Props Designer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The application window for this position has an anticipated end date of 06/05/2026.

Company Overview

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is one of the largest non-profit theatre organizations in the nation, presenting Broadway tours and producing theatre, cabaret, musicals, and innovative, immersive experiences. Through these experiences and alongside our robust Education program, we engage hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The DCPA’s workforce includes more than 300 employed team members in non-union and union positions (in partnership with seven unions). In addition, we employ hundreds of artists and contractors annually. We have a strong volunteer program which includes more than 300 volunteers.

Our Mission: “We engage and inspire through the transformative power of live theatre.”

Culture Statement

For more than 40 years, creativity and community have been the foundation of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ success. As a leading cultural organization in the Rocky Mountain West, we are actively participating in a cultural evolution of belonging and anti-racism. Our commitment to reflect the diversity and priorities of our community — in our workplace, audience and programming — has never been more present.

We believe that the theater can transform us — and be transformed by us. We invite you to be part of our Team.

Job purpose

The Properties Artisan/Shopper is a split duty position where 50% of the time is spent shopping and 50% working in the shop. The Artisan/Shopper works in collaboration with the Properties Supervisor, researching, sourcing, and purchasing props to realize designers’ visions for all Denver Center produced productions and events. They also assist in the creation and modification of props for all productions. This role coordinates with shop personnel and department leadership to procure materials and supports pulling and restoring stock inventory. The position also helps maintain select equipment and manage inventory to ensure organization and readiness.

Duties and responsibilities

• Manages their time to split duties between purchasing and building props
• Purchases properties; including online and in-store purchases
• Sets up tax exempt accounts with businesses
• Acquires materials and goods needed to execute the props.
• Assists in creating props; including understanding working drawings/elevations, construction methods; soft goods, upholstery, casting, mold making, painting, faux finishing techniques, ephemera, carpentry, welding, hand tools, power tools, adhesives, foams, mixed media fabrication, etc.
• Discusses and understands the show concepts with the designer and/or Properties Supervisor and Associate Supervisor.
• Keeps detailed receipts and invoices for all purchases.
• Assesses the cost of mounting the props and adhere to establish budgets for each production.
• Services and maintains prop shop equipment and warehouse inventory.
• Maintains a safe, healthy, and clean environment in shops, theatres, and storage facility
• Maintains SDS sheets on all necessary products purchased for prop shop.
• To perform other related work as required.
• Determines allocation of duties with Properties Supervisor and Associate Supervisor

Qualifications

An ideal candidate will have the following skills and/or experience:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2 - 3 years of relevant experience required.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• Effective communication skills – written, oral, and visual.
• A working knowledge of all aspects of the theatre – production and technical as well as performance.
• Strong organizational, budgeting, and labor management skills.
• A working knowledge of construction techniques and standards; and the physical capability to operate hand and power tools.
• Strong computer skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, and online shopping. Photoshop is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of period styles, theatrical terms to produce accurate and precise props.
• Ability to read scaled construction or design drawings and create properties from verbal, written, and visual images.
• Ability to work productively under time pressures and meet deadlines.

Working conditions

Ability to work long hours and work with a flexible schedule. Must be willing to work at heights, around moving machinery, and with exposure to noise, vibration, and dust. Ability to work safely in an environment containing potentially hazardous electrical equipment, fumes, vapor, gases, and/or materials.

Physical requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Direct reports

No direct reports

Compensation

$27.00 - $28.50 Hourly

Benefits

Seasonal positions include the following benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance and Pet Insurance

401k Plan with employer contributions

Time off benefits including personal days, sick days, vacation days and 10 paid holidays.

The DCPA is located in Denver, CO and all roles are based at our on-site location: 1101 13th Street, Denver, CO 80204. Some roles at the DCPA may be eligible for hybrid work options. More information is available through the interview process.

The DCPA does not require applicants to disclose age, date of birth or dates of attendance and/or graduation from an educational institution in their application for employment. Applicants may redact these and other applicable dates from their resume, transcript, and any other material that they submit as part of their application for employment.

In order to provide high quality, culturally competent care to our patrons, students, guests and team members, it is of highest importance that our hiring practices reflect our values by offering an environment that celebrates diversity and embraces inclusion. All of our team members – regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, language, abilities/disabilities, socioeconomic status, geographic region, or other defining characteristics – should feel welcome and valued.