Northern Stage, a LORT D 240 seat regional theater in White River Junction, VT, seeks an experienced Props Manager to join the full-time staff. Northern Stage produces a mainstage season, an education season, a New Works festival, and 4-6 other events year-round. This position reports directly to the Production Manager and Technical Director/Associate Production Manager and works closely with Scenic Designers, Directors, and other production department heads in the acquisition and construction of all hand props, furniture, and set dressing.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Manage the daily operations within the Prop Shop including leading the build, load in, and strike of all props for each production.
Generate properties lists, create prototypes, sketches, samples, drafting, and associated documents as required per show.
Work with the Scenic Designer, Technical Director, and Production Manager to keep builds on budget and schedule.
Coordinate any necessary show-specific rentals and borrows, including their transportation.
Attend scheduled production and staff meetings.
Coordinate with Stage Management to provide and maintain rehearsal props.
Supervising a shop assistant, setting shop schedules, and giving tasks as needed.
Attend all tech and preview rehearsals as a representative of the Props Department.
Maintain properties stock/inventories and oversee rentals and loans to outside entities.
Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of the Prop Shop and storage spaces.
Provide support for events outside the mainstage and education seasons.
Assist on run crews of large productions as required.
Support other production departments as needed.
Qualifications:
Three or more years of experience in professional props management/fabrication. A combination of education and professional experience will be considered.
Proven ability to evaluate, budget, and execute designer and construction drawings, sketches, and paint elevations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office + Google Suite. Experience with CAD, Vectorworks, and/or Photoshop is a plus.
Excellent leadership, communication, and organization skills.
Excellent numerical skills and attention to detail. Experience managing and adhering to budgets.
Thorough knowledge of theatrical safety conventions, OSHA regulations, and fire codes.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to approach challenges collaboratively.
Skill in various technical and artistic disciplines, with strong knowledge of history as it pertains to props. Skills in upholstering and welding are a plus.
Proficiency with hand and power tools.
Basic knowledge of theatrical firearms and weapons safety standards.
Valid driver+rsquo;s license and ability to drive a box truck.
Comfortable working at heights in excess of 20 feet in a lift and on a tension mesh grid.
Ability to safely lift 75 lbs.
BA or BFA in technical theater a plus.
Job Type Full time, with some nights and weekends required
Contract Dates: 10/7/2024 - 6/8/25 with possibility for renewal
Compensation: $44,000 - $46,500 annual salary BOE, paid bi-weekly (overtime exempt)
Benefits: Northern Stage offers dental and life insurance and covers 100% of these premiums, and offers vision as an optional add-on with an employee contribution of $1/month. Accident insurance is available at an employee cost. We offer an employee-funded 403(b) retirement account, an FSA, and pet insurance. There is a 60-day waiting period following your hiring date before Northern Stage benefits become active, with the exception of the 403(b) program, which is active on the first day of employment.
PTO: All full time Northern Stage staff members are eligible for Paid Time Off, according to our PTO policy.
How to apply: Submit the following materials via Submittable: https://northernstage.submittable.com/submit/301736/props-manager-fy25
Cover letter
Resume
Three (3) professional references
Portfolio or samples of previous work welcomed but not required
We believe the most important and impactful art is made when we consider and commit to inclusion, diversity, equity and access both on and off of our stage. We highly encourage folks who are Black, Native or Indigenous, People of Color, Queer or Trans, Poor or Working Class, Disabled, Young, Elderly, and/or who speak English as a second language to apply. To learn more about Northern Stage, please visit our website: www.northernstage.org.