Properties Artisan

POSITION: Properties Artisan

DEPARTMENT: Properties

CLASSIFICATION: Full- Time / Hourly / Non-Exempt

SUPERVISOR:  Properties Director

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award® and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.  

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019 . His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences that are as diverse and vibrant as the city of Houston.

Rob Melrose, Managing Director Dean Gladden and the Alley’s leadership team are committed to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in all aspects of the Theatre’s programming and operations. We are conscious about fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves. We embrace differences and strive to be inclusive of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

JOB STATEMENT

The Properties Artisan works at the direction of the Properties Director to construct props that achieve the scenic designer’s artistic vision on all assigned productions.

JOB DUTIES

• Sewing, upholstering, and refinishing of furniture.
• Construction, painting, acquiring, and finishing of all properties as needed, including soft goods, hand props, paper goods, furniture, furnishings and set decorations for all productions.
• Pulling of properties from stock as needed for productions, rentals, or rehearsals, which includes transporting furniture to and from an offsite warehouse.
• Participate in the prop build, load-in, set dress and strike of all productions.
• Under the supervision of prop shop management, help to maintain equipment, supplies, and stock items, and participate in the day-to-day maintenance of the prop shop facilities.
• Assist in maintaining open communication within the prop department and with other production departments.
• Work with the Education and Community Engagement (ECE), marketing, and development departments to help staff and facilitate education shows and special programs.  This may include opportunities to teach workshops, talk about the company and your career with students, and meet with constituent groups to discuss ‘behind the scenes’ activities.
• Act in concert with the theatre’s safety policies.
• Attend and contribute to departmental and company-wide meetings.
• Additional duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE):

• Experience working in a professional theatre or related field.

• Properties construction and artisan experience. The ideal candidate has skills in the following areas:
  • Soft goods, sewing skills, upholstery.
  • Woodworking, furniture building and repair, and metal working.
  • Casting and molding, sculpting, and carving
  • Experience with small motors, mechanisms and electronics.
  • Scenic painting and finishing techniques.
• Working knowledge of Sewing Machines and Sergers.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Training in safe operation of stationary and portable power tools and hand tools.
• Working knowledge of decorative history and period styles.
• Well-developed organization, and research skills.

• Capacity to solve problems and engage in creative thinking about challenges individually and in a group environment, while being able to accept and incorporate feedback.
• Aptitude and eagerness to learn new skills and processes when necessary.
• Clear understanding of the artistic process and excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and diplomacy skills.

• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast paced, rapidly changing environment with excellent time and project management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret working drawings.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making skills.
• Detail oriented, able to prioritize efficiently and multi-task.
• Ability to be self-directed and take initiative.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre, or a commitment to learning, and to be a part of Alley Theatre’s efforts to be an anti-racist organization.
• College degree preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or standing at a work table.
• Ability to lift and move 30-50 lbs.
• Occasional work on ladders, scaffolding, and boom lifts.
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where directions and priorities can change rapidly.
• Typical hours are during the day, but the position requires the flexibility to be available for weekend, holidays and evening work hours as needed.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Paid vacation, floating holiday and sick time.
• 401(k) with matching, FSA, HRA (Alley paid deductible).
• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances.
• Bi-weekly $4 Discounted Parking.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Employee wellness program & EAP.
• Houston, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the nation with no state or city income tax.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please go to the following link on the Alley’s website and apply.

https://www.alleytheatre.org/about-us/opportunities/employment

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HRdept@alleytheatre.org.

The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities, veterans, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Successful candidates will commit to an equitable and inclusive workplace, including but not limited to: racial equity, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, use of gender inclusive language, and cultural sensitivity. Read more at Alley Theatre Official Website - Equity Diversity Inclusion