Props designer/ maker

Property (props) maker

Duties and Responsibilities:

• to support and assist the work of the Head of Props and Deputy with the management and operational duties of the props department
• as required, to undertake research and to select and acquire furniture, stage properties and materials
• to undertake the construction, painting and finishing of scenery, furniture, stage properties and stage effects to standards and deadlines determined by the management of the theatre
• to work with a wide variety of materials including timber, metal, plastics, glass fibre, and soft fabrics
• to work accurately and quickly from drawings, models, reference material and basic specifications
• to correctly and safely use a wide range of work equipment including woodworking and metalworking tools and machinery, sewing machines and paint spraying equipment
• to adopt a responsible attitude towards the proper use, care and security of premises and property belonging to, or the responsibility of, the theatre
• to provide, as required, estimates of materials and labour requirements from drawings, models and basic specifications
• to assist with stage getins, fitups, strikes and getouts
• to assist with the loading and unloading of vehicles
• to assist with the daytoday management and operations of the properties department including:
  1. despatching and taking delivery of goods
  2. cleaning and maintenance of the workplace
  3. cleaning and maintenance of work equipment
  4. stocktaking
  5. movement of goods, equipment, scenery, furniture, properties and stage effects
• to make visits, as required, to suppliers in order to acquire, collect or deliver goods
• to ensure that work equipment, stage technical equipment, electrical equipment, air hoses and power cables used in working areas are deployed in a clean, tidy and orderly condition and to take appropriate care at all times
• to supervise the effective and safe working of other personnel, including skilled and unskilled personnel, who are allocated to assist you with the completion of a specific task or project
• to be responsible for the safe keeping of all purchase orders and petty cash issued to you and to promptly return unused petty cash together with full records and receipts relating to purchases made on behalf of the theatre
• to be able and willing to work at heights
• to undertake vehicle driving duties as may be required

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• a minimum of two years’ professional experience
• excellent skills in all aspects of prop making, painting and finishing of scenery and furniture in a variety of materials, including timber, steel, aluminium and plastics
• ability to use wood working and/or metal working tools and equipment.
• the commitment and drive to produce work of the highest standard
• ability to work to given designs and deadlines
• ability to work accurately and efficiently from drawings and scale models, reference materials and basic instruction
• ability to work with minimum supervision or as part of a team
• ability to work evenings or at weekends as required
• ability to work at height
• must be physically fit

Desirable:

• awareness of relevant Health & Safety issues
• full, clean driving licence
• basic firefighting skills
• banksman training