SEASONAL Props Designer

Columbia College Chicago•Chicago, IL

28d•$23 - $27

About The Position

Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications, and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in the South Loop. Columbia College Chicago is a private urban institution of approximately 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative and media arts and business is currently searching for a(an) SEASONAL PROPS DESIGNER. POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the Production Manager, the Seasonal Props Designer is responsible for acquisition, creation, maintenance, and strike of all rehearsal and show hand props, consumables, furniture props, and set dressing for four mainstage productions. The Props Designer collaborates closely with Directors, Scenic Designers, and Stage Managers on the artistic and logistical needs of the production. This position is also responsible for overseeing student props artisans and mentoring student props designers. This is a seasonal, non-union part-time role. Hours will vary based on production schedule, not to exceed 950 hours per calendar year.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in design or technical theatre
Minimum of three years’ experience in professional theatre.
Experience with props sourcing, fabrication, and alteration techniques, including carpentry, carving, molding, upholstery, painting, and sewing.
Valid driver’s license.
Strong organizational and budget-management skills.
Comfort working at heights, in tight spaces, low light, near loud noises, and in dusty environments.
Excellent communication and creative problem-solving skills.
Ability to collaborate with individuals of varied personalities, skill levels, backgrounds, and neurodiversity.
Ability to work a variable schedule, including evenings and Saturdays as required.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
Ability to lift, push, pull, or otherwise maneuver independently up to 50lbs independently.

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising or mentoring students, interns, or early career professionals preferred.

Responsibilities

Design, source, build, alter and maintain all props and set dressing.
Attend design and production meetings, designer runs, technical rehearsals, preview performances, as scheduled by the Production Manager. Attend audition meetings and rehearsals as needed or requested by the Production Manager, Director, and/or Stage Manager.
Create and update props lists throughout production and rehearsal processes.
Acquire all props—pulling from CCC Theatre’s inventory, shopping, constructing, altering, renting, or borrowing as needed.
Coordinate transport and delivery of all items and the return of all rented or borrowed materials.
Oversee maintenance, repairs, and consumables replenishment throughout each run. Provide repair kits and train student crews in basic maintenance needs. Address major repairs or recurring issues directly.
Track props budgets reconcile all expenses accurate paperwork and itemized receipts.
Lead props strike, returns, and inventory restoration.
Foster a positive, collaborative, and creative work environment rooted in respect.
Perform other related duties and/or responsibilities as assigned or required.