Scenic & Props Design Associate

AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATRE FOUNDATION•San Francisco, CA

1d•$70,350 - $73,000•Hybrid

About The Position

American Conservatory Theater (LORT B+) seeks a Scenic and Props Design Associate. This role works across many parts of A.C.T., including but not limited to the Mainstage season, Conservatory and Education programs, and other projects. On Mainstage productions, the Associate works closely with A.C.T. Production Management as a key production liaison between guest designers, all shops, and departments. For the Conservatory, Education, Rentals, and other company programming, the Associate may work with guest designers or act as a designer on select productions.

Requirements

Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
Alignment with A.C.T.’s Mission, Values and commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
BA/BFA in technical theatre or scenic design, or equivalent professional experience (2+ years), with an emphasis in scenic and props design.
Valid driver's license and a clean DMV record.
Ability to lift 50 pounds and reach overhead.
Based in, or willing to relocate to, the Bay Area.
Strong computer skills on PC or Mac, including proficiency in the following (required unless marked preferred): Vectorworks (2D and 3D), Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft 365
Demonstrated Vectorworks drafting proficiency, including the ability to independently produce complete design and drafting packages and to work accurately within another designer's files.
Experience managing budgets and expenditures.
Demonstrated skill in understanding of cultural differences.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with A.C.T. colleagues and stakeholders.
Willingness to work an irregular schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed.
Detail-oriented, resourceful, and flexible, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to interact with a diverse group of constituents, including visiting directors, designers, artists, administrative staff, technical crews, and students.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to meet demanding situations with tenacity, diplomacy, and sensitivity under pressure.
Excellent work ethic and ability to work well in a team.

Nice To Haves

Slack (Preferred)
Asana (Preferred)
Knowledge of or experience with automation control systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

Serve as the key production liaison between guest Scenic and Props Designers, the shops, and all production staff throughout the design development process: fielding questions, breaking the design down into its component parts, tracking changes and revisions, updating budget numbers accordingly, and coordinating technical needs.
Support guest designers' drafting as needed, including integrating their drawings into accurate, current theater or event-space plans; providing floor plans, sections, 3D master drawings, renders, and inventories; and drafting prop build drawings for the Prop Shop that reflect the designer's intent.
Generate and maintain industry-standard scenic show paperwork, Ground Plans, line-set schedules, and select build drawings as needed. Keep all drawings and design information current as changes occur, and distribute updated drawings and paperwork to the shops and Production Teams.
Attend production meetings and speak on behalf of the scenic and props departments as needed.
Work with Stage Management through studio rehearsals and the run of the production to support scenic and prop needs, including coordinating rehearsal room setup (rehearsal props, platforms, and other scenic elements), sourcing and delivering rehearsal props, and managing their transfer to the theater.
Serve as Assistant Scenic and Props Designer during tech rehearsals and previews for all Mainstage productions: taking notes, communicating with other departments, attending morning work notes as needed.
Maintain A.C.T.'s master venue drafting files and, with Production Management, the technical packages for all A.C.T. venues for internal and rental use; keep departmental files on company servers and shared systems organized and current.
Work closely with the Prop Shop Supervisor and shop staff to ensure the efficient, timely, and on-budget delivery of all prop requirements for each production, including researching, sourcing, and purchasing or renting props, scenic materials, equipment, and expendables for shows and the department's general inventory, and tracking the properties budget and rehearsal prop notes.
Serve as designer on select Conservatory and Education Program productions each season, producing the full design and drafting package independently, and provide planning, logistics, technical, and props support for Conservatory and Education programs, serving as Technical Director for load-in and strike as assigned.
Support rental and development events as a designer and general production support, helping realize the vision of clients and staff.
Provide indirect supervision to other members of the technical and production team as assigned, and work with Production Management to recruit additional design assistants for show-specific work as needed.
Recommend maintenance and upkeep of equipment, tools, and facilities to Production Management, and assist with related purchasing, scheduling, and labor to receive and install parts and replacement equipment.
Understand and work within the parameters of all applicable union contracts, including IATSE Local 16 (Stagehands), United Scenic Artists Local 829 (Designers), and Actors' Equity Association (Actors, Stage Managers).
Assist Production Management with budget estimates, financial projections, and staff planning as needed.