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Job Description / Duties

Purpose: Reporting to the Technical Director, the Lead Props is responsible for the maintenance and installation of company dance floor and props in performance venues and assisting the Lead Carpenter as required. The incumbent ensures good relationships with a variety of interest groups, including casual labour, IATSE locals and personnel, the performing arts industry and the community at large.

Key Deliverables/Responsibilities
1. Leadership and Collaborative Effort.
2. Build and preparation for new creations and re-mounts/rentals.
3. Expense tracking, budget management and reporting.
4. Administration.

Detailed Tasks Associated with Key Deliverables
1. Leadership and Collaborative Effort
 Communicates our mission and values to all stakeholders.
 Provides for a comfortable and safe place to work.
 Motivates and develops direct reports.
 Contributes to good inter-departmental communication and interpersonal relations.

2. Build and preparation for new creations and re-mounts/rentals.
 Maintaining a build schedule based on the budget provided by the Director of Artistic Operations.
 Construction, maintenance and pre-tour maintenance of all theatrical equipment, properties, scenic elements and cratage when required by the Technical Director;
 Installation of marley dance floor and the distribution and installation of props in all venues locally and on tour;
 Sweeping and mopping of the dance floors and stage when required;
 Organization and delegation of all work in the props department in each performance venue;
 Assist in the loading of the trailer prior to a tour and the unloading following the tour;
 Supervise and assist at load-ins and load-outs in performance venues;
 Assist in the unloading and loading of the trailer at performance venues;
 Attend and supervise and assist the property department at all technical rehearsals, cueing sessions and performances;
 Assist the Lead Carpenter when required.
 Design breakdowns for new builds including build hours/piece.
 Compiling all new design information including materials used, vendors and material pricing.
 Acting as the liaison between the TD and the casual props crew.
 Determining if any supplemental pieces are required to fulfill the shows props requirements.
 Managing the rebuild/maintenance requirements for the Nutcracker on a yearly basis as determined by the age and functionality of the props pieces.
 Acting as the buyer for the department and gathering supplies as needed.

3. Expense tracking, budget management and reporting.
 Tracking all expenses for the department including invoices and visa statements.

4. Administration
 Responsible for the general organization of information contained within the props department.
 Managing all digital and hard copy files. Digital archives are required after a production.
 Maintain the company props and floor inventory as a whole at the company warehouse location and in the venue.
 Assist in implementation of company inventory database upgrade at warehouse.

Key Relationships
 Ensure working relationships with the Rehearsal Directors, Artistic Director, Production Department, Stage Management and Wardrobe as well as with representatives of the School of Alberta Ballet.
 Ensure working collaboration with Alberta Ballet administrative staff.
 Foster good relations and communication with a variety of interest groups, these include suppliers, IATSE locals, the performing arts industry and the community at large.
 Act at all times in the best interest of Alberta Ballet in promoting its artistic objectives.
Budgetary Duties/Authorizations
 As determined by the Director of Artistic Operations.
Direct Reports / Supervisory Duties
 Supervision of IATSE personnel as required.

Qualifications / Required Skills

 Sound interpersonal, team building skills, and a positive attitude.
 Strong leadership skills.
 2 years minimum prop building experience that may include but not be limited to theatre and film production.
 2 years minimum prop shop management experience preferred.
 A post secondary education in props construction is of benefit, but not required.
 Strong understanding of the props design process.
 Must have good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
 Valid Certification in First Aid / CPR and WHIMIS 2015 is preferred.
 Budget management skills an asset but not required.
 Must have a valid drivers license.
 Must be a full member of IATSE 212, or have sister status with IATSE 212 if from an outside local. Must be Pink Card eligible for touring.
 The successful candidate will be required to complete a police background and vulnerable sector check as a condition of employment.
 Confirmation of full vaccination status for COVID-19 is required for all stage technician crew members as per Alberta Ballet Back of House theatre protocols and Safe Return to Work COVID-19 policy.

Working Conditions / physical requirements
 The schedule for prep in the warehouse is Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm and is outlined in the production schedule for days of work required.
 The Lead Props will be required to travel with the company primarily between September and May (including December, no exceptions) or as outlined in the production schedule.
 While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, speak and hear. The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
 Must have and be prepared to use his or her own personal vehicle for occasional company business, and will be reimbursed for such use on a per kilometer basis.
 A demonstrable ability to handle a deadline oriented, fast paced environment.
 The Lead Props is expected to be punctual, personable and work well with others. This position requires strong organizational, leadership and problem solving skills and a self motivated attitude towards the work.
 Primarily (but not limited to) working at the Alberta Ballet Warehouse for prep and the Southern and Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditoriums during performance weeks. (Calgary and Edmonton)

Additional Information

The position of Lead Props is subject to the rates, terms and conditions as outlined in the IATSE White Contract and IATSE Canadian Pink Contract. This position is included as Alberta Ballet Regular Crew. The Lead Props position is subject to any and all Alberta Ballet company policies and procedures. All overtime must be pre-approved by the Director of Artistic Operations and must be provided in writing.

Please submit your cover letter and resume through our career site: www.albertaballet.com/careers

Salary: $28.09 per hour for 2022/2023

Contact Information

Please contact hr@albertaballet.com with any inquiries.

Employer Profile

Alberta Ballet’s mission is to ignite the curiosity and imagination of people in communities across the province through dance training, creation and performance. We have proudly served the province since 1966, bringing dance to tens of thousands of Albertans each year, and we’re preparing to embark on a renewed commitment to share more dance with more Albertans. 

Alberta Ballet’s artistic and production teams are at the heart of our work, inspiring deep personal engagement through our events.  Alberta Ballet’s events take place in Calgary and Edmonton’s Jubilee Auditoriums and in cities throughout the province. 

Alberta Ballet is committed to an inclusive workplace culture. This includes valuing diversity in our workforce, providing a safe work environment and fostering a culture of belonging. We believe a workplace with equal opportunity employment fosters creativity and strengthens connections to the communities we serve.