Props Captain, Set Decor

Universal Studios Hollywood • Los Angeles, CA

5d

About The Position

This role involves partnering with Production Designers and creative teams to develop and execute prop and set decoration elements for various entertainment productions, seasonal events, and placemaking initiatives. The position requires researching, sourcing, and procuring a wide range of items, evaluating existing inventory for reuse, and applying knowledge of design styles to create cohesive environments. The Props Captain will also coordinate with vendors and internal partners, provide guidance to prop artisans, oversee fabrication, and support on-site installation and dressing of scenic environments. Additionally, the role includes assisting with operational tasks such as estimating resources, managing inventory using systems like RT Pro, and maintaining safe and organized workspaces.

Requirements

• Minimum of five years of professional experience in theatrical props, set decoration, scenic fabrication, or related production environments.
• Demonstrated experience sourcing, selecting, and curating furniture, hand props, décor, textiles, and set dressing elements.
• Working knowledge of scenic fabrication techniques and materials, including wood, metal, plastics, textiles, and decorative finishes.
• Experience working with prop houses, rental vendors, specialty fabricators, and other suppliers.
• Strong ability to read and interpret design drawings, sketches, models, and visual references.
• Demonstrated organizational and project coordination skills.
• Experience leading or guiding small teams within a production environment.
• Working knowledge of shop tools and fabrication environments.
• Proficiency with standard office and production software including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams), Adobe Acrobat, and internet research tools.
• Working knowledge of workplace safety standards and best practices.
• Ability to work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, Scenic Design, Production Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong aesthetic judgment and demonstrated understanding of historical and contemporary design styles relevant to themed environments.
• Experience working in themed entertainment, immersive attractions, live entertainment, or theme park environments.
• Familiarity with warehouse inventory systems and asset management platforms such as RT Pro (Rental Tracker) or similar systems.
• Proven leadership abilities with a focus on mentorship, collaboration, and clear communication.
• Creative problem-solver capable of balancing artistic intent with practical production constraints.
• Ability to build productive relationships with vendors, creative partners, and cross-functional production teams.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality scenic environments.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Production Designers, creative teams, and Props & Placemaking leadership to support the development and execution of prop and set decoration elements.
• Participate in design reviews and production planning meetings to ensure décor elements align with creative direction, IP guidelines, operational requirements, and project timelines.
• Interpret scaled drawings, sketches, models, and visual references to translate creative concepts into practical prop and set decoration solutions.
• Research, source, and procure furniture, hand props, décor, textiles, and specialty items from various vendors and sources.
• Evaluate existing scenic and set decoration inventory to identify opportunities for repurposing, redressing, or modifying existing assets.
• Apply knowledge of historical and contemporary design styles when selecting and arranging décor elements.
• Oversee the collection, preparation, and arrangement of set decoration items.
• Recommend sourcing strategies that balance creative intent, durability, budget constraints, and project timelines.
• Maintain awareness of available warehouse inventory and legacy scenic assets for reuse.
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with prop houses, rental vendors, specialty fabricators, and suppliers.
• Coordinate quotes, purchases, rentals, and fabrication requests, ensuring alignment with project budgets and schedules.
• Collaborate with internal partners across various departments to support the integration of prop and décor elements.
• Provide guidance and direction to prop artisans in sourcing, preparation, fabrication, and installation.
• Mentor team members and support skill development.
• Prioritize work assignments and coordinate efforts across multiple projects.
• Serve as a subject matter resource for set decoration practices, materials, and styling approaches.
• Work with prop artisans to determine appropriate fabrication methods, materials, and construction approaches.
• Provide guidance and creative direction during the fabrication process.
• Translate conceptual ideas into practical prop solutions for the fabrication team.
• Assist with fabrication or modification of prop elements when needed.
• Support or lead the installation and dressing of scenic environments on site.
• Coordinate with designers and project leads to make adjustments during installation.
• Assist with strike, storage, and redeployment of set decoration elements.
• Assist in estimating materials, décor elements, and fabrication resources.
• Support the organization and documentation of set dressing inventory using inventory management systems.
• Maintain familiarity with warehouse inventory and scenic assets for efficient reuse.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe workspaces.
• Participate in quality control efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
• Consideration for employment of qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree