Stage Properties Manager

Wright State University; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 49,500 - 60,500; Full time

Job summary

Wright State University’s Theatre program in the School of Fine and Performing Arts seeks a Theatre Properties Master to oversee all props for departmental productions. The role emphasizes organization, budgeting, and collaboration with directors, designers, stage managers, and technical staff.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree with extensive experience in performing arts, or an MFA with related experience, and will supervise students, manage the prop shop, and contribute to teaching

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with five years of tested performing arts experience, or a Master’s degree (MFA preferred) with three years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Run and maintain the Prop Shop, including building, sourcing, purchasing, or renting props; develop prop lists from script analysis; manage budgets and inventory.
• Supervise and mentor students, including training and supporting Theatre Properties majors.
• Assist productions with prop plans for load-in, rehearsals, run, and strike; attend production meetings; ensure safe prop use.
• Collaborate with Theatre Design and Production faculty on operational planning and continuous improvement.
• Teach two courses per year.

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Qualified applicants should submit a portfolio showcasing their experience in stage properties, including examples of prop design, construction, sourcing, and onstage implementation. Please include detailed descriptions of your role in each project and attach under "Other Document 1".

Position Information

Position Information (Default Section)

EEO Statement

Wright State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Faculty Rank or Job Title

Faculty Rank or Job Title Stage Properties Manager

Job Category:

Job Category: Administrative (exempt/non-exempt)

Department

Department School of Fine and Performing Arts

EEO number:

EEO number: 26P182

Position FTE

100%

Minimum Annual Salary

Minimum Annual Salary $55,000

Salary Band:

Salary Band: UC S04

Job Summary/Basic Function:

The Wright State Theatre area in the School of Fine and Performing Arts is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented professional to serve as Theatre Properties Master and join our collaborative faculty, staff, and student production community. Our production program supports a full season of theatrical works that provide students with hands‑on, professional‑level training in design, technology, and production practices.

We are seeking a colleague who can oversee the creation, acquisition, and management of all theatrical properties in support of departmental productions. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational and budgeting skills, the ability to collaborate effectively with directors, designers, stage managers, and technical staff, and a commitment to mentoring students in safe, efficient, and industry‑standard prop practices.

Join us in supporting high-quality theatrical storytelling in an educational environment where craftsmanship, collaboration, and student learning are central to the production process.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree plus five years of tested experience specific to performing arts, or a Master’s degree ( MFA preferred) in Theatre, Technical Production, or a related field plus three years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Essential Functions and percent of time:

• 40% – Run and maintain the Prop Shop, including building, sourcing, purchasing, or renting props; developing prop lists through script analysis; maintaining detailed budgets; and managing a consistently updated and organized prop inventory.
• 15% – Student supervision and mentoring, including training, overseeing, and supporting student workers and Theatre Properties majors.
• 30% – Assist productions, including coordinating prop plans for load‑in, rehearsals, run, and strike; attending production meetings; and ensuring safe and appropriate prop use during rehearsals and performances.
• 10% – Collaboration and service, working with Theatre Design and Production faculty and staff on operational planning, communication, and continuous improvement of the properties area.
• 5% – teach two (2) courses per year

Essential Functions and percent of time (cont'd):

Non-Essential Functions and percent of time:

Working Conditions

To preserve the safety and security of the campus community and to maintain the integrity of university operations, it is the policy of Wright State University making an employment offer contingent on various background checks, such as a criminal record, credit history when job related and/or education verifications. Additionally, an administrative review shall be conducted whenever the university learns that an employee is charged with or convicted of a crime (except for minor vehicle violations). Frequently asked questions related to background checks may be found on the Human resources website at http://www.wright.edu/human-resources.

Effective July 1, 2017, per Policy 7230 Wright State University is tobacco‑free. Tobacco use, including the sale, advertising sampling and distribution of tobacco products and tobacco related items is prohibited in all university facilities, on all university owned or leased grounds, university owned or operated residence halls and apartments, and at all university sponsored events regardless of location. Tobacco use is also prohibited in all university vehicles or on any equipment owned, leased or operated by Wright State University. This policy applies to anyone on campus including students, faculty, staff, visitors, consultants, vendors, patients, volunteers, and contractor employees.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Qualified applicants should submit a portfolio showcasing their experience in stage properties, including examples of prop design, construction, sourcing, and onstage implementation. Please include detailed descriptions of your role in each project and attach under “Other Document 1”.

Posting Date

Posting Date 04/28/2026

First Consideration Date:

Closing Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

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3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Dayton, OH 45435 USA