Employment at MSM

Position Description

Title: Props Supervisor
Department: Production
Reports To: Assistant Dean for Theatrical Production
Supervises: Part-time and temporary props artisans and overhires
Internal Contacts: Students, Faculty, Staff
External Contacts: Directors, designers, independent contractors
Start Date: ASAP
Employment Status: Full-Time, non-exempt, IATSE
Salary Range:  $35/hour (current rate – IATSE CBA negotiations pending)

MSM presents eight fully produced opera and musical theatre productions per year as well as several smaller productions. In collaboration with production teams, the Props Supervisor designs, rents, purchases, and fabricates props and furniture. The Props Supervisor effectively manages financial, physical, and human resources to safely deliver props and furniture within the scope and budget of each production.

Domains

• Design and fabricate props adhering to safety standards.
• Promote and establish safe working methods in all workspaces for props staff.
• Train actors, stage managers, and directors in how to safely interact with props and furniture.
• Manage and delegate responsibilities to props staff, promoting an adherence to department standards.
• Track and manage an aggregate budget and a per-production budget; effectively document expenses and provide support for production reconciliation.
• Maintain accurate inventory of MSM-owned props and furniture and their storage locations.
• Procure props and furniture with the intention of minimizing in-house fabrication/alteration.
• Collaborate positively with production colleagues; maintain a professional demeanor supportive of the mission and work of the department.

Job Details

• This is a Local 1 IATSE position. You do not have to be an IATSE member to start the position but will work as part of the bargaining unit at MSM.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and 10+ hour days during tech periods; position works a minimum of 35 hours per week, and overtime is paid for work in excess of 40 hours per week.

Job Requirements

• 3+ years of experience as a props supervisor, props coordinator, or related position at a professional theatre or theatre college.
• Ability to lift and move heavy objects such as props and furniture, and ability to stand for long periods.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized and strong collaborator.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database management tools.
• Capable multi-tasker able to manage several concurrent or overlapping projects.
• Ability to work within scope.
• Proficient in a wide variety of artistic disciplines with a penchant for developing skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Contact Information

Send letter of application, résumé, three professional references, budget sheet samples, sample of crew schedules, and a website or up to 5 photos of your work to:

Jake Poulos
Performance and Production Operations Department Manager

jpoulos@msmnyc.edu

No phone calls, please.

Equal employment and equal educational opportunity have been and will continue to be fundamental principles at Manhattan School of Music, where employment and enrollment are based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination or harassment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, the status of being transgender, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship or veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Manhattan School of Music does not permit retaliation against individuals who oppose a discriminatory practice or participate in an investigation.