Temporary Props Manager

The Props Manager at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee (BCB) provides critical props management and care for BCB productions including musicals, operas, plays, and other performances. This is a part-time, non-exempt position averaging 25 hours per week during the academic year (late August to mid-May), with minimal hours during summer months. Nights and weekends will be required.

About the role

Under the department of Performance Services, the Props Manager reports to the Technical Director (Mainstage Theater) and collaborates closely with the full production team, deans and chairs of Theater, Dance and Music, and guest directors and designers. The Props Manager may supervise production technician assistants and student workers, as well as provide support for temporary props managers hired based on production needs.

Responsibilities

• Procure, build, and realize all props, furniture, and set dressing for BCB productions across Theater, Dance, and Music Divisions, with a focus on Mainstage and curricular Zack Box performances
• Design and maintain comprehensive documentation, tracking processes, and communications around props stock, purchases, repairs, and opportunities
• Ensure all rehearsal props are prepared, in good condition, and delivered to stage management prior to staging rehearsals
• Initiate and maintain extensive props paperwork for productions in coordination with stage management
• Coordinate props meetings with directors, stage managers, and designers as needed
• Coordinate transportation to and from off-site props storage, as well as additional transportation to pick up and return rented or newly purchased items
• Oversee properties budget for specific productions, including purchases and rentals of materials, specific items, furniture, set dressing, and other items as needed. Ensure productions are achievable within budget, and reconcile all purchases, reimbursements, and/or invoices as needed
• Coordinate shop time or other resources for builds with Technical Director as needed
• Attend rehearsals, including technical and dress rehearsals, as needed to support the productions
• Schedule, train and supervise additional production technicians and student workers as necessary
• Ensure clear and maintained organization of props storage areas
• Provide guidance and support regarding props and furniture for curricular and non-curricular performances in the Zack Box space
• Ensure performers, staff, and any person handling prop weapons is aware of and follows all prop safety/weapons policies

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience. A degree in Theater or related field is preferred
• Two or more years experience working as a props manager, artisan, and/or designer in a professional theater or other arts environment
• Experience working with college students in a professional capacity
• Working knowledge of standard theatrical practices and procedures
• General knowledge of theater, musical theater, and/or opera production needs

Skills

• Creative skills necessary for props management and construction
• Proficiency in use of hand and power tools, craft work, painting, sewing, upholstery, and other props-related trades
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Dropbox for record-keeping and communications
• Valid MA driver’s license and clean driving record preferred

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Occasional supervision of Production Technician assistants
• Minimal training and supervision of student workers and backstage crew during rehearsal process
• Regular supervision of student labor force for maintaining props storage

Work Environment

• Indoor environments, some with low light: stages, backstage areas, dressing rooms, costume shop, props storage, office spaces
• Some travel to off-campus storage and other locations; a valid driver’s license is preferred
• Seated and standing positions, stairs, ladders, and reaching up to shelves
• Occasional nights and weekends

Pay

$26-$28 per hour; salary dependent on relevant experience and education.