Properties Master, Faculty of Arts

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Calgary is seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Properties Master for approximately one year. This role involves overseeing the Properties Shop, providing production support across various technical theatre areas, and supervising student staff. Candidates should possess a Technical Theatre diploma and considerable experience, alongside strong communication skills and the ability to manage complex production operations. The position ensures a safe and efficient working environment while maintaining high standards in production quality.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years experience as a Properties Master.
• Secondary training in technical theatre disciplines such as carpentry and rigging.
• First Aid and WHMIS training required.

Responsibilities

• Manage operations and supervise student technical assistants in Properties Shop.
• Provide production support in set, lighting, and sound.
• Track and justify expenditures for shop operations.

Skills

Technical Theatre

Communication

Team Management

Education

BA, BFA or Technical Theatre diploma

Tools

VectorWorks

Job description

Description

The Department of Drama in the Faculty of Arts is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Properties Master for approximately 1 year.

The Properties Master is a fully proficient technical practitioner with in-depth knowledge of theory, systems, technologies and processes of drama production properties design and construction. The Properties Master will also demonstrate proficiency in other technical theatre disciplines such as lighting, rigging and wardrobe. This position works independently and with broad directives with minimal supervision and reports to the Director of Production. The Properties Master performs highly complex functions with an extremely high impact of error such as the consequences to the production process of missed design and construction deadlines. The ability to deal effectively with major complex issues through resourcefulness and demonstrated strong communication and team skills are critical. Leads and supervises various part time staff and also provides instruction to students.

Production in an academic year : 3 main stage shows, 2 to 3 pre-thesis shows, 3 - 5 undergraduate directing projects, presented in a student Festival format, one touring children's theatre show and various department research projects.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to) :

• Manage operations and student technical assistants in the area of the Properties / Paint Shop.
• Provide primary production support for the department in the area of Theatre Properties construction and acquisition.
• Provide production support in the areas of set, lighting and sound, supervising student crews during mainstage technical installation, set up and rehearsals.
• Supervise & assign work for part-time student staff in the Properties Shop and other theatre department.
• Supervise part-time staff, stage management and student designers for the yearly festival of student work.
• Track and justify expenditures. Reconcile shop expenditures.
• Provide safe working and instructional environment.
• Maintain and update MSDS database for Properties and Costume shops and make information accessible to shop users.
• Maintain equipment, properties inventories, shop space and storage areas.
• Maintain tools and inventory stock in a safe manner and proper working order.
• Continuous reorganizing and streamlining of shop operations to maximize the instructional and production space.
• Provide relevant lab instruction to first year Theatre Production Course.
• Provide appropriate feedback to students and the Instructor of record for the lab portions of the Theatre Production Course.
• Provide relevant and detailed instruction in the specialty area of Properties / Set for independent Study students. Assess student's performance and progress during study.
• Provide relevant feedback and grades to students and the instructor of record for Independent Studies.
• Create, nurture and maintain relationships with professional and semi-professional theatre companies, other post-secondary programs, the school systems and other community users of the Department's Properties collection for loan or exchange purposes.
• Remain informed and up to date with legislative policies and best practices in regard to FOIP, safety standards and environmental concerns as they relate to day to day Property Shop and Show Procedures.
• Operate Prop Shop and production activities within labour and budget guidelines in a manner that supports the department's overall objectives.
• Maintain the Properties / Paint Shop as a safe and clean work environment in accordance with Provincial Health and Safety Guidelines.

Qualifications / Requirements :

BA, BFA or Technical Theatre diploma in a related field and / or 5-10 years experience as a Properties Master.

Secondary training in two or more of the following technical Theatre disciplines is required :

Theatre Carpentry

Rigging

Metal Work

Wardrobe

Stage Management

Technical Direction

Lighting

Sound

Training / licenses :

A valid Class 5 driver's license (cannot be a graduated license) with proven good driving record (abstract required)

First Aid Training

WHMIS Training

Pyrotechnics License an asset

Possession and Acquisitions License and asset (PAL)

Teaching experience an asset

Basic computer literacy

Working Knowledge of a combination of the following areas is desirable :

upholstery

sewing and soft goods fabrication

scenic sculpture

welding

moulding and casting

thermoplastics

plastic resins

mask construction

furniture finishing

colour theory and mixing

paint and other coatings

metal working (cutting, joining etc.)

CAD (VectorWorks)

Application Deadline : January 12, 2025.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

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