Overview
Props Manager & Resident Props Designer Jobs in Austin, USA at Zach Theater
Position: Props Manager & Resident Props Designer
At Zach, we believe in the power of light—to illuminate new ideas, spark imagination, and bring people together. As Austin’s leading professional producing theater, we create vibrant, intimate theater experiences that engage, inspire, and connect our community. The Properties Manager is responsible for the design, purchasing, and building of all hand and scenic props and dressing for Zach productions. This includes furniture, set dressing, weaponry and consumables for a production as well as special effects in coordination with the Technical Director, including flame/pyrotechnics.
Additionally, they are responsible for managing the Props Fabrication shop, its team members (including full-time and overhire artisans), and other duties as assigned by the Director of Production.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- In charge of the on-time and on-budget delivery of all properties for all Zach productions and special events, as assigned by the Director of Production
- Serves as Resident Properties Designer for all Zach productions and coordinates with contracted Scenic Designers on selection of dressing, furniture, and other cross departmental elements
- Schedules and organizes the shopping and construction of properties and set dressings
- In charge of the hiring and scheduling of prop artisans involved with each production
- Collaborates with the Technical Director, Scenic Charge, Manager of Lighting and Video, Stage Operations Supervisor, and Costume Director on cross departmental elements
- Maintains Props Inventory including digital database and repair and maintenance of all goods
- Oversees the properties rental program to internal and external clients
- Participates in mandatory technical rehearsals and previews
- Participates in all Production Meetings, Staff Meetings, and Notes Meetings as assigned by the Director of Production
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Technical Production or Design with 2 years professional producing theater experience; or a combination of experience yielding commensurate expertise (Required)
- 4 Years of Professional Experience in theatre with 2 Years of experience as Properties Manager or Designer (Preferred)
- Experience driving a box truck or trailer (Preferred)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Demonstrates planning and organizational skills
- Demonstrates knowledge of MS Office including MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook
- Ability to multitask, set priorities, meet deadlines, and manage personnel and projects
- Ability to accurately budget and track expenses for prop needs
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team, build collaborative relationships, and assist other departments as needed
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing
- Ability to interact with all levels of the organization and handle change effectively
- Thorough knowledge of Art and Architecture history including furniture and motifs
- Ability to successfully collaborate with scenic designers to achieve the production’s vision
- Shows evidence of finding creative solutions, possesses a high aesthetic standard, and solves problems resourcefully
- Thorough knowledge of construction materials including plastics and epoxies
- Thorough knowledge of construction techniques and materials including wood, steel, plastics, foam, molds, epoxies and soft goods
- Demonstrates knowledge of small motors, pneumatics, hydraulics and electronics
- Knowledge of pyrotechnics, special effects, and flame special effects
- Knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, or equivalent photo editing software
- Demonstrated ability to use basic hand and power tools
- Knowledge of safety regulations and best practice
- Ability to perform all work with a direct reflection of the vision, mission, and values of Zach Theater
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This is a campus-based, on-site role. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions upon discussion with HR.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, or maneuver up to…
Title: Props Manager & Resident Props Designer
Company: Zach Theater
Location: Austin, USA
Category: