Head of Props

Company Overview

About Tarragon:
Founded in 1970, Tarragon Theatre creates, develops and produces new Canadian theatre that reflects and illuminates the diversity and complexity of the contemporary human experience. We seek to create theatre that investigates artistic form, which may incorporate non-traditional practices and methods of storytelling, and may integrate other disciplines such as movement, music or non-text based performance – all toward creating enriching and provocative theatre experiences for the artist and audience. Our philosophy is to create an environment that fosters artistic discourse within the ecology of
Canadian theatre, new play development and dramaturgy practice. We open our doors to celebrate and learn from the scope of voices that make up our country and the various artistic practices that resonate within them. To that end, Tarragon is equally a hub for creation and development as it is a production company, with the ultimate goal of creating a meaningful experience for our artists to thrive and bridge their ideas from concept to realization. Our rehearsal halls and theatre spaces are used extensively by
the arts community for the creation and production of new work.

Job Description

About the Position:
You are a dedicated theatre practitioner, with an interest in supporting the new creation process as related to the production opportunities of the Tarragon. You enjoy working in a fast-paced, artistically engaging and collaborative work environment.

This position is governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with Tarragon Theatre and IATSE Local 828. You will be required to join the union if not already a member. This is a full-time seasonal salaried position. The salary, as per the CBA, is $1020.00/week, based on a 40-hour work week. The salary represents an hourly rate of $25.50 per hour.

An integral role to Tarragon’s production team and community, reporting to the Director of Production, the Head of Props will work closely and in collaboration with the Technical Director, to support creators and all artists for the theatre’s productions. It is a highly skilled position within the production
department. The primary focus of the position is on props sourcing, construction, purchasing, alteration and maintenance.

Productions
• Interpreting prop designs and work with designers to create appropriate props for each production
• Preparing props cost estimates to present to the Director of Production and Designer
• The construction, sourcing, purchasing, alterations and maintenance of props for all Tarragon produced productions
• Attending design meetings, production meetings and department meetings as needed
• Tracking Props budgets, reconcile petty cash and credit card purchases in a timely fashion
• Providing suitable and reasonable rehearsal props for use during the rehearsal process
• Liaising with Stage Management in order to respond to rehearsal and show notes
• Working in collaboration with the Head of Wardrobe and/or Head Scenic Carpenter on any props requiring use of the carpentry or wardrobe shops and vice versa.
• Attending Tech Dress, Dress, Photo/Media Calls and selected previews as deemed necessary by the Director of Production
• Archiving all props information and materials from each production

Facilities
• Maintaining prop shop tools, equipment and materials stock; order supplies as necessary
• Working with Head of Scenic Paint to maintain paint shop tools, equipment and materials stock
• Maintaining a clean, safe and efficient working environment and an organized and wellfunctioning materials storage area
• Working in collaboration with Tarragon Staff to ensure that all Tarragon events have the necessary prop support

Other
• Work in conjunction with Tarragon Staff to ensure that all Tarragon events are successful and have support from the department for décor and props requirements as needed,

You bring the following qualifications and skills to the position:
• Experience, or equivalent, as Head of Props at a comparable theatre or company
• Takes initiative, is an innovative problem solver and critical thinker
• Have experience with props sourcing, construction and execution
• Have experience with soldering, various adhesives, moulding/casting and paint treatments
• Have experience with the fundamentals of sewing and upholstery
• Have excellent communication skills and be highly organized
• Possess a strong work ethic and attention to detail
• Have the ability to work independently
• Be comfortable working with and directing assistants
• Be willing to work flexible hours and based on the nature of a theatre schedule.
• A valid G Driver’s license

The position usually runs from late August to late May. For the 2024/2025 season, the position will start on August 26, 2024 and end on June 6, 2025, with an unpaid hiatus from December 2, 2024-January 5, 2025. Additional days to strike and pack the final show of the season will be scheduled and paid outside of the period of employment.