Prop Assistant Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Two River Theater is seeking a Lead Properties Artisan to join our Props team. Working hours are generally Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM, with some availability needed on weeknights and/or weekends for presence at technical rehearsals and/or events.

The Lead Properties Artisan reports to the Props Supervisor and is responsible for supporting all properties needs for shows and events by providing rehearsal and show props, participating in load-ins and load-outs of rehearsal and performance spaces, and contributing to the maintenance of show props and theater inventory. In addition to fabrication responsibilities, the Lead Properties Artisan assists the Properties Supervisor in day-to-day oversight of the prop shop, tools, supplies, and workflow, helping to maintain an organized, safe, and efficient work environment. This position may represent the Properties department at rehearsals, meetings, or technical rehearsals when the Properties Supervisor is unavailable. This position reports to the Properties Supervisor and requires a wide variety of skills including fabrication, sewing, upholstery, painting and strong computer skills.

• Perform all work in a manner that is consistent with Two River’s core values, including our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I), and contribute to the goal of creating a more equitable, diverse and inclusive organization by participating in various staff and organizational ED&I initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Properties Supervisor to determine daily and long-term production priorities in support of rehearsal, performance, and production needs.
• Fabricate, modify, and adapt props and furniture using a wide range of techniques and materials, including carpentry, metalwork, upholstery, sewing, scenic painting, and prop finishing. This includes the construction of durable and weight-bearing props and furniture appropriate for stage use.
• Research designs, materials, and construction methods to realize production requirements.
• Digitally create or modify paper props and graphics as needed.
• Occasionally purchase materials and supplies while assisting with budget tracking and departmental spending.
• Assist with coordination of prop shop workflow, helping ensure projects remain on schedule and fabrication tasks are progressing toward production deadlines.
• Assist in supervising the Properties Assistant and over-hire staff, helping ensure they remain on task, understand assigned projects, and have the tools and materials necessary to complete their work.
• Support the maintenance, organization, and safe operation of the prop shop, including monitoring tools, equipment, and supplies, identifying repair or replacement needs, and recommending purchases or improvements to support efficient fabrication and shop workflow.
• Maintain prop inventory, storage areas, and shop workspaces in an organized and functional condition and assist in archiving shows.
• Attend rehearsals, design meetings, production meetings, and technical rehearsals as needed, and serve as a departmental representative when the Properties Supervisor is unavailable, communicating production needs and updates.
• Provide limited coordination and communication with designers, directors, and other production departments to support successful implementation of prop designs.
• Participate in load-ins, notes sessions, and load-outs for rehearsal and performance spaces.
• Assist the Properties Supervisor in providing props for TRT events, programs and rentals on an as-needed or as-available basis, and at the discretion of the Producing Director.
• Night and weekend coverage as needed.

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working in a professional LORT prop shop or equivalent professional theatrical props environment.
• Strong fabrication skills including carpentry and the construction of structural and weight-bearing props or furniture intended for repeated performance use. Experience building rehearsal furniture, stage furniture, and actor-interactive props that must safely support performers. Experience with welding or metal fabrication preferred.
• Knowledge of sewing, upholstery, painting, crafts, fabrication, prop finishing, and set dressing.
• An understanding of historical periods and styles.
• Proficiency in Photoshop and Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute fabrication projects from research through construction and finish.
• Excellent written, and verbal or signed communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience in a prop shop, fabrication shop, or similar environment preferred.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and multi-task.
• Ability to work with a variety of artists in high pressure situations.
• Willingness to remain flexible in an environment of ever-changing priorities.
• Knowledge of safety equipment and standards in a prop shop.
• The physical ability to work on a computer and on one’s feet for long hours, to work on ladders and hydraulic lifts occasionally, to lift furniture, boxes, and other items weighing over 25 pounds.