Job Title: Props Artisan
Department: Production
Reports To: Properties Director, Director of Production
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
ABOUT FIRST STAGE
First Stage, Milwaukee's premiere non-profit theater for young people and families, is a nationally acclaimed professional theater company drawing annual audiences of more than 120,000 people. First Stage's production season includes four to five productions at the Todd Wehr Theater, as well as our First Steps and Young Company Series of productions at Goodman Mainstage Hall at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center - a total of more than 400 performances annually. First Stage also offers Theater in-Education programs, serving 20,000 students in classrooms annually throughout southeastern Wisconsin. The First Stage Theater Academy, the largest and most high-impact training program of its kind in the nation, teaches "life skills through stage skills" to nearly 2,000 young people ages 3-18 each year.
First Stage is committed to dismantling structures that may prevent ALL people from applying for employment with us. First Stage celebrates the richness of our world by cultivating Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity as they inspire the creativity that nurtures great art, artists, and audiences. First Stage strongly encourages candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply.
First Stage is an equal opportunity employer and as such, we consider individuals for employment according to their abilities and performance. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, age, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.
Position Summary:
The Props Artisan is responsible for constructing and modifying props for all First Stage productions. The Props Artisan works closely with the Props Director to ensure all props meet the needs of the production, are durable and safe for use, and are finished in a timely manner.
Compensation:
$17.50 per hour position expected to work 40 hours per week. First Stage provides a competitive benefits package including: health/dental/vision coverage, vacation and paid holidays, and a 403(b) plan.
Employment Dates:
Pending applicant availability, this position will begin July 6, 2026. This position is seasonal, ending May 16, 2027, with the possibility of extension and/or renewal should both parties agree.
TO APPLY:
Send resume, cover letter, and 3 work references with the subject line:
Props Artisan: (First Name, Last Name)
No phone calls, please. Application submission period will remain open until the position is filled.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Interpret the script/set design/production conversations in order to create properties needed for shows, including hand props, furniture, set dressing, perishables, etc.
- Communicate with Properties Director about props needs during the rehearsal process.
- Pull and provide rehearsal items as necessary.
- Assist load in and load out of rehearsal halls and performance spaces
- Modify stock items to suit the needs of a particular show.
- Assist the Properties Director in the maintenance and inventory of properties stock.
- Complete assigned work in a timely manner, with a high level of quality.
- Maintain a positive attitude and uphold First Stage+rsquo;s Artistic Statement and Employee Guidelines.
- Maintain a clean and safe workspace.
- First Stage is committed to creating a safe, equitable, and inclusive work environment and all incoming staff members will be required to complete EDI training.
- This position involves working with young people, and as such a background check will be required.
Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with accessibility needs to perform essential functions:
- Previous experience in the following areas preferred:
- Carpentry
- Welding
- Painting and distressing techniques
- Foam Carving
- Puppet building
- Machine and hand stitching
- Upholstery
- Electrical wiring of properties
- Creation of graphics and paper properties
- Tool maintenance
- Strong written and verbal communication skills required
- Basic understanding of Microsoft programs and general computer skills required
- Ability to use Photoshop to effectively create graphics and paper props is strongly preferred
- Prior experience working in the entertainment industry is strongly preferred
Education/Experience:
- Related Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Work Environment: The Props Artisan will regularly work on site at First Stage+rsquo;s Scenic and Prop shop. Occasional duties will also take place within Goodman Hall at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, and within the Todd Wehr Theater at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described below must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with accessibility needs to perform essential functions:
- A valid driver+rsquo;s license and previous experience driving a cargo van
- Experience driving a 24+rsquo; box truck a plus
- Ability to travel between performance, rehearsal, and shop locations
- The person in this position will experience periods of prolonged stationary position
- Will frequently move items up to 50 lbs
- Must have knowledge or willingness to learn proper PPE standards and wear proper protection while using hazardous materials
