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Prop Shop Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Scenic Artist

Washington, DC · On-site

$23 - $24.75/hr

Execute scenic treatments on all scenery pieces and specialty prop pieces, as directed by the ... In conjunction with the Scenic Charge Artist, maintain paint shop tools, inventories, and ...

Scenic Artist

Washington, DC · On-site

$23 - $24.75/hr

Execute scenic treatments on all scenery pieces and specialty prop pieces, as directed by the ... In conjunction with the Scenic Charge Artist, maintain paint shop tools, inventories, and ...

Prop Shop information

See Washington salary details

$10

$18

$30

How much do prop shop jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for prop shop in Washington is $18.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $21.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Prop Shop position, and why are they important?

To excel in a Prop Shop role, you need a solid understanding of set construction, fabrication, and props management, usually acquired through hands-on experience or technical theater training. Familiarity with hand and power tools, basic carpentry, painting techniques, and inventory systems is important, and some positions may require forklift certification or OSHA safety training. Resourcefulness, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are vital for collaborating with creative and production teams. These skills are crucial for building safe, functional, and visually accurate props under tight deadlines in fast-paced environments.

What is a Prop Shop job?

A Prop Shop job typically involves working in a prop department for theater, film, television, or live events, where professionals design, build, and manage props used in productions. Responsibilities may include fabricating custom props, sourcing materials, and ensuring props function correctly on set. Workers in a prop shop often have skills in carpentry, sculpting, painting, and sewing. Attention to detail and creativity are essential in this role, as props help bring a production to life.

What does a typical workday look like for someone working in a Prop Shop?

A typical day in a Prop Shop involves collaborating with designers and production staff to interpret prop needs, sourcing and fabricating materials, and maintaining a well-organized inventory of props. Team members may spend time constructing or repairing items, coordinating with other departments for timely set changes, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during rehearsals or performances. Often, the work is hands-on, fast-paced, and requires adapting to last-minute requests or design adjustments. This environment fosters close teamwork, creativity, and offers professionals the chance to see their work directly enhance the overall production.

What are popular job titles related to Prop Shop jobs in Washington? For Prop Shop jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Prop Shop job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 74% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $39,174 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Production Manager

The Catholic University Of America

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Posting Title
Production Manager
Overview
Primary responsibility:
The Production Manager serves as the central coordinator for all production activities within the School of Performing Arts. This position oversees the planning, budgeting, scheduling, and execution of performances, events, and productions across the disciplines of Music and Drama. The Production Manager ensures that each production meets the artistic vision of the faculty and directors while maintaining fiscal responsibility, safety standards, and institutional policies.
This position requires strong organizational, communication, and business management skills, as well as the ability to collaborate with artists, faculty, students, and university administration.
Salary and Dates:
Salary Range $60,000-$65,000/yr with full benefits.
Initial resume review will begin at the end of May, and interviews will be schedueld in June. The job will remain open until filled.
Responsibilities
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
  • Oversee all elements of the production office and production office staff.
  • Create and maintain a safe environment for all personnel in our theatre spaces and shops, as well as our patrons, through written policies and other means.
  • Supervise and train staff production assistants, and student workers in the production office.
  • Hire directors, creatives, designers, and ringers working on the production season.
  • Work with procurement to complete contract/payroll paperwork for contracted artists.
  • Purchase equipment/services as needed by the shops and/or theatre.
  • Lead season planning timelines and logistics in collaboration with faculty and producer
  • Create, oversee, and communicate budgets for all performance events in the RSPA.
  • Locate, interview, and hire overhire technical staff for RSPA productions in collaboration with shop heads.
  • Create production schedules and ensure the deadlines are met throughout the season.
  • Acquire rights and licenses for stage productions.
  • Read all scripts prior to the first production meeting.
  • Attend or ensure a qualified member of the production team attends first rehearsals, speaks to actors about policies, and elects a cast rep.
  • Attend or ensure a qualified member of the production team attends all technical rehearsals for the five main-stage productions annually.
  • Run and plan an agenda for the weekly staff production meeting.
  • Regular communication with technical shops to help keep them on schedule for builds, load-ins, strikes, etc.
  • Regular communication with Production Assistants, Box Office Manager, and RSPA Marketing personnel.
  • Regular communication with the producer to discuss budgets and season planning, and personnel.
  • Assistance in shops and other various production needs (as qualified and able), approaching technical rehearsals.
  • Oversee piano moves for concerts, recitals, and productions. Piano moving companies sometimes only have early hours.
  • Serve as watch captain, could be for both Hartke and Ward buildings, depending on the day and needs.
  • Tour outside venues for possible concerts and school needs.

Duties the Production Manager has shared responsibility with the Technical Director, Costume Shop Manager, or others
  • Oversee load-in/out for orchestral concerts which may involve instrument rentals, instrument moving, and truck rentals/operation.
  • Attend academic safety council meetings (bi-yearly).
  • Oversee prop procurement in the absence of a props designer and supervise up to 2 student employees assisting with props for all stage productions.
  • Serve as student orchestra manager's supervisor along with the head of the orchestra to ensure orchestral needs are met.
  • Co-teach (if qualified) with Shop Managers, Drama 104 Introduction to Technical Theatre, each Spring semester. (This is optional and is paid separately)

Duties that are the responsibility of the Production Manager but are typically done by Production Assistants or Students
  • Ensure student stage managers are supported by the production office with appropriate supplies and mentorship.
  • Oversee program creation and ensure accuracy.
  • Oversee crew needs for productions, track crew hours, and enter grades.
  • Attend weekly orchestra meetings (as needed).
  • Coordinate spaces for rehearsal's, productions, and rentals (both in and out of house).
  • Schedule and staff recitals with student workers.
  • Oversee and keep inventory of the lending of A/V equipment to students.
  • Schedule theatrical spaces and rehearsal rooms, keep Google calendars up to date.

Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree: Degree in Music, Drama, or Dance preferred.
(Consideration given without a degree to candidates with significant production management experience)
At a minimum, three years of technical theatre experience and/or experience in event/production operations. Must have at least 2 years of supervisory experience.