Property 3 (Props Artisan, IATSE Local 5)

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and is committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion in all areas of its work, both on and offstage. Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives and life experiences to the workplace are especially encouraged to apply.

Position: Property 3 (Props Artisan, IATSE Local 5)
Reports to: Props Manager
Position Start Date: September 29, 2025
Salary Range: $26.30/hour

Position Overview:
This is a general props artisan position responsible for the acquisition, construction, installation and dismantling of props; assist with research as necessary; work with designers, directors, and supervision to develop drawings and other such plans for props; and perform such other work as assigned.
This is a full-time, seasonal position. Current IATSE membership is not a prerequisite. Benefits include health insurance (through the union) and paid vacation.

Position Responsibilities:
– Responsible for building properties for all productions.
– Follow design drawings and research to create and find props for rehearsals/productions.
– Maintain shop equipment and cleanliness.
– Observe and implement shop safety and risk management procedures in all workspaces – knowledge of PPE and MSDS information.
– Research/plan a prop build.
– Assist in load ins and load outs, tech week rehearsals and set dressing.
– Restore stock in an orderly manner.
– Assist in maintenance of props inventory – photographing, labeling, and cataloguing props.
– Maintain artistic integrity and quality of production.
– Deliver props to the rehearsal hall/theater daily.
– Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Essential Skills and Attributes:
– Strong electrical skills including rewiring basic props, remote control, etc
– Experience with special effect setups – fog effects, light effects, water effects, breakaways, etc
– Experience with 3D printing – modeling, slicing, and machine operation and maintenance.
– Molding and casting, wood working, furniture repair, and painting props. Experience with furniture construction a plus.
– Stage weapons prep and maintenance – mostly firearms
– Ability to fabricate, repair, and modify paper props – trick books, fake books, newspapers, etc. Experience with Photoshop, Word, Illustrator, using printers, plotters, vinyl cutters, and using a variety of different printing materials.
– Ability to fabricate, repair, or modify stock pieces for productions use including hand props.
– Experience with puppet building and maintenance a plus.
– Experience with vacuform and CNC routing machine operation.
– Carpentry skills including experience with all basic hand tools, chop saws, table saws, routers, belt sanders, welders (both steel and aluminum), and all standard shop tools.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:
– Three years’ professional experience in a similar industry or field.
– Self-motivated team player that can meet deadlines and embrace a safety orientated work environment.
– Ability to multitask with a positive and proactive problem-solving attitude.
– A documented ability to produce high quality finished props from theatrical construction drawings and designer sketches using a variety of materials.
– Able to self-critique and correct their work while maintaining sensitivity to the overall artistic vision.
– Ability to clearly communicate to supervisors supply needs, updates on projects and realistic timetables for completion.
– Good eye for color, proportions, period and style.
– Enthusiasm for learning new techniques, working with new materials, increasing competency with current practices and expanding problem-solving skills.
– Works well with others and independently.
– Attention to detail with strong organizational and time management skills.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:
– Able to lift and carry 50 lbs.
– Job requires long stretches of standing
– Able to climb and perform work on ladders, cat walks and personnel lifts
– 40-hour weeks are the standard, but extra hours during load in and tech rehearsals are possible
– Comfortable opening/closing shop/setting alarm
– Ability to work in dimly lit/uneven spaces (backstage during tech, trap room, etc.)
– Driver’s license and able to drive prop van and box truck.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The physical demands and safe working expectations described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

While this description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, it is not necessarily exhaustive of all responsibilities, duties, requirements, or expectations of this position. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park reserves the right to revise or amend this description based on business needs or changes to the work environment.

To Apply:
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and references Elizabeth Lyons, Properties Manager liz.lyons@cincyplay.com and cc: Valerie Perez, Assistant Production Manager, valerie.perez@cincyplay.com. If you would like to submit a digital portfolio, please attached it in PDF form or provide a link to an online source in the body of the email. Hard copies of portfolios will not be accepted at this time. Review of materials will be done on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.