Head Props $85.27 – $90.28 per hour Circle in the Square Theatre New York, NY Backstage & Technical

Playwright Co; New York (NY); On-site; USD 117,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Circle in the Square Theatre is seeking an experienced Head Props stagehand to oversee the theatre’s properties department, including props, furniture, set dressing, inventory, maintenance, and backstage operations. The position works closely with Theatre Management, production teams, and other departments to support safe rehearsals, performances, changeovers, and events.

The role requires at least five years in theatrical properties with supervisory experience, strong knowledge of sourcing and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of theatrical properties experience with supervisory roles.
• Strong prop sourcing, rentals, fabrication, and maintenance knowledge.
• Experience supervising union crews across departments under tight schedules.
• Established industry contacts to assemble qualified crews.
• Strong judgment, organization, communication, craftsmanship, and problem solving.
• Ability to interpret drawings and production paperwork; proficient with email, Word, Excel.
• OSHA 30 certification required or to be obtained.

Responsibilities

• Review production needs, schedules, budgets, prop lists, storage, and venue requirements.
• Coordinate props operations for rehearsals, performances, changeovers, maintenance and events.
• Oversee repair, tracking, preset, storage, and return of props and related items.
• Maintain prop tables, backstage storage, inventories, and paperwork.
• Coordinate with Theatre Management and other departments.

Skills

Prop sourcing

Crew supervision

Communication

Problem solving

Safety awareness

Education

OSHA 30 certification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Head Props

Circle in the Square Theatre | New York, NY

Department: Technical Operations
Union Status: IATSE Local One position
Schedule: Full-time; evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended calls as required by the production calendar
Compensation and Benefits: $85.27 - $90.28 per hour, in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Additional overtime, premium, performance, specialty and other rates may apply as provided under the collective bargaining agreement.

Position Summary

Circle in the Square Theatre is seeking an experienced Head Props stagehand to oversee the theatre’s properties department, including props, furniture, set dressing, practical items, inventory, maintenance, and backstage operations. The position works closely with Theatre Management, production teams, and other departments to support safe and efficient rehearsals, performances, changeovers, and events.

Key Responsibilities

• Review production needs, schedules, budgets, prop lists, storage, and venue requirements.
• Coordinate props operations for rehearsals, performances, changeovers, maintenance calls, and events.
• Oversee the repair, tracking, preset, storage, and return of props and related items.
• Maintain organized prop tables, backstage storage, inventories, and performance paperwork.
• Coordinate with Theatre Management, stage management, designers, performers, visiting crews, and other departments.

Crew Leadership

• Supervise assigned property personnel and stagehands.
• Coordinate assignments and staffing needs with Theatre Management in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
• Set expectations for safety, attendance, communication, organization, and professional conduct.

Properties, Inventory, and Equipment

• Maintain props, tools, materials, equipment, shop areas, and storage spaces in safe and orderly condition.
• Inspect items and work areas, coordinate repairs or replacements, and maintain inventory records.
• Recommend purchases, rentals, repairs, and improvements based on production and facility needs.

Safety and Compliance

• Maintain a safe working environment in accordance with OSHA requirements, venue procedures, and theatrical safety practices.
• Assess props for safe construction, handling, use, and storage, and coordinate required approvals for controlled or potentially hazardous items.
• Report safety, technical, facility, and personnel concerns promptly and maintain required documentation.

Administrative and Interdepartmental Coordination

• Track labor, purchases, rentals, petty cash, and hours, and submit accurate payroll and expense information on time.
• Maintain schedules, prop lists, presets, inventories, maintenance logs, receipts, and other departmental records.
• Communicate production needs and concerns clearly and foster a cooperative, respectful working environment.

Qualifications

• At least five years of professional theatrical properties experience, including supervisory experience in a Broadway, commercial, or similarly complex venue.
• Strong knowledge of prop sourcing, rentals, fabrication, repair, maintenance, backstage procedures, and theatrical safety standards.
• Experience supervising union crews and coordinating across departments under demanding schedules.
• Established industry contacts and the ability to assemble qualified crews as needed.
• Strong judgment, organization, communication, craftsmanship, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret drawings, renderings, schedules, and production paperwork and to use email, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
• OSHA 30 certification required or must be obtained as a condition of employment.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be or become a member of IATSE Local One as a condition of employment.
• Ability to work a variable schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, extended calls, and emergency calls.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods; climb stairs and ladders; work in confined areas; and lift or carry 25-50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Circle in the Square Theatre welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by federal, New York State, or New York City law. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the NYC Fair Chance Act. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please email [emailprotected].

Please send submissions to [emailprotected].