Prop Master/Scenic Designer

Prop Master/Scenic Designer

Also known as, Technical Director, Design Fabricator, & Display Designer

Custom Fabrication • Scenic Construction • Displays • Installations

Richmond, VA | Full-Time | Benefits 

Salary: $55,000-$75,000/year

Build Extraordinary Experiences

For nearly 30 years, Ampa Events has designed, fabricated, and produced unforgettable experiences across corporate events, themed environments, exhibits, brand activations, galas, and special events.

We're looking for a skilled Lead Finish Carpenter / Scenic Fabricator who takes pride in craftsmanship and enjoys transforming ideas into physical reality. This role combines custom fabrication, finish carpentry, scenic construction, installation leadership, and creative problem-solving.

Whether your background comes from scenic fabrication, custom millwork, exhibit construction, themed entertainment, museum exhibits, trade show fabrication, architecture, sign fabrication, or another skilled trade, we're interested in builders who can create polished, client-facing work and lead projects from concept through installation.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys building, leading crews, solving challenges, and producing work that exceeds expectations.

What You'll Do

Fabrication & Construction

• Fabricate custom scenic elements, marketing displays, environments, props, and specialty pieces
• Execute high-quality finish carpentry, scenic finishing, painting, detailing, and assembly work
• Work with a wide range of materials, including wood, foam, acrylic, metal, plastics, fabrics, laminates, scenic materials, and specialty finishes
• Interpret renderings, sketches, drawings, and fabrication plans to produce finished work
• Develop practical fabrication solutions that balance design intent, durability, logistics, and budget
• Assist in maintaining and expanding Ampa's specialty inventory and fabrication capabilities

Project Leadership

• Lead fabrication efforts on assigned projects
• Supervise installation crews and ensure quality execution on-site
• Coordinate with designers, project managers, vendors, and production teams
• Monitor schedules, budgets, and production timelines
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment

Installation & Field Work

• Lead installation and strike activities for events and projects
• Travel to project sites as required
• Troubleshoot field conditions and implement creative solutions onsite
• Participate in occasional evening and weekend installations as project schedules require

Design & Creative Support

• Contribute fabrication expertise during design development
• Create or modify shop drawings and fabrication details using CAD software when needed
• Assist with renderings, sketches, prototypes, and mockups as appropriate
• Help translate creative concepts into buildable, cost-effective solutions

Show Us Your Work

We care more about what you've built than where you learned to build it.

Applicants should provide examples of relevant work, which may include:

• Professional portfolios
• Project photography
• Fabrication work
• Custom carpentry projects
• Exhibits and displays
• Scenic environments
• Props and specialty builds
• Trade show installations
• Museum projects
• Personal projects
• Website galleries
• Social media galleries

If you're proud of what you've made, we want to see it.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in finish carpentry, scenic fabrication, custom construction, exhibit fabrication, event production, millwork, themed entertainment, museum exhibits, sign fabrication, or a related field
• Strong finish carpentry skills with the ability to produce polished, client-facing work
• Strong scenic finishing, painting, detailing, and assembly skills
• Experience working with a variety of materials including wood, foam, acrylic, metal, plastics, fabrics, and specialty finishes
• Ability to interpret drawings, renderings, sketches, and fabrication plans
• Familiarity with CAD software and technical drawing workflows
• Strong understanding of construction techniques, fabrication methods, and material applications
• Experience managing schedules, budgets, and project execution
• Ability to lead crews and supervise installations
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds safely
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with sculpture, prop fabrication, mold making, casting, or specialty fabrication techniques
• Experience with CNC equipment, laser cutting, 3D printing, or other digital fabrication methods
• Experience with SketchUp, Vectorworks, Rhino, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar software
• Experience driving box trucks, trailers, or operating equipment related to event production
• Experience in experiential marketing, trade shows, museums, live events, themed entertainment, or immersive environments
• Rendering, illustration, or visualization skills

What Makes This Role Unique

This isn't a production-line fabrication job.

You'll help create one-of-a-kind environments, displays, and experiences that people remember. One week you might be fabricating a custom activation, the next building scenic elements for a gala, corporate event, exhibit, or immersive environment.

You'll work alongside designers, fabricators, artists, and event professionals who believe exceptional experiences are built through creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Health insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• Paid time off
• Professional growth opportunities
• Collaborative and creative work environment

To Apply

Please submit:

• Resume
• Photos, portfolio, website, social media gallery, or examples of your work
• Any additional information that helps us understand your experience and craftsmanship

Traditional and non-traditional career paths are welcome. We value skill, craftsmanship, initiative, and a strong work ethic as much as formal education.