Head of Props

Company Overview

About the Chemainus Theatre Festival: Founded in 1993, the Chemainus Theatre Festival is a not-for-profit professional theatre company located on Vancouver Island. The Chemainus Theatre Festival is dedicated to building a just, equitable, inclusive, diverse, and accessible workplace and community. We encourage all interested applicants to apply and will consider all submissions inclusive of all ages, ability, gender, race, ethnocultural identity, or any other basis. With gratitude, we acknowledge the Puneluxutth (Penelakut) Tribe and the hul’qumi’num speaking peoples, on whose traditional territory we work and play.

Job Description

Job Title: Head of Props

Job Category: IATSE 168 Seasonal Employee

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Production Manager, the Head of Props is responsible for the coordination and operations of the properties department. Duties of the Head of Props shall include, but not be limited to, the costing and planning for the department and the procurement and/or creation of all properties, furniture and set decorations. They work collaboratively with the Technical Director, Head Carpenter, guest artists and other production departments to ensure the artistic vision of the director and design team is realized on stage while maintaining safe work practices for all production staff and guest artists, in accordance with company policy, Worksafe BC, CAEA, Actsafe, IATSE 168 and industry best standards.

Key Responsibilities:

· Fulfilling all responsibilities in a manner consistent with the Chemainus Theatre Festival’s mission statement, respectful workplace policy and communication credo.

· Upholding the professional image and name of the theatre during all dealings with staff, guest artists and the public.

· Communication of departmental updates in a timely, professional and respectful manner to CTF staff and guest artists.

· Procure, adapt or create all properties and set dressings as required.

· Construct or adapt specialty items as needed in mediums such as fabric, paper, paint, wood, metal or other materials.

· Create paper props or set dressing materials using graphic design tools as required.

· Basic wiring or mechanical operation of practical props or set dressing fixtures as required.

· Maintain props throughout the performance run to their opening night quality as required.

· Creating, modifying and/or interpreting various technical and shop drawings.

· Managing an annual and show specific budget.

· Managing department inventory and repairs or informing the Production Manager when outsourcing may be required.

· Researching, planning, and implementing properties and set dressing for each production.

· Maintaining rentals and/or CTF equipment in good repair.

· Providing a safe, tidy, clean and well-maintained work environment which adheres to company policy, Worksafe BC, CAEA, Actsafe and industry best practices.

· Training, orienting and supervising casual staff as required.

· Attending departmental and company meetings as required.

· Supporting or assisting other CTF production departments as required.

· Other production tasks as assigned by the Production Manager.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

· Post-secondary education in a technical theatre program and/or prior service in a similar position.

· Experience and proficiency in the creation and construction of theatrical properties in a variety of mediums.

· A collaborative, creative, and strategic thinking individual with experience in not-profit theatre production.

· Self-directed, able to identify and undertake a task with limited direction or information when required.

· Strong organizational, and project management skills.

· Strong verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to switch focus and effectively prioritize tasks.

· Willingness to learn and develop skills.

· Comfortable working in dynamic and deadline-based environment.

· Experience working in a team-based collaborative environment with a positive attitude towards delivering high-quality presentations in an environment of mutual respect.

· Holds safety in high esteem and familiar with guidelines and regulations from Worksafe BC, CAEA, Actsafe and Theatrical Industry standards

· Ability to work with diplomacy and tact with a wide range of relevant people and groups.

· Experience working alongside a unionized crew.

· Strong knowledge of office software an asset (Outlook, Word, Excel, Sharepoint).

· Class 5 BC driver’s license an asset

· Basic First Aid certification an asset

· Available to work evenings and weekends when required.

· Other conditions may include working alone, working at heights, working with and around power tools and power equipment, lifting of at least 50lbs, use of stairs, driving of company vehicles (owned and rented), and working in low-light environments. Occasional travel may be required.

Compensation & Benefits:

· $24.94 per hour in accordance with the CTF & IATSE 168 collective bargaining agreement with benefits as follows:

o 4% Vacation Pay

o 5 sick days per year

o 1% in lieu of health & dental benefits

· 2 Complimentary Theater tickets to each CTF mainstage production.

· CTF Company Card benefits which include additional staff discounts for the Playbill Dining Room, Gallery Gift Shop, CTF Cabaret Series Tickets and applicable local Chemainus businesses

Hours of Work:

Typical hours of work are weekdays 9:00am to 5:30pm with some evenings, weekends and extended days expected in the weeks leading up to each mainstage production. 

960 Guaranteed Minimum Hours for the 2025 Season

2025 Production Dates (dates as currently planned and subject to change)

Show #1

Build & Notes as called – February 4-March 14

Strike – April 8-9

Show #2

Build & Notes as called – March 25-May 2

Strike – June 3-4

Show #3

Build & Notes as called – May 13-June 27

Strike – September 2-3

Show #4

Build & Notes as called – August 19-September 26

Strike – October 21-22

Show #5

Build & Notes as called – September 29-November 14

Strike – December 22-23

*Possible flexibility of the above dates may be negotiable for the right candidate