Properties Artisan and Shopper

Company Overview

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is one of the largest non-profit theatre organizations in the nation, presenting Broadway tours and producing theatre, cabaret, musicals, and innovative, immersive experiences. Through these experiences and alongside our robust Education program, we engage hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The DCPA’s workforce includes more than 300 employed team members in non-union and union positions (in partnership with seven unions). In addition, we employ hundreds of artists and contractors annually. We have a strong volunteer program which includes more than 300 volunteers.

Our Mission: “We engage and inspire through the transformative power of live theatre.”

Culture Statement

For more than 40 years, creativity and community have been the foundation of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ success. As a leading cultural organization in the Rocky Mountain West, we are actively participating in a cultural evolution of belonging and anti-racism. Our commitment to reflect the diversity and priorities of our community — in our workplace, audience and programming — has never been more present.

We believe that the theater can transform us — and be transformed by us. We invite you to be part of our Team.

Job purpose

The Properties Artisan/Shopper, with the Properties Supervisor, is responsible to shop, order, and research all properties to convey the Designers vision for all shows and events. Communicates and coordinates among other shop personnel and department head to procure all supplies as needed. The Properties Artisan/Shopper works collaboratively with staff, assists in creation, modifying, and production of all other props.

This is a Seasonal position that starts on 7/3/23 and works an average of 40-45 weeks per year.

Duties and responsibilities

• With the Properties Supervisor, determines allocation of duties
• Purchases properties; including online and instore purchases
• Acquires materials and goods needed to execute the props.
• Discusses and understands the show concepts with the designer and/or Properties Supervisor.
• Keeps detailed receipts and invoices for all purchases.
• Assists in creating props; including understanding working drawings/elevations, construction methods; soft goods, upholstery, casting, moldmaking, painting, faux finishing techniques, ephemera, carpentry, welding, hand tools, power tools, adhesives, foams, mixed media fabrication, etc.
• Assesses the cost of mounting the props and adhere to establish budgets for each production.
• Assists with supervising and training interns in the props production department.
• Services and maintains prop shop equipment and warehouse inventory.
• Maintains a safe, healthy, and clean/shop environment.
• Maintains SDS sheets on all necessary products purchased for prop shop.
• To perform other related work as required.

Qualifications

An ideal candidate will have the following skills and/or experience:

• Demonstrated experience in a theater properties environment.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• A working knowledge of all aspects of the theatre – production and technical as well as performance.
• Basic Knowledge of period styles, theatrical terms to produce accurate and precise props.
• Strong organizational, budgeting, and labor management skills.
• Effective communication skills – written, oral, and visual.
• Strong computer skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, and online shopping. Photoshop and SAP Concur a plus.
• Ability to read scaled construction or design drawings and create properties from verbal, written and visual images.
• Ability to work productively under time pressures and meet deadlines.
• A working knowledge of construction techniques and standards and the physical capability to operate standard wood working hand and power tools.

Working conditions

Ability to work long hours and work with a flexible schedule. Must be willing to work at heights, around moving machinery, and with exposure to noise, vibration, and dust. Ability to work safely in an environment containing potentially hazardous electrical equipment, fumes, vapor, gasses, and/or materials.

Physical requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Direct reports

No direct reports

Benefits

Seasonal positions include the following benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance and Pet Insurance

401k Plan with employer contributions

Time off benefits including personal days, sick days, vacation days and 10 paid holidays.

In order to provide high quality, culturally competent care to our patrons, students, guests and team members, it is of highest importance that our hiring practices reflect our values by offering an environment that celebrates diversity and embraces inclusion. All of our team members – regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, language, abilities/disabilities, socioeconomic status, geographic region, or other defining characteristics – should feel welcome and valued.