Props Assistant
The Props Assistant is a member of the Production Department working under the direction of the props manager. This position will assist the props manager in realizing all properties and set dressing requirements for each TheatreSquared production with an emphasis on crafting and artisanry. This position will also assist in the general upkeep of the props department including workspaces, storage, and equipment.
As a key artist helping create shows that allow audience members to think beyond their lived experiences—and as a positive, collaborative member of an inclusive workforce—this new staff member will help TheatreSquared answer the question, “How can a theatre be an agent of social change—helping foster a community that is fundamentally more equitable?”
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Assist the prop manager in:
- Creating, crafting, fabricating, and painting props and set dressing.
- Research and design of specialty props
- Supervise and work with overhire prop personnel, carpenters, and volunteers as needed
- Locating, securing, transporting and caring for production props.
- Helping to instruct the stage management team, run crew, and actors involved with props as to the use, placement, handling and the care of said props during the rehearsal period.
- Keeping accurate up-to-date records of expenditures.
- Ensuring props are maintained and replenished throughout the run of a show.
- Striking props from the stage after each show closes; return rented and borrowed props to their origin, and T2 property to its proper storage area.
- Organizing and maintaining prop storage and work areas and ensuring a good general appearance and condition of these areas and equipment.
- Managing and maintaining a prop inventory database.
- Attend technical and dress rehearsals, previews and other rehearsals and performances as needed.
- Uphold the policies and procedures outlined in TheatreSquared’s Employee Handbook.
- Professionally represent TheatreSquared to outside personnel including visiting artists, patrons, and rental clients.
- Additional Duties
- As assigned, this position may take the lead as props master for specific productions.
- Additional duties as assigned and as schedule allows (i.e. Assist scenery, paints, costumes, lighting, audio, etc.)
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
- Previous experience as a properties artisan while working in a professional prop shop environment or equivalent.
- Experience in crafting, constructing, and painting properties.
- A general knowledge of art and historical styles.
- A willingness to adapt to a very flexible work schedule.
- A desire to continue learning new subjects and techniques.
- Ability to repeatedly lift, push, or maneuver up to 50lbs either alone or with assistance.
- Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive short and long distances.
- Must be comfortable working under the following conditions:
- The props shop generally operates from 10a-6p, Mon-Fri. Ability to work long hours and work with a flexible schedule is necessary. Some evenings and weekends are required.
- May be exposed to noise, vibration, dust, fumes.
- May need to work at heights at times (ladders, personnel lift, catwalks).
DESIRABLE SKILL SETS
- Some experience as a lead props manager/master on production(s)
- Post-secondary technical theatre education and/or training (college, internship, apprenticeship, on-the-job, etc)
- Strong painting & crafting discipline
- Experience and comfort with:
- Sculptural materials & techniques
- Painting techniques
- Fine carpentry
- Sewing (hand stitching and machine)
- Upholstery
- Furniture restoration
- Historical research
- Graphic design software
- Word processing and spreadsheet software
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Compensation is highly competitive and commensurate with experience. This full-time, non-exempt position is paid hourly with a $30,000-$33,000 expected annual rate, commensurate with experience, with an average of 40 hours per week, and full benefits. These benefits include health; dental; paid time off; relocation assistance; paid parental leave; professional development allowance; employer-sponsored long-term and short-term disability; $100,000 in employer-sponsored term life insurance; and voluntary 401(k) and/or Roth IRA.
TO APPLY
To apply, submit a cover letter, employment resume, portfolio/website (if available), and references.
TheatreSquared celebrates diversity and commits to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our goal is to remove barriers to employment that are faced by racialized groups and encourage applicants of all genders, abilities, and ethnic, socio-economic, religious, and educational backgrounds. TheatreSquared believes that a team with a variety of perspectives
and skills is critical to our growth as an organization, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.
Please note: All interviews at this time will be held via video service (Google, Zoom, etc.)
ABOUT THEATRESQUARED & NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
TheatreSquared’s signature offering of bold new plays in an intimate setting has driven its growth to become the state’s largest theatre, offering more than 300 performances annually and operating on a $6 million annual budget. The playwright-led company is one of mid-America’s leading laboratories for new work, having launched more than 60 new plays. Its work has received critical acclaim from The New York Times (“Best Theater of 2020” list), The Wall Street Journal (“an outstanding drama company”), NPR’s All Things Considered, and the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards.
TheatreSquared’s home—winner of the 2020 American Architecture Award and the AIA NY Honor Award—is a cultural landmark. T2’s hometown of Fayetteville is annually ranked among the top ten US News and World Report "Best Places to Live,” a progressive, bike-friendly, and scenic college community near several Fortune 100 world headquarters. TheatreSquared’s remarkable expansion—with a twentyfold increase in audience in just the past decade— parallels the emergence of its home region as a booming population center and destination for American art.
Offering far-reaching access and education programs and an open-all-day gathering space, TheatreSquared remains rooted in its founding vision, that “theatre—done well and with passion—can transform lives and communities.”