including scenic, visual, and graphic trends

Partner with consultant scenic designers and vendors to ensure Disney quality, compatibility, training, and accurate documentation of all scenic elements is delivered

Conduct ongoing "entertainment show quality" evaluations of existing offerings and provide support to maintain original show intent

Establish, build, and maintain open relationships based on trust and partnering with key clients and supporting departments

Basic Qualifications/You Will Have

5+ years of experience in an entertainment design field

Outstanding knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)

Proven hand-drawing, sketching, and illustration abilities

Strong drafting knowledge and ability to read technical drawings

Desired proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, CAD Tools, or Vectorworks

Ability to handle multiple projects; strong background in logistics

Excellent communication skills and follow through

Strong organizational and time management skills

Demonstrated leadership ability to give direction and lead a crew, while maintaining a safe and productive workplace

Strong budgeting skills

Ability to be flexible with work schedule, including weekends and holidays

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Theatrical Design

Preferred Education

Master’s degree in fine arts or equivalent in Art/Theatrical Design-related field

Benefits & Perks

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $94,200.00 to $126,200.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Apply Now

About Walt Disney Imagineering:

Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Disney Entertainment Productions, which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.

Disney Entertainment Productions is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

Where Does Your Story Begin?

Explore Disney Careers and the Life at Disney blog to learn about all the amazing opportunities waiting to be discovered at The Walt Disney Company.
Be Part of the Story

There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.
The Next Chapter

Once you've applied, you will receive an email allowing you to access your candidate dashboard. Create your login and make sure to check your dashboard often to see your application progress.