Theater Props Assistant

FULL TIME POSITION STARTS JULY 1, 2024

WHO WE ARE

Arena Stage is the voice of American theater resident in our nation's capital. Focused on American artists, our productions are innovative and representative of stories from across the country. We nurture new plays and reimagine classics. We celebrate our democracy and diversity through a multitude of voices in our productions and community engagement programs to inspire people to action.

WHAT WE VALUE

A work culture that values experimentation and collaboration.

Excellence in all aspects of our endeavor.

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion throughout the Organization and within our audience and the community.

Community Service through education and public engagement.

Lead effective partnerships and collaboration to serve artists and arts professionals.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Prepare, move and set properties during the performance; to maintain, repair and store props during the run of the production. To assist in the build of the assigned production.

MINIMUM/CORE REQUIREMENTS:

• Two years technical theatre background.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

Skills in several of the disciplines required for building props: including carpentry, upholstery, painting, crafts, graphics, sculpture, sewing, researching, and food prep. The ability and willingness to learn new skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to lift and move 50 lbs with or without assistance and with or without reasonable accommodation.

Able to communicate on/over headset with or without reasonable accommodation.

Able to navigate in low light, fog, haze and smoke with or without reasonable accommodation.

KEY FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Learn the placement of furniture and hand props, also any special effects and food prep during tech week from both the Properties Director and the Stage Management team.
• Assist the SM team with the set up the designated prop tables backstage before tech.
• Check all props before and after each performance to assess their condition. Repair or replace props as needed, communicating with the SM team the notes for the daily show report, and consulting the Properties Director if necessary.
• Be available before and after performances for emergency repairs or replacements, as needed, and consult the Properties Director if necessary.
• Prepare consumable props which include all food and drink. Notify the Properties Director for restocking consumables. Inspect that all paper goods are in good condition, breakables and special effects props are re-rigged and set for each performance.
• Remove and set props at scene changes and intermissions during the performances.
• Maintain appearance of set and furniture by cleaning when needed.
• Coordinate activities with the Stage Management team and assist other running crew with any additional duties necessary for the run of the show; also including being attentive to performers needs backstage during performances.
• Restore props to their tables or lock up and cover the furniture at the end of the night.
• Maintain the organization and cleanliness of the Props kitchen.
• Assist in the maintenance and organization of other prop areas in the building.
• May be asked to support understudy rehearsals.
• Assist in the build of the productions in the prop shop between show runs, including researching, shopping, and constructing props.
• Required to wear black clothing and/ or may be asked to wear a costume for scene changes during productions.
• Required to use, maintain, and store firearms if production calls for it.
• Attend class and get certified in CPR/First Aid
• Respond to theatre wide properties needs as requested: Prop Sales, Design Runs, Move to Stage Days, strike, warehouse maintenance, etc.

• COMPUTER SKILLS UTILIZED- Word, PowerPoint, Excel, minimal knowledge of Photoshop, Dropbox

The Washington Drama Society, Inc., Arena Stage does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Human Resources at hr@arenastage.org or call 202-488-3300.

Offers of employment at Arena Stage are contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check and/or professional reference check as allowed by employment law in the District of Columbia.