Overhire Props Artisan

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award® and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them with work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.   

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences.  

Rob Melrose and Incoming Managing Director Jennifer Bielstein along with Alley’s leadership team are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves. 

JOB STATEMENT

Props Artisans work in conjunction with the Properties Director to achieve the scenic designer's artistic vision on all assigned productions.

JOB DUTIES

• Construction, painting, acquiring, and finishing of all properties as needed, including hand props, paper goods, furniture, furnishings and set decorations for all productions.
• Repair, upholstering, and refinishing of properties borrowed, purchased or constructed for productions.
• Pulling of properties from stock as needed for productions, rental, or rehearsal, which includes transporting furniture to and from an offsite warehouse.
• Participate in the prop build, load-in, set dress and strike of all productions.
• Under the supervision of prop shop management, help to maintain equipment, supplies, and stock items, and participate in the day-to-day maintenance of the prop shop facilities.
• Additional related duties as assigned by the Properties Director.

In addition to the duties listed above, the Alley Theatre expects the following of each employee: adheres to theatre's policies and procedures; works in a safe manner; performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets department productivity standards; participates in Alley Theatre events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE)

• Training in safe operation of stationary and portable power tools and hand tools.
• Ability to read and interpret working drawings and renderings.
• The ideal candidate has skills in some of the following areas:
  • Woodworking, framing, finish carpentry
  • Metal working, welding, bending
  • Furniture finishing
  • Sculpture
  • Casting & molding
  • Upholstery, soft goods and sewing
  • Crafting
  • Painting
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Photoshop.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, energized and quickly changing environment.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Detail oriented, able to prioritize efficiently and multi-task.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

• Prolonged periods of standing and bending.
• Ability to regularly move and lift 30-50 lbs.
• Occasional ladder and MEWP (Personnel Lifts) work at heights up to 30 feet.
• Hours during assigned productions follow rehearsal and performance schedules. Typical hours are during the day, but the position requires the flexibility to be available for weekend, holidays, and evening work hours as needed.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances
• Bi-weekly $4 discounted parking

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].

The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.