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Prop Design Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Prop Design information

See Indiana salary details

$17

$48

$69

How much do prop design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for prop design in Indiana is $48.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.31 and $58.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by prop designers when collaborating with directors and other creative departments?

Prop designers often collaborate closely with directors, set designers, and costume teams to ensure that props align with the overall vision of a production. A common challenge is balancing creative ideas with practical constraints like budget, materials availability, and time. Effective communication is essential, as last-minute script changes or design adjustments may require rapid problem-solving and flexibility. Building strong relationships with other departments helps streamline the process and ensures that props enhance the storytelling while meeting safety and functional requirements.

What is the difference between Prop Design vs Set Design?

AspectProp DesignSet Design
Primary FocusCreating and sourcing individual props used on setDesigning entire physical environments and backgrounds
Required SkillsProp sourcing, craftsmanship, attention to detailSet construction, spatial planning, scenic design
Work EnvironmentWorkshops, on-location, studioStudio, on-location, construction sites
Industry UsageFilm, TV, theater, commercialsFilm, TV, theater, events

Prop Design focuses on creating and sourcing individual objects that enhance storytelling, while Set Design involves designing entire environments. Both roles collaborate closely but serve different aspects of production design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Prop Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prop Designer, you need strong artistic ability, spatial awareness, and a solid understanding of design principles, often supported by a degree in art, design, or a related field. Familiarity with digital design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, or CAD), model-making tools, and sometimes 3D printing technologies is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are vital soft skills for bringing concepts to life and working within larger creative teams. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling, functional props that enhance storytelling and meet production needs.

What is prop design?

Prop design is the process of creating and developing objects that actors interact with on stage, in film, or on television. These objects, known as props, can range from everyday items like books and cups to fantastical creations for imaginative worlds. Prop designers work closely with directors, set designers, and other production staff to ensure props meet the story's needs, are safe for use, and fit the visual style of the production. Their work may involve sketching, building, painting, and sometimes sourcing items. Effective prop design helps bring authenticity and depth to a production.
What are popular job titles related to Prop Design jobs in Indiana? For Prop Design jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Prop Design jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Prop Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Prop Design job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,328 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Middle School Theater Set Director

Griffith Public School District

Griffith, IN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Athletics/Activities/Activity Sponsor
Date Posted:
2/28/2026
Location:
Griffith Middle School
Date Available:
Winter 2027
Middle School Set Director - Middle School Winter Season
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Has the ability to organize and supervise a middle school theatre program, specifically the building and moving of sets within a full-length production.
2. Serves as an appropriate role model for students through his/her instructions and actions.
3. Has some broad general knowledge of theatrical processes, including both performance and technical theatre. Must have specific and extensive knowledge in set design, set construction, and stagehand knowledge.
REPORTS TO: The middle school theatre director, who provides overall criteria and feedback.
JOB GOAL: To instruct students in the fundamental skills, strategy and training necessary for them to realize a degree of individual and group success. At the same time, the director must instruct and demonstrate behaviors that lead to socially acceptable character development, self-discipline, self-confidence, and pride of accomplishment in the student. To upgrade his/her knowledge and skills through the rehearsal process, observations, consultation, etc.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Has a thorough knowledge of all the school policies approved by the Griffith Public Schools' Board of Education and is responsible for their implementation by the entire staff of the season.
2. Has knowledge of and interprets existing system, state and league regulations.
3. Understands the proper administrative line of command and refers all requests or grievances through proper channels. Will be aware of all public/staff/departmental meetings that require attendance.
4. Supervises students from start of rehearsal until the end of rehearsal and will supervise until the last student has left.
STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Establishes the fundamental philosophy, skills and techniques to be taught by staff.
2. Maintains discipline, adjusts grievances and works to increase morale and cooperation.
3. Performs such other duties that may be assigned by the middle school director/principal.
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:
1 Assists in the necessary preparation to hold scheduled performances or rehearsals and adheres to scheduled facility times. Coordinates program(s) with maintenance and school employees.
2. Provides documentation to fulfill system requirements concerning cautionary statements, parental consent and eligibility.
3. Provides proper safeguards for maintenance and protection of assigned equipment sites.
4. Advises the middle director and recommends policy, method or procedural changes.
RESPONSIBILITIES TO STUDENTS:
1. Serves as a mentor to each student to promote the development and demonstration in students' character traits of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
2. Gives constant attention to a student's grades and conduct.
3. Provides assistance, guidance and safeguards for each participant.
4. Completes paperwork on all disabling injuries on proper forms and submits to high school office within 24 hours.
5. Directs student managers, assistants and crew members.
6. Determines discipline, delineates procedures concerning due process when the enforcement of discipline is necessary, and contacts parents when a student is dropped or becomes ineligible.
FINANCE AND EQUIPMENT:
1. Recommends equipment guidelines as to type, style, color or technical specifications. Responsible for operating within budget appropriations.
2. Collects the cost of any equipment lost or not returned. Is accountable for arranges, issuing, storing and reconditioning of equipment and submits annual inventory for current records.
3. Properly marks and identifies all equipment before issuing or storing.
4. Monitors equipment rooms including the prop loft, sound booth, light room, and all areas designated within the auditorium and performance spaces. Authorizes who may enter, issue or requisition equipment. Specifically ensures safety when working with students and power tools in the building of sets.
5. Permits the students to only be in authorized areas of the building at appropriate times.
6. Examines auditorium areas and other performance facilities before and after rehearsals and performances, checking on general cleanliness of the facility. Supervises cleanliness and maintenance of specific equipment.
7. Secures all doors, lights, windows and locks before leaving building if custodians are not on duty.
8. Instills in each student a respect for equipment and school property, its care and proper use.
PUBLIC RELATIONS:
1. Organizes parents, directors, students, and guests for preseason meetings.
2. Promotes the season within the school through recruiting students who are not in another program and promotes the season outside the school through news media, social media, or in any other feasible manner.
3. Prepares a quality, effective and valid communication through oral or written releases to local media.
4. Maintains good public relations with news media, parents, officials, volunteers and patrons.