Job Description:
The Temporary Props Manager at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee (BCB) provides critical props management and care for BCB productions including musicals, operas, plays, etc. The Props Manager manages the Conservatory’s props and furniture stock, constructs furniture and large props in consultation with technical direction, and shops for and fabricates materials and prop items.Under the department of Performance Services, the Props Manager reports to the Technical Director, Mainstage; collaborates closely with the full production team, with the deans and chairs of Theater, Dance and Music, and with guest directors and designers. The Props Manager may supervise production technician assistants and student workers.
This position will primarily support the Theater Division’s production of Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, taking place at the Roberts Theater in April 2025. A tentative production schedule is below. Additional support for other productions may be required. This is a part-time, temporary position that is expected to work approximately 25 per week.
Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 tentative schedule:
● Production meetings beginning in December 2024
● Rehearsals February 2 - March 28, 2025
● Load-in March 24 - 27, 2025
● Tech rehearsals March 29 - April 8, 2025 (schedule to be confirmed)
● Dress rehearsals April 8, 2025
● Performances April 9 - 13, 2025
● Strike/load-out April 13 - 14, 2025
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Procure, build, and realize props and furniture for BCB productions across theater, dance and music
- Design and maintain comprehensive documentation, tracking processes, and communications around props stock, purchases, repairs, and opportunities
- Ensure all rehearsal props are prepared, in good condition, and delivered to stage management prior to staging rehearsals
- Initiate and maintain extensive props paperwork for productions in coordination with stage management
- Coordinate props meetings with directors, stage managers, and designers as needed
- Monitor production props budgets
- Coordinate shop time with Technical Director
- Attend technical and dress rehearsals as assigned
- Schedule, train and supervise additional production technicians as necessary
MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
- 1-3 years professional experience in technical theater
- Experience working a props manager, artisan, and/or builder for Theater or Opera
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required
- Working knowledge of standard theatrical practices and procedures
- General knowledge of theater, musical theater, and opera production needs
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Creative skills necessary
- Proficiency in use of hand and power tools, craft work, painting, sewing, upholstery, and any other props-related trades
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Suite and Dropbox for record-keeping and communications
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Occasional supervision of Production Technician assistants
- Minimal training and supervision of student workers and backstage crew during rehearsal process
- Regular supervision of student labor force for maintaining props storage
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Indoor environments, some with low light: stages, backstage areas, dressing rooms, costume shop, props storage, office spaces
- Local travel may be required (valid driver’s license necessary)
SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, ETC:
- Seated and standing positions
- Stairs, ladders
- Reaching up to shelves
- Occasional nights and weekends
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee:
We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at hroperations@Berklee.edu or call 617-747-2375.
Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of our institution, community, and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.
*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*
