Department: Production - Props
Classification: Full Time Seasonal, IATSE Local 122, Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Pay: $28.55 per hour
Location: La Jolla, CA on the beautiful campus of the University of California, San Diego
Schedule: Regular weekday work, occasional overtime, weekend work and/or holiday work
Reports to: Props Supervisor
Supervises: None
Works With: LJP Staff, Production Management Team, Production Department Supervisors, Visiting Artists and Designers, IATSE Labor, UCSD Residents and Students
About The Position
Under the direction of the Props Supervisor, the Properties Carpenter serves as a key member of La Jolla Playhouse’s Production Department. The position is expected to function in a fast-paced and detail-critical environment, working closely with designers, technicians and artisans and is responsible for the production, creation, procurement and refurbishment of stage props for produced or presented productions of the La Jolla Playhouse to which they are assigned. Key to the success of those projects, the Properties Carpenter is responsible for creating, building, maintaining, or obtaining stage properties for the load-in, set up and strike for those productions. The strongest candidate is an artist, craftsperson and technician committed to the artistic vision and mission of La Jolla Playhouse.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
Classification: Full Time Seasonal, IATSE Local 122, Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Pay: $28.55 per hour
Location: La Jolla, CA on the beautiful campus of the University of California, San Diego
Schedule: Regular weekday work, occasional overtime, weekend work and/or holiday work
Reports to: Props Supervisor
Supervises: None
Works With: LJP Staff, Production Management Team, Production Department Supervisors, Visiting Artists and Designers, IATSE Labor, UCSD Residents and Students
About The Position
Under the direction of the Props Supervisor, the Properties Carpenter serves as a key member of La Jolla Playhouse’s Production Department. The position is expected to function in a fast-paced and detail-critical environment, working closely with designers, technicians and artisans and is responsible for the production, creation, procurement and refurbishment of stage props for produced or presented productions of the La Jolla Playhouse to which they are assigned. Key to the success of those projects, the Properties Carpenter is responsible for creating, building, maintaining, or obtaining stage properties for the load-in, set up and strike for those productions. The strongest candidate is an artist, craftsperson and technician committed to the artistic vision and mission of La Jolla Playhouse.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
- Construct, maintain, craft and/or obtain properties as assigned by the Prop Supervisor, Prop Design Associate and Lead Artisan using standard theatrical construction practices and in a timely, safe and sensible manner.
- Organize and maintain assigned shop workspaces.
- Participate in shop clean up, special projects, and prop shop maintenance as assigned.
- Work strikes and load ins, pack and prepare to ship show props that are transferring.
- Inform Lead Artisan of shop material needs in a timely manner.
- Participate in stock transfer to and from warehouses, theatres and rehearsal halls as need.
- Touch up, Repair and maintain items from current production if beyond capabilities of props run crew.
- Build rehearsal props as needed.
- Provide work direction or mentorship to overhire staff as requested.
- Unpack, repair, maintain and repack shows that are presented from coproductions.
- Troubleshoot and solve problems to maintain the artistic integrity of the production.
- Attend production meetings, tech rehearsal, previews, and note sessions as requested by the Properties Supervisor.
- Enhance and support the educational and institutional mission of La Jolla Playhouse.
- In conjunction with the Prop Supervisor, coordinate with UCSD Theatre and Dance personnel to ensure mutual success for all projects utilizing the Theatre District and on the UCSD campus.
- Function in a professional and collegial manner when collaborating with all theatre personnel, professional creative teams, staff, management, and other visiting artists.
- Be an active participant in LJP’s work towards being a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace.
- Commitment to a culture of learning, community, antiracism, inclusion, belonging, and respect among employees and visiting artists.
- Commitment to a culture of safety, both psychological and physical, ensuring a safe work environment.
- Maintain current knowledge of safety best practices and standards.
- Demonstrated experience in a theatrical prop department or the equivalent experience and training in related fields (such as woodworking, cabinetry, restoration).
- Strong woodworking and prop carpentry skills, including cabinetry and finish work.
- Welding skills a plus.
- Ability to read and produce stage props from prop drawings
- Knowledge of materials and construction techniques to effectively create props
- Willingness to experiment with materials and learn new techniques.
- Knowledge of and dedication to safe working practices
- Ability to creatively problem solve and think outside the box.
- Possess strong critical thinking, attention to detail, problem solving, organizational skills, and able to carry out projects from beginning to end.
- Ability to multitask and work under time constraints, maintaining a positive and productive attitude.
- Access to reliable transportation.
- Project Execution: The ability to employ attention to detail, the ability to manage competing priorities and the ability to follow through, as well as the ability to productively question the status quo and engage in solutionoriented thinking.
- Cultural Competency: An understanding of inclusion and belonging principles and practices, and the ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures and backgrounds.
- Communication Competency: The ability to communicate transparently and effectively.
- Relationship Management: Excellent social and collaborative skills with an emphasis on building and maintaining meaningful and reciprocal relationships.
- Time Management: The ability to efficiently manage time, effort and decisionmaking skills.
- Frequently ascends/descends and moves about on ladders, lifts, catwalks, and grids.
- Frequently lifts/moves items weighing up to 50lbs with assistance.
- Ability to move between work locations within Theatre District.
- Ability to work extended hours including nights and weekends during load in, technical rehearsals, and previews
- Work environment can be loud, dusty, bustling
- May need to walk from light to dark and vice versa
- May work outdoors