POSITION: PROPS ARTISAN
POSTED: January 29, 2026
TERM: 5/25/2026 +ndash; 8/16/2026 (shorter periods of availability will be considered)
STATUS: Full Time, at-will, Exempt seasonal employee
SUPERVISOR: Erika Johnson, Production Manager
SCHEDULE: Tuesday through Saturday (occasional Sunday or Monday) 9am-5pm
COMPENSATION: $17.50/hr, housing available
ABOUT SHAKESPEARE + COMPANY
Shakespeare + Company is a professional live theater company in the heart of the Berkshires offering innovative, socially responsive, and educationally challenging performances, workshops and residencies, recognized nationally as an innovative leader in teaching Shakespeare and integrating theatre arts. Founded in 1978, Shakespeare + Company is a thriving center of creative and collaborative excellence in Actor Training, Performance, and Education, rooted in Shakespeare+rsquo;s work and the Elizabethan ideals of inquiry, balance and harmony. Shakespeare + Company is committed to nurturing the creative impulse, exploring the universal themes of human experience, and engaging with the widest possible audience in order to influence future generations. Shakespeare + Company is committed to an evolving approach to diversity and inclusion to engender an active process and positive change toward equity in its employment and artistry and to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and inspired to bring their authentic voice and creative perspective to their work. We strive to represent individuals from all walks of life in our workforce and seek to engage those who will embrace our vigorous commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility as well as anti-racism initiatives, with the goal of engaging ourselves in endeavors that enrich and promote a more just society.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Props Artisan would work closely with the Props Master and other Props staff by assisting in the acquisition and building of all of the summer seasons properties. The Props Artisan would also assist in the maintenance of the props inventory and the shop.Ideal applicants will have knowledge of shop tools, paints, sewing, crafts and preferably some carpentry experience.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist the Props Supervisor in working with directors and scenic designers to pull, modify, build, and finish props and scenery for every show
Assist other scene shop staff in the build of scenic designs as needed
Assist in the preparation of each theatre space for the summer season and other activities (cleaning, paint touch-ups, etc)
Assist the Production Manager + Technical Director in other production-related work (such as theater maintenance)
Participate in scenic load ins and changeovers
Maintain prop shop supplies including fixing and maintaining tools
Make trips to local supply stores to pick up materials and shop for props (in a company vehicle)
Use an account provided by S+Co to locate and purchase specialty props from places like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
Fulfill other reasonable duties.
EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND CHARACTERISTICS SOUGHT
Knowledge of (and willingness to learn more about) the furniture and props from different eras, and identify pieces from the correct time period as needed
A willingness to spend time shopping and researching specific props and furniture items
Knowledge of different paint types and tools for paint application, as well as joint compound and other scenic finishings
Knowledge of prop shop tool maintenance and repair
Knowledge our stock after spending time getting to know the spaces
Able to climb a 250 lbs. rated ladder and work from heights on ladders and in mechanical lifts
Ability to lift heavy scenic items + materials
Excellent personal, organizational, time management and communication skills
Maintain regular, punctual attendance with a positive attitude and energy.
A willingness to work indoors AND outside
TO APPLY: Please send a letter of interest, resume, and references by email to jobsearch@shakespeare.org
