Prop Shop Assistant

TITLE: Prop Shop Assistant

REPORTS TO:Prop Shop Supervisor

STATUS: Seasonal

Rate: Applicable IA scale + benefits (Starting rate $24.85 per hour / $1366 weekly rate includes 10 hours overtime)

ABOUT A.C.T.

American Conservatory Theater is an essential gathering place that brings artists and communities together to inspire and provoke. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon and Executive Director Jennifer Bielstein, A.C.T.’s mission is to engage the spirit of the San Francisco Bay Area, activate stories that resonate, promote a diversity of voices and points of view, and empower theater makers and audiences to celebrate liveness. A.C.T. values inclusion, transformational learning, participation, and rigorous fun. A.C.T. is a Tony Award–winning nonprofit theater serving almost 200,000 people in the San Francisco Bay Area annually through theater, training, and education and community programs.

Position Purpose: The Prop Shop Assistant will support the properties supervisor in facilitating mainstage productions at the Toni Rembe Theater (Formerly known as the Geary Theater). The Prop Shop team may be called on to support other A.C.T. venues from time to time, such as The Strand Theater. Supporting the Prop Shop Supervisor includes communicating with production team, creating prop lists and sourcing rehearsal and actual props for our mainstage production. Properties assistant will be utilizing their craft skills in building and creating original prop pieces.

Responsibilities: (please note, this list is not exhaustive, but rather a representation of job duties)

• The Assistant will help with the administration and development of the Properties Department
• Preparing time and materials estimates, scheduling of projects
• Maintenance of shop equipment, planning of shop improvements, and safety oversight.
• The Assistant will work with the Props Supervisor to oversee stock maintenance and use, and to review and revise stock-use policies.
• The Assistant will act as A.C.T.’s agent to rental clients—theaters, production companies, individuals, etc.
• In the absence of the Properties Supervisor, daily administration of the department will fall to the Assistant.
• Assistant will also participate in the creation, procuring and building of properties and supporting the production with such tasks as procurement of perishables for the period from rehearsals through opening and bulk perishables for the run of the show.
• They will also aid in repairing and replacing properties which require shop work.
• This position will assist in representing the Properties Department by communicating with Production Management, Stage Management, Geary Theater Prop Head, and crew regarding upcoming and currently running shows, assisting in supervising and participate in the load-in, tech and striking of rehearsal props and show props.
• In the absence of the Properties Supervisor, the Assistant may be called upon to meet with designers, directors, and stage managers or to attend production meetings and technical rehearsals and follow up on information received.

Qualifications & Qualities:

Required/Minimum Qualifications or Basic Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Alignment with A.C.T.’s Mission, Values and commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Training and experience in a variety of construction techniques such as carpentry, crafts, casting/mold making.
• A strong background in soft goods and upholstery
• Three years of professional prop construction experience with regional theater experience, which should include leading several show builds and running crews.
• Academic training (college level) with an emphasis on theatre history, art history, studio art or design, providing knowledge of periods and styles useful.
• Prior experience and demonstrated ability to handle budgets.
• Knowledge of materials, tools and tool maintenance is required.
• Additional experience with PCs and MACs using Office, Photoshop is desired.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, diplomacy, self-motivation, ability to work well under pressure, multi-tasking, creative problem solving, and a sense of humor are all necessary.
• Applicants must have valid driver’s license and clean DMV record.
• Must be willing to join IATSE Local 16
• Able to lift 50 pounds.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated skill in understanding of cultural differences.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with A.C.T. colleagues and stakeholders.
• Organize and communicate information clearly, both verbally and in writing
• Travel between any/all A.C.T. locations and other assigned local travel
• Work in a detail-oriented manner, be resourceful and flexible, and be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Effectively problem solve and troubleshoot.
• Face demanding situations with tenacity, diplomacy, and sensitivity under a lot of pressure
• Deal with high profile personalities
• Work collaboratively across all production departments to ensure a good working environment and the success of the show.
• Work independently and as part of team
• Work irregular hours, evening hours, long hours and weekend as required.

Diversity makes us stronger. If you’d like to learn more about A.C.T. EDI values, Mission, Vision and culture go to Mission, Values, and EDI | American Conservatory Theater (act-sf.org) A.C.T. is committed to diversity in its programming and creating an inclusive work culture and environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.