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Props Designer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Props Designer information

What does a props designer do?

A props designer is responsible for designing, creating, and sourcing all the physical objects that actors use on stage or in film, known as 'props.' They work closely with the director and set designer to ensure that each prop fits the production’s visual style and meets the needs of the script. Their job includes researching historical periods, materials, and techniques to create authentic and functional props. They may also oversee the maintenance and organization of props during rehearsals and performances.

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

To thrive as a Props Designer, you need a solid understanding of design principles, fabrication techniques, and artistic creativity, often backed by a degree in theater design, fine arts, or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as CAD software, 3D modeling programs, and various workshop equipment is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and time management skills help you collaborate effectively with directors and production teams under tight deadlines. These abilities are crucial to creating visually compelling, functional props that enhance storytelling and meet production needs.

What are some common challenges props designers face when working on fast-paced productions?

Props Designers often encounter tight deadlines and last-minute changes, especially in fast-paced film, television, or theater environments. Balancing creative vision with budget constraints and material availability can be demanding. Additionally, effective communication with directors, set designers, and production teams is crucial to ensure all props meet safety standards and fit seamlessly into the overall design. Flexibility and strong organizational skills help Props Designers navigate these challenges and deliver high-quality results on time.

What is the difference between Props Designer vs Set Designer?

Props DesignerSet Designer
Focuses on designing, sourcing, and creating props used on stage or screenDesigns and constructs the physical environment or scenery for a production
Requires knowledge of prop construction, materials, and safetyRequires understanding of set construction, space planning, and scenic design
Works closely with directors, costume designers, and prop mastersCollaborates with directors, lighting designers, and production designers

Props Designers primarily handle individual objects used in a production, while Set Designers create the overall environment or scenery. Both roles require knowledge of design principles and industry standards, but Props Designers focus on smaller, detailed items, whereas Set Designers work on larger structural elements. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in production design.

How do you become a props designer?

To become a props designer, individuals typically need a background in art, design, or theater production, often gained through a relevant degree or training program. Building a portfolio of work, gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, and developing skills in materials, construction, and design software are essential steps in entering the field.

What are popular job titles related to Props Designer jobs in Oregon?

For Props Designer jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Props Designer jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Props Designer jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Props Designer jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Props Designer job openings:

Props Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Props Designer job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Charge Scenic Artist

Ashland, OR • On-site

Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Performing Arts Companies • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Oregon Shakespeare Festivalexternal

$38.95/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Now Hiring: Charge Scenic Artist
Department: Scene Shop | Reports to: Technical Director
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (40 hours/week), Non-Union
Pay Rate: $38.95 hourly
Location: Ashland / Talent, OR 

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is seeking an experienced and collaborative Charge Scenic Artist to lead the day-to-day scenic painting and finishing work for OSF productions. This role is ideal for an accomplished scenic artist who combines exceptional craft with strong leadership, organization, and a passion for bringing scenic designs to life.  

The Role You’ll Play

As Charge Scenic Artist, you’ll oversee the finishing of scenery and props while collaborating closely with designers, production managers, and scenic staff. You’ll translate artistic concepts into achievable finishes, manage workflow and schedules, supervise and develop the scenic art team, and help ensure projects meet OSF’s artistic, budgetary, and safety standards.  

What You’ll Do

Scenic Painting & Finishing: Paint, texture, carve, detail, and finish scenery and props while developing samples and techniques that realize each production’s design.

Creative Collaboration: Work with designers and production teams to interpret renderings, models, photographs, and other design information into clear work specifications.

Team Leadership: Hire, schedule, train, coach, and supervise scenic art staff while assigning projects and monitoring progress.

Scheduling & Workflow: Develop paint schedules and coordinate scenic art workflows with other production departments.

Budget & Materials: Estimate project costs, track the scenic art budget, purchase materials, and support annual budgeting.

Shop Operations & Safety: Maintain tools, equipment, and finishing plans while partnering with managers to promote safe and inclusive working practices.  

You’ll Thrive Here If You…

Have at least 4 years of professional theatrical scene painting or scenic production experience.
Bring demonstrated expertise in scenic techniques such as texturing, trompe l’oeil, faux wood and marble, sculpting, lettering, aging, and distressing.  
Are skilled at interpreting scenic designs and translating artistic concepts into finished work.
Have strong leadership, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Understand color theory and can confidently mix and match colors and finishes.

Preferred Qualifications

Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
Familiarity with AutoCAD or other drafting programs.
Experience carving, finishing, and painting foam.
Knowledge of basic scenery and prop construction.  

Physical & Schedule Requirements

Ability to lift up to 45 lbs, climb ladders and scaffolding, squat and work in position while painting, and stand or walk for extended periods. The role may require fall-arrest harnesses, respirators, and personnel lifts. The standard schedule is Monday–Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends for load-ins, load-outs, and technical rehearsals.

Organizational Background 

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) was founded in 1935 in Ashland, OR, and has grown from a three-day festival of two plays to a nationally renowned theatre arts organization that presents a rotating repertory season of up to 10 plays and musicals, including illuminating interpretations of Shakespeare, other enduring classics, and new works. OSF productions have been presented on Broadway, internationally, and at regional, community, and high school theatres across the country. OSF received the 1983 Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is one of the largest nonprofit theatres in the nation with three stages, including an outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre.

Statement of Purpose 

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival creates world-class theatre, revealing our collective humanity through illuminating interpretations of new and classic plays, and inspiring a love of our art form for current and future generations. 

Company Values 
    • We are committed to working toward inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, creating a space of belonging for all audiences and employees—through concrete actions and systemic improvements. 
    • We nurture and support our artists, attracting and retaining diverse, innovative talent across the organization. 
    • We believe in the transformational power of collaborative artmaking and performance. 
    • We recognize the importance of responsible stewardship of resources and sustainable business, financial, and environmental practices. 
    • We serve the public good and engage with and respect our community of artists, audiences, staff, local citizens, patrons, donors, and the greater theatre community worldwide.