Properties Master, Faculty of Arts

Description

The Department of Drama in the Faculty of Arts is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Properties Master for approximately 1 year.

The Properties Master is a fully proficient technical practitioner with in-depth knowledge of theory, systems, technologies and processes of drama production properties design and construction. The Properties Master will also demonstrate proficiency in other technical theatre disciplines such as lighting, rigging and wardrobe. This position works independently and with broad directives with minimal supervision and reports to the Director of Production. The Properties Master performs highly complex functions with an extremely high impact of error such as the consequences to the production process of  missed design and construction deadlines. The ability to deal effectively with major complex issues through resourcefulness and demonstrated strong communication and team skills are critical.  Leads and supervises various part time staff and also provides instruction to students.

Production in an academic year: 3 main stage shows, 2 to 3 pre-thesis shows, 3 - 5 undergraduate directing projects, presented in a student Festival format, one touring children's theatre show and various department research projects.

Judgement - requires discretionary decision making which impacts programs, services and/or department operations.

Extreme peaks of activity just prior to production openings in October, December, February and April. Overtime is often required during peak periods.

Multiple simultaneous deadlines throughout the academic year; work is driven by constant deadlines.

Work requires possible exposure to dangerous materials and/or situations and the management of these situations. Work is sometimes conducted in a high noise area. Work in  environment that has shifting priorities. Moderate to high physical demands. Some overtime may be required during peak periods.

Supervision of 2-4 independent study students in the area of Props/Set building, 4.5 hours per student per week.

Judgment requires discretionary decision making which impacts programs, services and/or department operations. Work requires the Props Master to be off campus for the purpose of  props acquisition, production research and the acquisition of production materials. Extreme peaks of activity just prior to production openings in October, December, February, April and June. Multiple simultaneous deadline throughout the academic year; work is driven by constant deadlines. Overtime is often required during peak periods Work in environment that has shifting priorities Moderate to high physical demands. Work involves physical hazards and environmental hazards. Work is often conducted in a high noise area.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Manage operations and student technical assistants in the area of the Properties/Paint Shop.
• Provide primary production support for the department in the area of Theatre Properties construction and acquisition.
• Provide production support in the areas of set, lighting and sound, supervising student crews during mainstage technical installation, set up and rehearsals.
• Supervise & assign work for part-time student staff in the Properties Shop and other theatre department.
• Supervise part-time staff, stage management and student designers for the yearly festival of student work.
• Track and justify expenditures. Reconcile shop expenditures.
• Provide safe working and instructional environment.
• Maintain and update MSDS database for Properties and Costume shops and make information accessible to shop users.
• Maintain equipment, properties inventories, shop space and storage areas.
• Maintain tools and inventory stock in a safe manner and proper working order.
• Continuous reorganizing and streamlining of shop operations to maximize the instructional and production space.
• Provide relevant lab instruction to first year Theatre Production Course.
• Provide appropriate feedback to students and the Instructor of record for the lab portions of the Theatre Production Course.
• Provide relevant and detailed instruction in the specialty area of Properties/Set for independent  Study students. Assess student's performance and progress during study.
• Provide relevant feedback and grades to students and the instructor of record for Independent Studies.
• Create, nurture and maintain relationships with professional and semiprofessional theatre companies, other post secondary programs, the school systems and other community user's of the Department's Properties collection for loan or exchange purposes.
• Remain informed and up to date with legislative policies and best practices in regard to FOIP, safety standards and environmental concerns as they related to day to day Property Shop and Show Procedures.
• Operate Prop Shop and production activities within labour and budget guidelines in a manner that supports the department's overall objectives.
• Maintain the Properties/Paint Shop as a safe and clean work environment in accordance with Provincial Health and Safety Guidelines.
• Maintain tools and inventory stock in safe manner and in proper working order.
• Provide relevant lab instruction to first year stagecraft course.
• Provide appropriate feedback to students and Instructor of record for lab portion of first year theatre production course.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• BA, BFA or Technical Theatre diploma in a related field and/or 5-10 years experience as a Properties Master.
• Secondary training in two or more of the following technical Theatre disciplines is required:
  • Theatre Carpentry
  • Rigging
  • Metal Work
  • Wardrobe
  • Stage Management
  • Technical Direction
  • Lighting
  • Sound
• Training/licenses:
  • A valid Class 5 driver's license (cannot be a graduated license) with proven good driving record (abstract required)
  • First Aid Training
  • WHMIS Training
  • Pyrotechnics License an asset
  • Possession and Acquisitions License and asset (PAL)
  • Teaching experience an asset
  • Basic computer literacy
• Working Knowledge of a combination of the following areas is desirable:
  • upholstery
  • sewing and soft goods fabrication
  • scenic sculpture
  • welding
  • moulding and casting
  • thermoplastics
  • plastic resins
  • mask construction
  • furniture finishing
  • colour theory and mixing
  • paint and other coatings
  • metal working (cutting, joining etc.)
  • CAD (VectorWorks)

Application Deadline:  January 12, 2025.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.