Assistant Props Manager, Texas Performing Arts

Assistant Props Manager, Texas Performing Arts

Texas Performing Arts (TPA) is the professional arts presenting and producing program of The University of Texas at Austin. One of the largest and most active university-based performing arts centers in the U.S., TPA is an anchor institution in Austin's arts, cultural, and entertainment landscape. TPA operates venues on the UT campus including Austin's largest theater, Bass Concert Hall. Its public programs include Broadway in Austin; an international season of dance, theater and music; and the Texas Welcomes series of popular artists. TPA is a unit of UT's College of Fine Arts and engages students across the university in creative experiences.

The Assistant Props Manager works with the Props Manager to oversee the Craft Studio, Prop Stock, and Sewing Studio as an essential member of the Fabrication Studios team. They will serve as Prop Manager for production and other projects as well as oversee the training and development of students and staff as prop artisans and prop managers for productions and other projects.

Production and Training:

• Collaborate with students, faculty, and guest artists to manage the planning, costing, purchasing, fabricating, modifying and repair of props and set dressing for productions.
• Serve as the Production Prop Manager for productions and projects as assigned.
• Attend production meetings and technical rehearsals as needed. Demonstrate effective communication.
• Coordinate with stage managers, directors, crew, and performers in the safe use of all props.

Operation and Planning:

• Assist the Props Manager in operational duties.
• Delegate and supervise fabrication, maintenance, and planning tasks to students and employees in the Fabrication Studios.
• Supervise student employees in the Fabrication Studios Prop Stock.
• Maintain fabrication equipment including carpentry, craft, and sewing equipment.
• Safely load and drive university vehicles.

Learning, Mentorship, and Outreach:

• Engender a sustainable work culture defined by proficiency, safety, excellence, and creative problem-solving.
• Recruit, mentor, and advise students and staff Production Prop Managers as needed.
• Propose, plan, and participate in course residencies, guest lectures, workshops, and tours.
• Investigate, assess, and participate in professional development opportunities and share or implement new learning within the Fabrication Studios.

Required Qualifications:

• At least five years of professional experience serving as Prop Manager or equivalent role for productions in theatre, opera, or film.
• Experience using fabrication tools and techniques with a demonstrated emphasis on safety.
• Demonstrated experience supervising the work of others.
• Valid Driver's License
• Have demonstrated competencies in:
• Collaboration
• Cost Estimation
• Delegation
• Effective Communication (written and spoken)
• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Problem Solving

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience working in an academic setting with students.
• Experience using digital fabrication tools including but not limited to: 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters.
• Demonstrated experience constructing and repairing furniture.
• Knowledge of task management applications such as Trello and Slack
• Experience driving a variety of vehicles including a 16' box truck.

Salary Range: $53,000 + preferred qualifications

Working Conditions:

• This position is based in Austin, Texas and requires residence in the greater Austin area.
• Work in and around shop environment with debris and loud noise. Personal Protective Equipment provided.
• Work in and around theatrical performance environment.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Walking to multiple buildings on campus
• Use of manual dexterity.
• Climbing stairs and ladders
• Pushing, pulling, lifting, and moving up to 50 lbs.

Work Shift:

• Evening, weekend, and holiday work, including "on-call" times, are required in connection with performances and events. Working shifts may include extended daily hours in connection with performances and events. Work will exceed 40 hours per week at peak times. A compensatory time program is provided.

Required Materials:

• Cover letter detailing interest in and qualifications for this specific opportunity. Please include a link to online samples of work.
• Resume / CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.References will not be contacted without prior approval of the candidate.