Summary
NOTE: This is a full time / seasonal job working the production year (37 weeks) from mid-August to the end of April annually. The posted salary listed of $41,600 – $49,920 FTR would be the full time – 12 month salary (The seasonal salary rage is $35,520 – $38,480 per season/$960 – $1,040 per week/$24.00 – $26.00 per hour).
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, please include 3 references and upload materials as one PDF document.
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. SMTD is committed to sharing values of diversity and inclusion, especially regarding historically underrepresented individuals, in order to achieve goals and sustain excellence. In the theatrical properties shop, this work includes fostering an inclusive space welcome to all and enabling everyone to increase their comfort with technical skills.
University Productions presents ten fully mounted main stage shows each season, serving the departments of Theatre & Drama, Musical Theatre, Dance, and Voice 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.
Responsibilities*
Basic Function and Responsibility
1) As an artisan of expertise, participate in the construction of properties for approximately nine fully staged productions, and two studio productions per season. 2) Assist with procurement, crewing, installation, and maintenance. 3) Assist with the supervision of activities and staff in the properties shop, as well the storage, maintenance, and inventory of properties stock.
Duties to be Performed
- Fabricate properties according to approved designs and within cost estimates as directed by the Theatrical Properties Manager, including crafts (plastics, wood, metal, molding and casting, painting) and soft goods (upholstery, sewing).
- Assist with the oversight, installation, operation, striking, and re-stocking of properties. Assist with the maintenance of the properties database. Assist with the maintenance and security of theatrical weaponry including theatrical firearms simulators. Assist with technical rehearsals when scheduled by the Theatrical Properties Manager.
- Be the lead properties manager on approximately four productions per season, to be decided in consultation with the Theatrical Properties Manager and the Production Manager at the beginning of the season. Work with designers and directors to create and implement props lists. Attendance at evening and weekend technical rehearsals is necessary, according to project needs, as well as attendance at occasional staging rehearsals.
- Assist with maintaining a clean and organized properties shop.
- Assist with coordinating work schedules of temporary/student staff and project scheduling.
- 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 storage, maintenance and organization of properties inventory (in shop and two warehouses). Assist with the maintenance of property-shop equipment and stocking of supplies.
- Attend production meetings as necessary when scheduled by the Theatrical Properties 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 special projects and facility improvements.
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 Theatrical Properties Manager is the direct supervisor.
Supervision to be Exercised
Supervision is exercised over regular employees, temporary employees, work-study students, and students enrolled in classes for credit, as directed by the Theatrical Properties Manager.
Required Qualifications*
- A Bachelor’s degree in technical theatre or design, or an equivalent combination of education and experience with a recognized professional company or university, is necessary.
- Experience in the installation and running of properties is necessary.
- A strong background in the techniques of crafts (plastics, wood, metal, casting, and painting), soft goods (upholstery, sewing), props carpentry, light metalwork, web shopping, and general theatrical practices is necessary.
- The ability to use computer graphics programs to create paper properties is necessary. Extensive experience with Photoshop and Vectorworks (AutoCAD or similar) programs is necessary.
- 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.
- An understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre, and/or a commitment to learning and joining University of Michigan’s efforts to be an anti-racist organization is necessary.
- This position is required to work some evenings and 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.
- The ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures is necessary.
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience with some supervisory responsibility in the theatrical properties shop of a recognized professional or educational theatre company is desirable.
- A knowledge of theatrical time periods and the ability to do in-depth research on properties is desirable.
- Some experience with light carpentry and metal work is a plus.
- Some familiarity with databases (Excel, FileMaker Pro, Airtable, Trello) is desirable.
- Three year’s experience in a properties shop with a recognized professional theatre company is desirable.
- The ability to drive a forklift, scissors lift, and a light truck is desirable.
Background Screening
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.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
231666
Working Title
Associate Theatrical Properties Manager
Job Title
Theatre Artisan Associate Supr
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
School Music
Department
SMTD University Productions
Posting Begin/End Date
3/10/2023 – 3/31/2023
Salary
$41,600.00 – $49,920.00
Career Interest
The Arts