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.