Props & Decor Supervisor - THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride Whippany, NJ

American Heritage Companies; Whippany (NJ); On-site; USD 29,549 - 42,085; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Catered meals for 5-show days

Comp tickets for friends and family

End of season bonus

Job summary

Rail Events Productions on-site in Whippany, NJ seeks a Props & Décor Supervisor for THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride. The role oversees props and decor from rehearsals to load out, coordinating inventory, care, pre-setting, and maintenance across the run of the event.

The position reports to Production Management and requires collaboration with design, production staff, and stage management in a fast-paced live train production.

Qualifications

• Experience in props management and repair.
• Possess good DIY, craft, sewing and repair skills.
• Experience as a theatrical technician.
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work alongside the production staff as a team member in an ever‑changing environment.
• Ability to work independently with self‑motivation and attention to detail as well as excellent organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate, recognize and solve practical problems and resolve issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in written form.
• Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Organizing and maintaining the props & scenic decor.
• Constructing/altering/repairing props and décor as necessary to ensure successful realization of the show.
• Overseeing the pre-setting and usage of props for each performance.
• Assist the Wardrobe Supervisor as necessary with costume items.
• Responsible for seeing that the prop and decor designs are maintained with artistic integrity throughout the event.
• Assist with setting and removal of food products.
• Work with the production team to install and prep backstage spaces.
• Work with the production team during technical rehearsals to incorporate last‑minute changes.
• Work with the production staff during load out to see that event space is returned to the railroad appropriately.
• Become familiar with company policies regarding safety.
• Works with the entire event team to maintain a positive, enjoyable, and rewarding environment for all staff and passengers.

Skills

Prop management

DIY skills

Theatrical technician background

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Independent work

Problem solving

Written and oral communication

Safety awareness

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Whippany, NJ 07981

Position Type: Seasonal

Salary Range: $26.00 - $26.00 Hourly

Job Shift: Any

Job Title: Props & Décor Supervisor - THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Division/Department: Rail Events Production/Run Crew

Reports To: Production Management

Type of position: Non-Exempt/Hourly

Employee Classification: Seasonal

Compensation: $26.00/hourly

Job Summary

The Props & Décor Supervisor works with the Design team, Production Staff and on-site management during rehearsals, load in, performances and load out. They will be responsible for the load-in, inventory, care, pre-setting, and maintenance of all props and scenic décor associated with the production during the entire run of the event. They work under the supervision of the Production Props Supervisor, Production Managers, and Stage Managers. Because of the nature of the live event, they may be required to assist in any event related items as required. They advise the Stage Manager and Local Production Manager of any technical or artistic needs that may arise to keep the integrity of the props and decor designs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Organizing and maintaining the props & scenic decor
• Constructing/altering/repairing props and décor as necessary to ensure successful realization of the show
• Overseeing the pre-setting and usage of props for each performance
• Assist the Wardrobe Supervisor as necessary with costume items
• Responsible for seeing that the prop and decor designs are maintained with artistic integrity throughout the event
• Assist with setting and removal of food products
• Work with the production team to install and prep backstage spaces
• Work with the production team during technical rehearsals to incorporate last‑minute changes
• Work with the production staff during load out to see that event space is returned to the railroad appropriately
• Become familiar with company policies regarding safety
• Works with the entire event team to maintain a positive, enjoyable, and rewarding environment for all staff and passengers
• Other duties as assigned

Education, Skill & Work Experience Requirements

• Experience in props management and repair
• Possess good DIY, craft, sewing and repair skills
• Experience as a theatrical technician
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills
• Ability to work alongside the production staff as a team member in an ever‑changing environment
• Ability to work independently with self‑motivation and attention to detail as well as excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate, recognize and solve practical problems and resolve issues
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in written form
• Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross‑functional teams

Work Environment

• Majority of time spent in an event setting
• Varied schedules requiring evenings, weekends, overtime, and holidays
• Able to stand for prolonged periods of time
• Varying temperatures and weather conditions; both indoor and outdoor
• Able to stand and walk on uneven or unsteady surfaces aboard a moving train
• Time spent in and around active railroad yard(s)

What’s in it for you?

• Join the cast and crew of a one‑of‑a‑kind performance on a moving train
• Serve others and create a world of make‑believe and magic
• Competitive pay and a chance to build upon your theater network and make lifelong connections
• Enrich and positively impact the experience for all – big and small
• Be part of an inclusive team in a supportive environment with high expectations for self and your fellow teammates
• Catered meals for 5‑show days
• Comp tickets for your friends and family
• Potential for end of season bonus

Working on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Working on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is unlike anything you will ever do. This immersive experience is entirely unique to Rail Events Productions. The challenge of producing a full‑length production on a moving train is one of the most rewarding experiences as an artist or technician. With a total cast, crew and front‑of‑house employees of 60‑75 people onsite every day and the possibility of over 2,000 guests, our days can be chaotic. With such a fast‑paced environment, the team at Rail Events Productions takes care to properly support and teach everyone the best ways to accomplish their jobs. We strive to build a space where employees are safe and encouraged to grow throughout their time with the company.

Rail Events Productions, an American Heritage Railways subsidiary, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.