Prop Shop Supervisor
Reports to: Head of Props
THE ORGANIZATION
The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization.
Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Fiscal Responsibility.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.
THE POSITION
The Prop Shop Supervisor is responsible for fabricating and modifying props for all Guthrie Theater productions, and providing assistance with the day-to-day operations of the Prop Department. This position interprets technical plans, pictures, and verbal ideas to produce functional props and set dressing. The Prop Shop Supervisor supports the Head of Props and Associate Head of Props in leading prop staff and overhire to ensure props are completed in a timely, safe, and well-executed manner. This position monitors and fosters shop safety procedures and oversees the organization, maintenance, and upkeep of the shop, onsite storage, and warehouse storage to provide a safe and efficient work environment. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie's core values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Fiscal Responsibility.
This position is full-time, non-exempt and benefits-eligible. Compensation is $30.33 per hour, plus benefits. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13. The typical schedule for this role is Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., with overtime as needed.
The Guthrie is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender and non-binary candidates. This position will remain open until filled and until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Engineer and Construct Props
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Build, create, modify and install props, special effects and set dressing to convey the designer's vision, meet the functional requirements of the play and ensure durability and safety standards.
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Provide technical assistance and offer solutions to address issues of safety, function, aesthetics, and fabrication methods.
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Determine effective building processes including accurate time estimates and materials needed.
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Communicate as needed with Creative teams, Stage Management, and across other production departments to evaluate use and function of props.
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Coordinate with other production departments to develop plans for the efficient integration of prop elements.
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Research and determine effective building processes including accurate time estimates and materials for special projects.
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Complete other duties as assigned.
2. Maintenance of Spaces and Supplies
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Organize, direct and participate in the weekly and seasonal maintenance and cleaning of the shop.
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Maintain appropriate inventory levels of stock shop materials and supplies in coordination with Prop Shopper/Buyer.
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Restore props to the proper location when no longer in use.
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Transport stock items and materials between storage areas and theater spaces.
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Communicate problems and unsafe conditions to appropriate person(s).
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Maintain safe and operable shop tools, communicating with the Head of Props/Associate Head of Props regarding seasonal maintenance, repair and replacement needs.
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Assist with Props' annual warehouse sales and weekly rentals as assigned.
3. Lead
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Foster a work environment incorporating the Guthrie values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Fiscal Responsibility.
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Take an active leadership role in setting and maintaining the levels of production craftsmanship and artistic excellence.
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Foster and reinforce safe working practices in all prop shop activities.
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Monitor and lead other artisans' work when directed by the Head of Props/Associate Head of Props in order to accomplish the goals of the show and guide shop workflow.
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Lead and provide guidance to the assigned work team.
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Advise and assist other prop shop staff when requested.
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Become familiar with script, design concepts and construction drawings in order to address questions from staff and overhire.
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Ensure information and materials are available to complete all shop projects in a timely and accurate manner.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Extensive experience building props in an arts environment. Formal, informal and cross-disciplinary experiences will be considered.
- Demonstrated experience in leading others on build and installation projects.
- Basic skills in a variety of areas which may include casting, Photoshop, sewing, upholstery, and crafts.
- Advanced skills in woodworking, welding/metalworking, electronics and special effects preferred.
- Basic knowledge of period styles, theatrical terms and practices to develop accurate and precise props and set dressing.
- Experience creating working props from written and verbal information as well as visual images.
- Ability to produce accurate working drawings and/or templates to achieve design concepts.
- Skill and experience in creative problem solving to meet the artistic needs of the show within time and financial requirements.
- Respond calmly and efficiently to frequent changes during the production and rehearsal process.
- Experience working on multiple projects simultaneously and organizing time to meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated experience in working both independently and collaboratively.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to explain scenic elements, methods, and clarify drawings to staff and overhire craftpersons.
- Knowledge of safety procedures to maintain a safe working environment.
- Basic knowledge of repair and maintenance of standard shop equipment, or willingness to learn.
- Experience using a computer and other technical resources to effectively accomplish work.
- Experience researching for special projects.
- Fork lift experience preferred.
- Strong commitment to safety and ergonomics in the workplace.
- Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are mixed across lines of difference such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class and immigrant status.
- Must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater.
THE LOCATION
The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.
WHY SHOULD I APPLY?
Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. In addition to a competitive salary, the Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks.
Competitive Benefits
Health Insurance
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Account (medical and dependent care)
Dental & Vision
Life Insurance and AD&D
Long Term Disability
Short Term Disability
Employee Assistance Program
403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match up to 4.5% after one year of employment
Paid Time Off
Transportation
Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains
Discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking
Discounted bike locker rental
Discounted Nice Ride annual membership
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Complimentary Tickets
To Guthrie productions
Discounted Tickets
To all shows produced by the Guthrie
To some performances hosted by the Guthrie
Classes and Camps
Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps
Other Employee Perks
Wellness Program
Guthrie Store discount
Admission to opening night parties
Affinity Groups
Discounted Level Five Cafe and Express dining
Frequent Sea Change restaurant discounts
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A NOTE FROM HUMAN RESOURCES
For the safety of our guests and staff, the Guthrie Theater requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Documentation of vaccination status must be provided if an offer of employment is made.
Applicants must submit the following to be considered for the position: