Summary
NOTE: Candidates must include a cover letter specifying their interest in and qualifications for this position. The cover letter should be the first page of your resume, please include 3 references and upload materials as one PDF document.
This is a full time / seasonal job working the production year (40 weeks) from early-August to the beginning of May annually. The posted salary listed of $41,600 – $45,760 FTR would be the full time – 12 month salary (The seasonal salary range is $32,000 – $35,200 per season/$800 – $880 per week/$20.00 – $22.00 per hour).
As a comprehensive performing arts school set in one of the world’s best public institutions of higher education, the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) is deeply engaged in the creation, practice, scholarship, and pedagogy of music, theatre, and dance. We aim to provide leadership, nationally and internationally, in all three fields. We assert and celebrate the value of the arts to the mission of the University of Michigan. SMTD is committed to sharing values of diversity and inclusion, especially regarding historically underrepresented individuals, in order to achieve goals and sustain excellence. In the theatrical properties shop, this work includes fostering an inclusive space welcome to all and enabling everyone to increase their comfort with technical skills.
University Productions presents nine fully mounted main stage shows each season, serving the departments of Theatre & Drama, Musical Theatre, Dance, and Voice in three different campus venues. These productions are directed by faculty and guest directors; designed by faculty, students, and guests; and crewed by undergraduate SMTD students. Design & Production majors work as stage managers, shop assistants, and technicians for each production; advanced students may design costumes, scenery, or lighting for these productions.
Responsibilities*
Basic Function and Responsibility
- Manage the overall usage, storage, maintenance, organization, and inventory of University Production’s (UProd’s) theatrical properties stock, including the inventory database.
- Assist with props builds as needed to support production deadlines.
- Manage the instruction of all student prop crews for (up to) nine theatrical productions produced by UProd.
- Assist Theatrical Props Manager and other props staff with procurement and the entry of purchase information into the UProd financial database.
Duties to be Performed
- Manage the overall usage, storage, maintenance, organization, and inventory of UProd’s theatrical properties stock.
- Maintain the inventory database of the properties stock, including accurate documentation of theatrical props descriptions and measurements. Photograph all new or adjusted theatrical props and enter items into the database.
- Work with Theatrical Properties Manager to implement props lists for all productions.
- Manage all prop crew operations of (up to) nine theatrical productions per year.
- Assist with prop builds as needed to support the props shop.
- Oversee the properties strike of all UProd shows, re-stock theatrical props and supplies upon completion of use.
- Facilitate the use of Theatrical Props from stock in main stage productions by assisting the prop-shop staff in pulling from stock. Transport pulled theatrical props between the props shop, warehouses, other storage locations and various theaters.
- Assist with maintaining a clean and organized properties shop, all warehouses and ancillary storage spaces.
- Notify supervisors (both the Theatrical Properties Manager & Production Management) when a warehouse building needs maintenance, and assist with the general maintenance of warehouse equipment and supplies.
- Assist Theatrical Properties Manager and others with the entry of purchase information into UProd financial database and other procurement activities as requested.
- Coordinate and cooperate with other shop staff to meet production deadlines and to solve production problems. Think critically to find solutions to working with unusual materials. Help to ensure the shop goal of having all assigned theatrical properties ready for use at each first tech rehearsal.
- Assist with pulling props from stock needed for studio shows, senior directing projects, student-directed projects, Basement Arts and other SMTD shows.
- Makes pickup and delivery of musical instruments as needed to facilitate production needs.
- Assist with occasional special projects and facility improvements when scheduled through the Theatrical Properties Manager.
Guidance to be Received
The Theatrical Properties Manager is the immediate supervisor. The Associate Shop Manager gives advice and instruction.
Guidance to be Exercised
Functional management is exercised over temporary employees, work-study students, and students completing practicum and lab hours.
Required Qualifications*
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre or other related field with an emphasis in properties, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience is necessary.
- Experience in back stage operations is necessary.
- Computer proficiency in Google Sheets and/or Microsoft Excel is necessary.
- This position is required to work a flexible 40 hour per week schedule, including nights and weekends during production runs. Attendance at evening and weekend technical rehearsals is necessary, dependent on project needs, as well as attendance at occasional staging rehearsals.
- The ability to repair theatrical props using industry standard techniques before or after show calls is necessary.
- The ability to comfortably and legally operate a 14-foot box truck is necessary.
- This position routinely moves materials weighing up to 50 pounds across campus for various needs. Occasionally moves heavy rolling props, and ascends/descends ladders and stairs.
- This position involves traveling to various locations on and off campus to deliver materials.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
Desired Qualifications*
- A broad knowledge of furniture history and furniture types is desirable.
- Experience with entering information and managing a database is desirable
- Computer proficiency with Mac systems, and experience with FileMaker Pro is desirable.
Additional Information
Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Background Screening
A pre-employment background check must be conducted before a candidate may receive a firm offer of employment to a staff position at the University of Michigan.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
236923
Working Title
Properties Stock & Tech Coordinator
Job Title
Theatre Artisan/Technician
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
School Music
Department
SMTD University Productions
Posting Begin/End Date
7/14/2023 – 8/04/2023
Salary
$41,600.00 – $45,760.00
Career Interest
The Arts