Note: To be considered for this position, candidates must include a cover letter specifying their interest in and qualifications for this position. The cover letter should be the first page of your resume and uploaded as one document.
This is a full time / seasonal job working the production year (38 weeks) from mid-August to the end of April annually. The posted salary listed of $45,760 - $52,000FTR would be the full time - 12 month salary (The seasonal salary range is $33,440 - $38,000 per season, or $22.00 to $25.00 per hour).
As a comprehensive performing arts school set in one of the world's best public institutions of higher education, the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) is deeply engaged in the creation, practice, scholarship, and pedagogy of music, theatre, and dance. We aim to provide leadership, nationally and internationally, in all three fields. We assert and celebrate the value of the arts to the mission of the University of Michigan. We welcome all people to our Properties Shop and strive to enable them to increase their comfort with technical skills.
University Productions presents nine fully mounted main stage shows each season, serving the Departments of Theatre & Drama, Musical Theatre, Dance, and Voice & Opera in three different campus venues. These productions are directed by faculty and guest directors; designed by faculty, students, and guests; and crewed by undergraduate SMTD students. Design & Production majors work as stage managers, shop assistants, and technicians for each production; advanced students may design costumes, scenery, or lighting for these productions.
Basic Function and Responsibility
- As an artisan of expertise with a focus on carpentry and metalwork, participate in the construction of properties for approximately nine fully staged productions, and two studio productions per season.
- Assist with procurement, building and installation of shows.
- Assist with the supervision of activities and students in the properties shop.
- Assist with the maintenance and inventory of shop supplies and equipment.
- Assist in the organization and maintenance of prop storage locations.
Duties to be Performed
- Fabricate properties according to approved designs and within cost estimates as directed by the Theatrical Props Manager, including carpentry, metal fabrication, molding and casting, painting and basic soft goods (upholstery, sewing).
- Assist with the training of student artisans on specific tasks in the practical aspects of properties construction while the students are working in the shop.
- Assist with the oversight, installation, striking, and re-stocking of properties.
- Assist with the maintenance of the properties database.
- Give input on the project scheduling of student artisans.
- Ensure safe work practices and compliance with MIOSHA regulations, especially regarding the proper use of solvents and related equipment, with special attention to students. Assist with yearly updates to MIOSHA documentation.
- Assist with the maintenance of props shop equipment and stocking of supplies.
- Attend production meetings as necessary when scheduled by the Theatrical Props Manager.
- Assist with the specification of new equipment or the modification of existing equipment to meet operational or special production needs when requested.
- Assist with occasional facility maintenance and special projects.
Mentorship
- Mentor students in practical areas of properties construction. Mentoring can take on many forms, but most important to this position is training and modeling best industry practices to maintain a culture of safety.
- Assist with informal small group instruction and training of students as part of their coursework in the practical aspects of theatrical properties. Topics include construction, installation, operation, and safety. This training and instruction will take place during hands-on theatre "labs" in the Properties Shop and during productions backstage with props crew members.
- Assist with advising student designers on the process of realizing their designs (faculty will advise on aesthetics).
Supervision to be Received: The Lead Props Studio Manager is the direct supervisor. The Associate Properties Manager manages the shop when the Lead Props Studio Manager is absent.
Supervision to be Exercised: Supervision is exercised over temporary employees, student employees, and students enrolled in classes for credit, as directed by the Lead Props Studio Manager.
- A Bachelor's degree in technical theatre or design, or an equivalent combination of education and experience with a recognized professional company or university, as demonstrated by a portfolio/website of completed projects, is necessary.
- Experience in the installation and running of properties is necessary.
- A strong background in the techniques of carpentry, furniture construction, and metalwork. Knowledge in soft goods (upholstery, sewing), painting, CNC, 3D printing and general theatrical practices are a plus.
- Extensive experience with Vectorworks (AutoCAD or similar) programs is desired.
- The ability to read technical drawings is necessary.
- This position routinely uses ladders, catwalks, scaffolds, grids, and aerial work platforms to safely perform work duties such as set decoration; this position routinely moves equipment weighing up to 75 pounds across campus for various events.
- This position involves traveling to various locations on and off campus to conduct UM business and deliver materials, especially to and from warehouses.
- This position is required to work some weekends when in production. This position is non-exempt and is eligible for overtime after 40 hrs. per week; some overtime is necessary for this position.
- A knowledge of theatrical time periods and the ability to do in-depth research on properties is desirable.
- Some familiarity with databases (Excel, FileMaker Pro, Airtable, Trello) is desirable.
- Three years of experience in a properties shop with a recognized professional theatre/production company is desirable.
- The ability to drive a forklift, scissors lift, and a light truck is desirable.
- The ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals is necessary.
Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
A pre-employment background check must be conducted before a candidate may receive a firm offer of employment to a staff position at the University of Michigan.
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
