Head Props

THE JOHN GORE ORGANIZATION is the leading presenter, distributor, and marketer of Broadway theatre worldwide. Under the leadership of theater producer and owner John Gore, its family of companies includes Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com and Group Sales Box Office. Its productions span Broadway, Off Broadway, London’s West End, Japan and 48 North American markets. It has won Tonys in every producing category as well as numerous other Drama League, Drama Desk and Olivier awards.

At The John Gore Organization, a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace is one where all employees feel valued and respected, and all voices are valued and heard. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, access and inclusion.

Summary Historic Theatre Group, LLC, a division of Broadway Across America, the nation’s leading producer and promoter of live theatrical events is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Head of Properties at the Orpheum Theatre. This position operates under a Collective Bargaining Agreement with I.A.T.S.E. Local 13.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Head of Properties, responsibilities cover the fabrication, maintenance, repair, placement, handling, setting, striking, and dismantling of any properties used on stage and/or used in association with productions; including any music stands, chairs, tables, tech tables, podiums, musical instruments, ground cloths, dance floors, riser set-ups in the orchestra pit, and the “dressing up” of the stage and associated production areas.

This responsibility shall also apply to preparing and/or serving any food and beverages used as part of a show or production, and in the general upkeep of the stage, off-stage and backstage areas. The intent of the foregoing is to confirm existing conditions that follow traditional theatrical practices.

The personnel of the Properties Department under the direction of the Head of Properties will include the Properties Assistants, Stage Properties Personnel, and Shop Properties Personnel.

In addition to performance-related responsibilities, the Head of Properties will be required for Employer-scheduled theatre maintenance duties. During any theatre maintenance hours at any of the Theatres, along with the Operations Coordinator and other Department Heads, the Head of Properties will perform duties that include, but are not limited to:

Coordination of the technical needs of future performances at the Theatre,

Maintenance of heating, cooling, and electrical systems,

Care and maintenance of theatrical stage equipment,

Protection of the Theatre from damage by temporary employees or traveling crews,

Minor repairs to the electrical and plumbing systems throughout the Theatre

Repair of the theatre seats, door hardware, and the like,

Back-of-house painting and front-of-house touch up painting as directed by Employer.

Set up, running and restore for small meetings and lectures.

Transport of Employer's theatre-related equipment from one of the Theatres to another as directed by Employer.

Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Passionate about the live entertainment industry;

5+ years’ experience in the theatre, music, and live entertainment business.

Experience working in the props department on Broadway productions/

Willing to work a variety of hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to lead a crew;

Highly Organized with attention to detail;

Ability to manage multiple priorities and personalities to ensure work is completed in a timely and productive manner;

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written communication on an interpersonal or group level;

Ability to solve problems and rethink priorities on the fly in a performance situation.

Basic carpentry, welding and painting skills preferred;

Basic stagecraft knowledge.

Ability to communicate effectively with stagehands, management and promoters;

Ability to understand and troubleshoot department situations.

Ability to coordinate multiple parts of a project, set priorities and follow through in a timely manner;

Membership in the I.A.T.S.E. Local 13 is required or must be obtained.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Cooperation

Establishes and maintains effective relationships

Active listener

Offers direction, assistance and support to co-workers

Works cooperatively in group situations

Adaptability

Able to work around unexpected changes of circumstance or workload

Modifies a planned course of action based on new circumstances

Changes communication style to achieve the best results

Functional Competencies

Looks for ways to improve and promote quality

Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness

Team Orientation

Fosters team cooperation

Understands team roles and responsibilities

Supports group problem solving

Qualifications aka KSAOs

Previous Head of Properties/Stagehand experience required.

Broadway touring experience required.

Strong leadership skills.

Computer proficiency: Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Must be able to effectively communicate and take direction from the Operation Coordinator, touring department heads and traveling road crews and work in a safe and effective manner.

Education and/or Experience

5 years equivalent work experience required.

Passionate about the live entertainment industry required.

Experience in the theatre, music and live entertainment business required.

Effective communication skills, including clear and concise writing skills required.

Highly Organized with attention to detail required.

Computer proficiency: Word, Excel, and Outlook required.

Communication Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret show riders/details,

Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from promoters, show personnel, staff and management.

Ability to effectively present information to staff, promoters, show personnel and management.

Critical Thinking

Ability to quickly resolve any backstage issues.

Ability to assess show needs.

Ability to be creative with challenging show requirements or other unique requests.

Ability to multitask with a calm and professional demeanor.

Physical Demands

The worker must be able to lift 50 lbs. overhead.

The worker must be able to stand for long periods and work in a physically demanding setting which may include all kinds of weather.

The worker must be able to work at heights up to 80 feet. This will include work on the theatre’s grid, box booms, cove areas, and any other area within the building that a show may need to complete work.

The worker must be able to work on ladders and personnel lifts without restrictions. This includes knowing the safe and acceptable methods of working on this equipment.

The worker must have a general proficiency in methods used for hanging soft goods and scenery.

The worker must have a general proficiency in methods used for setting up /striking video equipment.

The worker must be able to have a general proficiency in methods used for setting up/striking sound systems and associated equipment.

The worker must at minimum be able to effectively use the following knots:

Clove hitch, bowline, and bow (shoelace knot).

The worker must carry the following tools (minimum equipment): pocketknife, crescent wrench, and flashlight. Other tools such as a hammer and multi-tool are recommended to have on hand as well.

Work Environment

Busy fast paced backstage environment

Works long hours with a variety of people

Work as part of a team and independently

Work a variety of hours, mostly evenings and weekends

Acknowledgement

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Employees will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

We offer competitive compensation including Vacation and Holiday Pay, health & welfare benefits, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

All employees working in our offices or affiliated venues are required to obtain and maintain up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations. Those (i) who are disabled or who have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who objects to being vaccinated on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice may request an exemption from the vaccination requirement.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The John Gore Organization is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal employment opportunity to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, creed, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other legally protected classification under local, state or federal laws.

HIRING PRACTICES

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification or position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

The John Gore Organization’s recruitment policies are designed to place the most highly qualified persons available in a timely and efficient manner. The John Gore Organization may pursue all avenues available, including promotion from within, employee referrals, outside advertising, employment agencies, Internet recruiting, job fairs, college recruiting and search firms.

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