Head Properties, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

Job Title

Oversee the Property Department of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion within the context of the Collective Bargaining Agreements between the Music Center (TMC) and The Los Angeles Opera Company (LAO) and I.A.T.S.E. Local 33.

This Position Reports to The Music Center Director of Production and Los Angeles Opera Technical Director.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Represent The Los Angeles Opera Company (LAO) and the Music Center (TMC) to Designers, visiting crews, and management by creating a cordial, cooperative, and welcoming workplace. Model and support the mission and values of LAO and TMC.
2. Supervise and lead the Property crew members, referred by the I.A.T.S.E. call board, during load-ins, technical rehearsals, runs and load-outs; as well as the setup, operation, run, maintenance and repairs of all props for all productions. Implement production and design needs of the Property Department as directed by the design teams, management, and clients. Crew sizes range from zero to 6 or more.
3. Work collaboratively with all stakeholders to complete the Prop department's accountabilities including production notes and creative problem solving.
4. Work with the Visiting Head Properties or production staff to load-in, run, maintain, repair, track, inventory and load-out all prop elements of all productions.
5. Communicate with Production Staff to answer their technical questions and coordinate crew calls. Be available for advanced walk-throughs and site surveys.
6. Handle, prepare and cleanup food used on stage, ensuring a high standard of food safety and cleanliness to protect the health and welfare of the performers.
7. Attend production meetings and notes sessions as requested by management.
8. Submit crew calls to union hall on a daily basis and on-time.
9. Process the Property Department payroll on a weekly or daily basis.
10. Act as Production Property Supervisor when requested to do so by TMC or LAO.
11. Work collaboratively with all stakeholders to manage crew calls and schedule workdays efficiently to stay within production budgets.
12. Maintain a safe working environment in the context of the production's design, alert Management of any personnel, technical, or safety issues which arise at any time & ensure that proper safety procedures are adhered to.
13. All employees are expected to adhere to all published company polices for both The Los Angeles Opera Company and The Music Center.

Secondary Responsibilities

1. Recommend and evaluate practices, policies, and equipment and make recommendations regarding equipment usage and purchases.
2. Request qualified assistants from the Union Hall at management's discretion.
3. Maintain theater stock of property supplies and expendables.
4. Other duties may be assigned within the Terms and Conditions of the collective barging agreement.

This Position is subject to a dynamic working environment in which duties and responsibilities may change. Employees are expected to be flexible and responsive to changes in the scope of their duties.

Required Skills & Qualifications

1. Knowledge and essential skills
2. Strong technical knowledge and skilled experience with building, repairing, and maintaining various types of props for theatrical productions.
3. Strong craft skills in the following areas: woodworking, metalworking, sewing, furniture finishing, upholstery, electronics, plastics, casting, and molding. Experience installing, repairing, and maintaining floors (carpet\wood\tile\manufactured\sprung\marley\etc.)
4. Attention to detail; ability to apply aesthetic considerations to prop design and production.
5. Experience inventorying, tracking, purchasing, preparing, packing, and unpacking all types of properties.
6. Experience setting a pit orchestra and familiarity with instruments and interfacing directly with instrumentalists.
7. Clear and effective communicator, both written and verbal.
8. The ability to read, evaluate, and implement designs from Cad drawings and prints required.
9. The ability to work collaboratively with a team and work with a variety of personalities.
10. Working knowledge and comfort with Microsoft Office, especially Outlook and Excel. Proficiency in communicating via e-mail and phone.
11. Demonstrated proficiency coordinating multiple parts of a production, establishing priorities, and following through on production timelines.
12. Ability to remain calm and productive in stressful situations demonstrating excellent communication skills.
13. Minimum requirements
14. Previous experience of five years or more as a Head Prop person or Assistant Head Prop person in legitimate theater productions or a legitimate theatrical venue.
15. The physical ability to lift heavy objects such as stage furniture in a range of physical positions. Able to lift 50 lbs. or more occasionally and 25 lbs. frequently.
16. The ability to work a very flexible schedule with extreme hours at times.
17. Education, Experience and Licensing
18. Previous experience with firearms use in the entertainment industry.
    • Must be eligible to qualify for a California Entertainment Firearms Permit.
    • The company will provide for licensing and certification.
19. Membership in I.A.T.S.E. Local 33 (membership is required upon employment).
20. License in forklift and motorized cart operation (company will provide training).

Hourly Pay Rate: $54.45. This is a full-time, non-exempt position.