Assistant Prop Shop Manager / Props Artisan - American Shakespeare Center

The American Shakespeare Center (Staunton, VA) is seeking PROPERTIES ARTISAN(S) / ASSISTANT PROP SHOP MANAGER(S) for our 2025 Artistic Year. This can be a FULL-TIME SEASONAL or FULL TIME ANNUAL position.

ARTISANS will work in tandem with full-time Prop Shop Manager / Resident Designer. The ASC was formed in 1988 in Central Virginia, and in 2001 the Blackfriars Playhouse was built - the world's first recreation of Shakespeare's indoor theatre. 

2025 SPRING REPERTORY SEASON 
First Rehearsal: January 07, 2025 
Closing: April 20, 2025 
KING LEAR; COMEDY OF ERRORS; LITTLE WOMEN, 

2025 SUMMER REPERTORY SEASON 
First Rehearsal: April 09, 2025 
Closing: August 03, 2025 
SENSE & SENSIBILITY, THE WINTER’S TALE 

2025 FALL REPERTORY SEASON 
First Rehearsal: August 06, 2025 
Closing: November 16, 2025 
ROMEO & JULIET, TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, *THE TRUTHFUL BALLAD OF BONNY & READ (*working title) 

2025 HOLIDAY SEASON 
First Rehearsal: November 18, 2025 
Closing: December 28, 2025   
A CHRISTMAS CAROL 

PLEASE NOTE: There is no “Scenic Designer” in the traditional sense, as the Blackhouse Playhouse itself is the set. The Playhouse does not have traditional theatrical lights or sound. Shows are performed using “Shakespeare’s Staging Conditions” with audiences seated in a thrust configuration with Universal Lighting (audience and actors in the same pool of light) encouraging Audience Contact, seamless transitions between scenes, and actors doubling multiple roles in a show. JOB DESCRIPTION: 
 

The Props Artisan will work with the Technical Properties Supervisor (SUPERVISOR) and/or Props Master to build and maintain the properties for the current season. Responsibilities include pulling props from storage, build projects, taking care of props inventory and spaces, and attending tech rehearsals with the Props Supervisor (if requested / as available). Applicants should be familiar and interested in a variety of crafting skills, good note-takers, familiar with shop environments and safety, and ready to learn.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Ability to read, interpret, and build from designer drawings as assigned by SUPERVISOR
• Ability to interpret and build from sketches, photos, video, or other media assigned by SUPERVISOR
• Familiarization with a large variety of building materials and construction techniques.  
• Inform Properties Master of shop material needs in a timely fashion.  
• Purchase or rent props as necessary at the direction of the SUPERVISOR
• Participate in props/scenic transfers to and from warehouses, theatres, and rehearsal halls as needed.  
• Touch up, repair, and maintenance of items
• Refurbishment and replacement of props from stock shows as instructed.
• Build or source stock items and mock-up for rehearsal if needed.  
• Participation in all show load-ins and load-outs.  
• Work in a safe, efficient, and organized manner.  

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:  

• Ideal candidate will have a range of props artisan skills including, but not limited to; cabinetry, scene painting, hand and machine stitching, soft good construction, upholstery, mold making and casting, floral arranging, paper goods graphics and construction, fine carpentry woodworking and furniture construction, MIG welding, and scenery carpentry. 
• Strong organizational skills.  
• Positive attitude, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a collaborative manner.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is preferred. 
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and climb stairs and ladders comfortably
• High degree of organizational skills with the ability to be flexible and multi-task with accuracy
   

Compensation:

• $36,000 annually, paid in biweekly installments.
• This full-time, seasonal position is eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Short Term Disability ASC coverage as outlined in the Employee Manual.
• Housing available for out of town applicants on a seasonal basis. 
• Travel reimbursement available.

If interested, please email Thomas J. Coppola (Production Manager) with "ASC 2025 PROPS ARTISAN SUBMISSION" in the Subject Line. Please include your updated resume, any available digital portfolio/website, and a brief letter of interest. 

Send to: artistic@AmericanShakespeareCenter.com

The American Shakespeare Center is committed to anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices. Our goal is to implement best practices that maintain a healthy company culture and ethos that is welcoming to all who want to join this theatre. Members of the BIPOC, LGBTQ and/or other under-represented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.