Position: Soft Prop Crafts Artisan

Department: Properties

Reports to: Properties Director

Status: Seasonal, Full-Time

Compensation: $650 weekly

Deadline to Apply: Applications reviewed as received

ABOUT MILWAUKEE REP

Milwaukee Rep is the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin in terms of audiences served and one of the largest professional theaters in the country. Each year we welcome nearly 300,000 people at 700 performances of 12 to 15 productions across 3 unique stages ranging from Broadway musicals to Shakespeare to American Classics and New Works that are entertaining, inclusive, and impactful. Every season requires a talented and diverse team of people on and off stage. Come join us at Milwaukee Rep where we value inclusion, innovation, and quality and where you will have an impact in helping us to fulfill our mission to ignite positive in the community. It is important that our hiring practices reflect our ongoing commitment to diversity and anti-racism and we strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. We are further committed to considering applicants who are well-rounded but do not fulfill every qualification.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Soft Props Artisan is responsible for the construction, alteration, and maintenance of props and set decoration for Milwaukee Rep productions and events. They will assist in general departmental upkeep, stock maintenance and rentals, and participate in all load-ins, work calls and strikes. They will assist the Properties Director in the maintenance of inventories and record keeping. Primary duties include the research, purchasing, and construction of soft prop elements from start to finish including upholstery, drapery, sculpture, and fine art objects.

Major Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Research, produce and maintain props in line with the scenic designers & directors’ vision
• Fabricate props, set decoration and decorative elements as required by the Director and Designer under the direction of the Properties Director
• Utilize techniques including, but not limited to: upholstery, drapery construction, dye and fabric manipulation, sculpture, fine arts painting and general soft crafts in the creation of all prop elements
• Assist scenic designer in the selection and purchase of fabric
• Participate in general prop creation as time permits
• Assist with the installation and maintenance of props from load-in through strike
• Share in the duties of production, maintenance and coordination of props for the annual production of A Christmas Carol
• Assist in the maintenance, inventory, upkeep and storage of departmental stock and materials for internal use and external rentals
• Participate in educational and outreach events

SCHEDULE

The bulk of the work hours will happen during regular business hours, with some nights and weekends. For the 2022/23 season, the contract will end on April 23, 2023. Start date is negotiable for the right candidate. Work rules, benefits, and compensation are governed by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between Milwaukee Rep and IATSE Local 18.

Work rules, benefits, and compensation are governed by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between Milwaukee Rep and IATSE Local 18.

BENEFITS OFFERED

Employee Benefits

Health & Dental Insurance – 85% Employer Paid Premium for Individual Employee

Health Savings Account & Health Reimbursement Account

Flexible Spending Account

403(b) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off Package including Seasonal Time, Sick Leave, Holidays, Parental Leave, Medical Leave

TO APPLY

Required Materials: Online Application, Resume, Cover Letter detailing why you are the best candidate for the position, Photo or Video examples of past work

Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis thereafter until the position is filled.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. Any candidate who requires accommodations to submit an online application should contact lmerwin@milwaukeerep.com

Milwaukee Repertory Theater is committed to creating a culturally diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Additionally, any physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Technical Knowledge and Experience:

• Project history that demonstrates proven soft prop crafts skills at a high professional standard
• Work history that demonstrates an ability multitask, troubleshoot, and adapt quickly
• Working knowledge of period styles, the theatrical design and production process, and a wide range of soft prop and general prop craft skills
• Significant experience working with a wide range of fabrics
• Knowledge and experience with upholstery techniques for a wide range of furniture pieces and periods

Milwaukee Rep Values Employees Who:

• Communicate well with a diverse group of colleagues
• Demonstrate an aptitude and eagerness to learn new skills and processes when necessary
• Solve problems and engage in creative thinking about challenges individually and in a group environment
• Are able to accept and incorporate feedback
• Have excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and diplomacy skills and ability to be self-directed and take initiative
• Demonstrates an understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre and/or a willingness to commit to learning and to the mission, vision, and values of the theater in areas of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts both in the workplace and in our community

COVID Policy

Milwaukee Rep has a mandated vaccine policy and requires all employees to submit proof of vaccination for COVID-19 OR documentation for a medical or religious exemption before the first day of work