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Head of Props

Arizona Opera is looking for its next Head of Props to the join the Production Team. This position is Unionized and is covered by the collective bargaining agreement with I.A.T.S.E. Local 336 / Local 415. This position reports to the Director of Production and works closely with other department heads, directors, designers, stage management and artists for all productions. If you love solving problems, making cool things, learning new things, leading a crew and thrive with in a fast-paced environment, this job is for you!

Arizona Opera is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal access and opportunity to anyone who qualifies, regardless of sex, race, age, color, religion, mental or physical disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, and/or military status. Arizona Opera is committed to racial equity and to dismantling historic barriers of oppression.

If you are concerned that you don’t meet every requirement listed below, we encourage you to still apply. You may have the skills and experience that compliment others in the department, and you could be the perfect addition to our team. We are open to adjustments to best fit people that are interested in being a part of the opera.

Arizona Opera is one of the few opera companies in the United States that performs in more than one city and venue. Rehearsals, tech and the opening performances of our main stage productions take place in Phoenix. Following the Phoenix performances, the production travels to Tucson, Arizona where it receives its closing performance.

This position is responsible for making, sourcing, creating and delivering all the props and furniture needed for opera productions – both for the mainstage and beyond the mainstage! This position also leads the set-up / take-down of the orchestra area as well as manages the shipping and receiving of all the props for rental productions. The duties are that of a typical properties department working in a Unionized environment. This position is based in Phoenix and works in multiple locations: including the Scenic Studio, Arizona Opera Center, and venues in both Phoenix and Tucson.

 

Engagement, compensation and expected schedule:

  • Starting as soon as possible with a flexible working schedule for prep / building work.
  • Compensation and benefits are covered under the Arizona Opera & I.A.T.S.E. Local 336/415 Collective Agreement. Please contact the ‘For more information’ on the bottom of this posting for additional compensation details.

This position has no guarantee of hours but is required for all props related activities (building / sourcing / set-up / running / take-down) of all stage productions.

  • Beyond Downtown (Fall 2024) (multiple locations / mostly sourcing and providing for rehearsals)
    • Prep likely starting in early-October with a flexible schedule
    • Install and run near end-of-October
    • Total of about 80-hours.
  • Arlyn M. Brewster OperaTunity Program
    • Providing props for the touring group (no touring or attending rehearsals or performances, just creation of the props)
  • La Bohème: (Phoenix Symphony Hall & The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall)
    • Prep in mid-December, 2024
    • Rehearsals; December 30 – January 12, 2025 (expect 40 hour work weeks)
    • Phoenix: Set-up / technical rehearsals / performances / load-out: January 12 – January 26, 2025
    • Tucson: Set-up / performance / load-out: January 27 – February 2, 2025.
  • Pullin Studio Cabaret (The Roma and Raymond Wittcoff Black Box & Temple of Music & Art)
    • Rehearsals, tech work: February 3-14, (expect about 24 hours total)
    • Phoenix performance: February 15, 2025
    • Tucson performance: February 16, 2025
  • Opera Gala (The Roma and Raymond Wittcoff Black Box)
    • Tech work: March 3 – March 7, 2025
    • Gala: March 8, 2025
  • Beyond Downtown (Spring 2025) (multiple locations / mostly sourcing and providing for rehearsals)
    • Prep in early-March, 2025.
    • Rehearsals March 10-21, 2025
  • Aida: (Phoenix Symphony Hall & Linda Ronstadt Music Hall)
    • Minimal props. Almost all work will be at the Theater(s)
    • Phoenix: Load-in / technical rehearsals / performances / load-out: April 5 – April 13, 2025
    • Tucson: Load-in / performance / load-out: April 14 – April 19, 2025.
  • Other work as it happens:
    • The Marriage of Figaro scenic rental
    • La Bohème scenic rental
    • Various days and times for planning meetings (all paid, with remote-in option).
    • Various tasks to help the department.

 

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

  • Our company has offices/rehearsals located in mid-town, Phoenix, AZ and this position is based at the Scenic Studio located in West Phoenix.
  • We primarily use computers running the Microsoft Suite.
  • The position has a private workspace at the Scenic Studio.
  • The position requires using a computer for communications and documentation.
  • Communication by telephone, video (Zoom), email, and in person.
  • This position will utilize some customized applications to automate certain processes.

 

Reports To: 
Director of Production
Job Category: 
Production

Qualifications

  • Completion of a Theatre Production Program is ideal, however relevant experience will be considered.
  • Proficiency in operating Microsoft Suite, including Word and Excel is expected and experience with SharePoint and Propared is very beneficial.
  • Previous experience at an Opera or other performing arts organization is required and experience in a fly-house is very beneficial.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask and work under pressure.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment. Kindness and empathy are important traits for this position as this person works directly with the artists and must establish trust.
  • Ability to easily understand instructions that are written and spoken.
  • Must have a valid Arizona driver’s license (proof will be required to operate company vehicles).
  • Not a requirement, but it would be very advantageous if this position were comfortable to operate a box truck.
  • Ability to manage a petty-cash budget for a production, as so directed by the Director of Production.
  • Ability and comfort using a variety of power tools, including sewing machines and especially hot glue guns.
  • Construction / fabrication abilities – and the ability to read fabrication drawings.
  • Understanding of materials typically associated with prop making.
  • Ability to communicate and seek assistance with complex builds (which may be beyond the ability of the applicant) to the Director of Production / Head Carpenter so they can be helped.

 

Accommodations & Travel:

  • This position is required to travel between Phoenix and Tucson for productions.
    • will receive a travel allowance between Phoenix to Tucson as per the Arizona Opera / I.A.T.S.E. Local 336/415 Collective Agreement.
    • will receive a per diem as per the AZO / I.A.T.S.E. Local 336/415 Collective Agreement.
  • Parking is provided at all locations and venues.
  • This position will have access to a company vehicle for sourcing/shopping trips and/or will receive mileage reimbursement as per the Arizona Opera employee handbook, should they utilize their personal vehicle for work related purposes.

 

To Apply:

Applicants for this position should email a cover letter, resume and include three professional references.

Send to ATTN: Head of Props at production@azopera.org.

For more details on this posting please email crodney@azopera.org.

 

This position will close once the right candidate is found. Please apply early.

Interviews will be conducted on an on-going basis.

 

Job Title: Head of Props
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Department: Production
Reports To: Director of Production
FLSA Status: Eligible for OT (non-exempt)
Classification: IATSE, hourly