Props Builder - All Levels

Colonial Group; Stratford; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group's Stratford Festival production team seeks a Props Builder to craft, finish, modify and install props and scenic elements. You will work across woodworking, carving, painting, welding and 3D printing, translating designs into tangible pieces.

With 3–8 years in prop making, you will read drawings, collaborate with designers and production staff, mentor junior teammates, and maintain a safe, organized shop. This role rewards independent problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma in Fine Arts, Theatre Arts or related field.
• 3–8 years of prop making, theatrical construction, scenic construction, fabrication, or related experience.
• Experience with theatrical construction methods, materials, and fabrication techniques.
• Ability to operate hand tools, power tools, shop equipment, and machinery safely.
• Ability to read design drawings, renderings, prop lists, and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of prop-making disciplines such as woodworking, carving, sculpting, mold making, sewing/soft props, welding, painting/finishing, upholstery, graphics, fiberglass, 3D printing, and specialty effects.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced production environment.

Responsibilities

• Build, modify, finish, repair, and install props using a variety of materials and fabrication techniques.
• Assist with prop sourcing, purchasing, and material procurement as required.
• Collaborate with Designers, Assistant Designers, production staff, and craftspeople to realize design concepts.
• Interpret drawings, renderings, specifications, and production notes to execute prop builds.
• Research materials, techniques, and construction solutions to support project requirements.
• Plan, prioritize, and complete assigned projects to meet production deadlines.
• Operate and maintain prop shop tools, machinery, and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Apply and develop skills across a range of disciplines, including woodworking, carving, sculpting, mold making, welding, soft goods, painting and finishing techniques, upholstery, fiberglass, graphics, 3D printing, and specialty effects.
• Work independently while exercising sound judgment and creative problem-solving.
• Depending on experience level, provide mentorship, training, and guidance to junior team members.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and collaborative work environment.
• Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Time management

Attention to Detail

Problem-solving

Education

Post-secondary diploma in Fine Arts/Theatre Arts or related field

Job description

Reporting to the Head of Properties or designate, the Props Builder is a member of the Production Department responsible for the construction, finishing, modification, and installation of props and scenic elements. Working with varying degrees of independence based on experience and skill level, the incumbent applies a range of prop-making techniques to complete projects of increasing complexity. This role requires technical proficiency, creativity, problem-solving, organization, and attention to detail. More experienced incumbents are expected to work independently, provide guidance and instruction to others, collaborate closely with Designers and the Head of Properties, and contribute to the planning and execution of complex builds. Successful candidates will demonstrate progressive competency in prop-making skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a commitment to producing high-quality work in a collaborative production environment.

Responsibilities:

• Build, modify, finish, repair, and install props using a variety of materials and fabrication techniques.
• Assist with prop sourcing, purchasing, and material procurement as required.
• Collaborate with Designers, Assistant Designers, production staff, and craftspeople to realize design concepts.
• Interpret drawings, renderings, specifications, and production notes to execute prop builds.
• Research materials, techniques, and construction solutions to support project requirements.
• Plan, prioritize, and complete assigned projects to meet production deadlines.
• Operate and maintain prop shop tools, machinery, and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Apply and develop skills across a range of disciplines, including woodworking, carving, sculpting, mold making, welding, soft goods, painting and finishing techniques, upholstery, fiberglass, graphics, 3D printing, and specialty effects.
• Work independently while exercising sound judgment and creative problem-solving.
• Depending on experience level, provide mentorship, training, and guidance to junior team members.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and collaborative work environment.
• Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures, and ensure that safe work practices and policies are supported and enforced within reporting structure.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Post-secondary diploma program, typically a two year program, or equivalent, (i.e. Community college, Technical Institute or Trade School, etc.) in Fine Arts, Theatre Arts or related field
• 3 to 8 years of experience in prop making, theatrical construction, scenic construction, fabrication, or a related field. Candidates may be considered at different levels based on their skills and experience.
• Experience with theatrical construction methods, materials, and fabrication techniques.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, shop equipment, and machinery.
• Ability to manually lift and move props and building materials up to 50 lbs.
• Familiarity with reading design drawings, renderings, prop lists, and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of prop-making disciplines such as woodworking, carving, sculpting, mold making, sewing/soft props, welding, painting and finishing, upholstery, graphics, fiberglass, 3D printing, and specialty effects.
• Ability to select appropriate materials, fabrication methods, and finishing techniques to achieve design objectives.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced production environment.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Teamwork: readily work with others towards a shared goal, actively support teammates and recognize everyone’s contributions
• Communication: actively listen and effectively transmit and receive information
• Time Management: efficiently allocate and use time to meet goals and deadlines, prioritize tasks as necessary.
• Attention to Detail: meticulously review work and ensure accuracy and precision in all tasks.
• Problem-Solving: able to identify challenges, analyze root causes, and develop practical solutions.