About the Position:
Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University seeks skilled and dependable Props Overhire personnel to support theatrical and operatic productions on an as-needed basis. This role is an on-campus, in-person, temporary overhire position supporting productions within the Theatre, Dance, and Opera programs of the Meadows School of the Arts.
This position assists the Props Supervisor with the preparation, construction, maintenance, and operation of props for rehearsals and performances. Overhire staff work closely with faculty, guest artists, students, stage management, and production staff to support a dynamic educational and production environment. Typical work calls are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend calls as production schedules require. Compensation is commensurate with experience.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with the construction, modification, painting, and repair of props and hand props
- Pull, organize, transport, and maintain props for rehearsals and performances
- Prepare rehearsal props and ensure performance props are properly preset and maintained
- Support load-ins, strikes, inventory management, and storage organization
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment
- Collaborate effectively with faculty, students, designers, stage managers, and production staff
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Props Supervisor, Technical Director, or Production Manager
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Qualifications:
- Previous experience in theatre, opera, dance, or live event production preferred
- Familiarity with backstage operations and theatrical production processes
- Experience with prop construction, carpentry, painting, crafts, upholstery, sewing, or related skills is highly desirable
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
- Ability to lift and move production materials and work safely in a shop and performance environment
- Availability to work evenings and weekends as required by production schedules
- A willingness to learn and follow established safety procedures.
- Comfort working at heights, including on ladders, personnel lifts, catwalks, and a tension grid approximately 60 feet above the stage floor.
- Comfort working around moving scenery, heavy machinery, and theatrical rigging systems while following established shop safety procedures.
- The ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment and adapt to changing production priorities.
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Physical and Environmental Demands:
The successful candidate must be able to:
- Lift and carry equipment and scenic materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Push and pull loaded road cases, material carts, and other production equipment.
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, crawl, reach overhead, and work in confined spaces for extended periods.
- Work from ladders, personnel lifts, catwalks, and elevated work platforms.
- Work occasional evenings and weekends during production periods as required.
SMU is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community and encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
To apply, please submit a resume and brief summary of relevant production experience. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and retained for future production staffing needs.
