Properties Manager

Position description updated October 2024

VP Area: Theatre School

Department: Theatre School

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Benefit Eligibility: Yes

Position Summary

Oklahoma City University is searching for a Properties Manager to join our professional artistic community. The Properties Manager will lead the execution of props designs for productions in the School of Theatre and the Opera/Musical Theatre program within the School of Music and will typically teach one course per semester. This is a full-time 12-month staff position with full benefits.

The Properties Manager manages students in the creation and execution of properties for mainstage productions. This position is responsible for fabricating and/or acquiring props, as well as the upkeep and maintenance of all props and furniture in our inventory. They also assist the Studio Series and Spotlight productions in acquiring props for their shows. The Design & Production program at OCU prepares students for sustainable, professional careers in theatre and the entertainment industry. We combine a comprehensive curriculum offering conservatory style training with a robust production season. The program offers five partnerships with OKC performing arts organizations for students to gain professional experience during their college career.

OCU is committed to building a diverse and inclusive faculty, staff, and student body. We welcome applications from members of groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education institutions. The School of Theatre is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and are aligned with our university's overarching vision and mission. Further, we aspire to engage in our work in equitable and inclusive ways, and desire to work with a team member who is committed to our university and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion's strategic goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Theatre or equivalent combination of training and professional experience
• Professional properties design and production experience
  
  

Job Duties

• Design and/or mentor student designers in the execution of properties for theatre, opera, and musical mainstage productions
• Manage props budgets for productions and prop shop supplies
• Acquiring necessary props for shows through fabrication, shopping, purchasing, and/or borrowing
• Attend all scheduled production meetings, designer runs, technical & dress rehearsals
• Supervise and assist with props load-ins and strikes, and ensure that props and furniture are being returned to inventory after use
• Generate props department build and workflow schedule for each production
• Manage the Prop Shop student professional and other prop shop work-study students
• Ensure a clean, safe, and efficient working environment in the prop shop and storage facility
• Collaborate with work study students and student stage management team to develop and maintain props lists and provide rehearsal props
• Assist in basic scene painting for productions; secondary to props workflow needs
• Assist Studio Series & Spotlight directors in prop acquisition - typically via oversight of the Prop Shop student professional
• Organization of the props shop and maintenance of supplies
• Management of props and furniture inventory in the theaters, prop shop, and our warehouse
• Reading rehearsal and performance reports & performing props maintenance and replenishment as needed during productions
• Coordinate and manage props & furniture rentals
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Personable and culturally competent team player who is committed to collaborating in a safe, friendly, and inclusive work environment
• Strong artistic sense, communication & organizational skills, and ability to set and meet deadlines
• Experience with stationary tools, hand power tools, and pneumatic tools
• Experience in props construction techniques such as: woodworking, molding & casting, upholstering, soft goods, foam carving, hand and machine sewing
• Knowledge of historical periods and styles
• Ability to read and build from designer draftings
• Understanding of industry safety and OSHA regulations for life performances
• Scene painting skills such as: color mixing, layout, faux treatment & texture techniques
• Experience with MS Office suite, Photoshop, Illustrator, Vectorworks, and/or AutoCAD
  
  

Application process

• Submit cover letter & resume
• Digital portfolio or link to website with samples of props work
  
  

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Comfortable working at heights on ladders, scaffolding, and lifts
• Ability to lift supplies and equipment weighting up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work in low light environments
• Must be able to safely bend, stoop, and reach
• May not be colorblind
• Must have adequate hearing to communicate effectively in person and by phone, sometimes in a noisy work environment
• This position works a standard 40-hour work week with some flexibility as to daily schedule
• Required attendance at evening or weekend work call happens on occasion (very infrequently) and comes with overtime pay if work is over 40 hours in one-week span
• Any evening or weekend hours worked in a week will typically be compensated in the same work week, ensuring the employee doesn't exceed 40 hours in a work week. Any additional hours over 40 will be paid at standard overtime rate.