Prop Supervisor - Obsidian Theatre Festival

The Obsidian Theatre Festival, produced by GhostLight Creative Productions, Incorporated and Nicely Theatre Group, is CALLING for a Properties Supervisor for its third season.

ABOUT: The Obsidian Theatre Festival centers Black stories, through an invigorating celebration of new work by emerging Black voices. Produced by Detroiters in the city of Detroit, the Obsidian Theatre Festival illuminates the rich diversity of experiences relevant to the African diaspora.

Our team seeks to normalize the panoply of Black American culture through an inclusive, color conscious lens. We are dedicated to the exploration of universal themes, and acknowledgment of the ways in which intersecting identities shape the world in which we live.

Returning For Our Third Season, We Believe Art Is Most Impactful When Artists Bring The Fullness Of Their Identities And Experiences To Their Work; And We Actively Encourage Creativity In Thought, Storytelling And Casting By Asking The Following

• How do stories shift if the established ideas of a character’s gender identity, ethnicity, disability, skin color, height, weight, and/or sexual orientation are challenged?
• What layers of meaning and depth, if any, are brought to the surface in this exploration?
• How does an imaginative, out of the box creative process push back against, or reinforce existing social structures?
  
  

The Obsidian Theatre Festival accepts applicants of every identity, and does not discriminate on the basis of identity, including but not limited to: race, creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, religion, HIV serostatus, disability, height, weight, veteran status, marital status, or economic class.

The Obsidian Theatre Festival will be presented in 3 parts

• OTF Main Stage: Featuring full-length plays that examine the diversity of the black experience.
• Musical Theatre Showcase: Staged readings of new musicals, highlighting an important step in the development of new work.
• Obsidian Cabaret: Featuring nationally renowned artists in an intimate evening of music and storytelling.
  
  

For more information about The Obsidian Theatre Festival please visit www.obsidianfest.org

LOCATION: Detroit, MI

SEEKING: A Props Supervisor with experience in Theatre and Musical Theatre. BIPOC artists are strongly encouraged to submit.

• A candidate who is flexible, strategic and able to work in a collaborative space.
• A candidate who is skilled in communicating clearly, with tact and discretion, as well as maintaining confidentiality.
• The Props Supervisor will be selected based on their experience to oversee pieces in the dedicated areas of the OTF Main Stage, MT Showcase and Obsidian Cabaret.
• Candidates within close proximity to Detroit Metro area are strongly preferred
  
  

Responsibilities

• The Props Supervisor will report to the Production Manager
• Compile a properties plot list for productions
• Will assist in upholding the production calendar and have materials prepped and provided for rehearsals, on stage rehearsals and performances
• Work with the Director and Production Manager to make sure you have all needed materials
• Pull props and set pieces from current inventory
• Begin preparation for in person rehearsals beginning mid April
• Attend Designer Runs for all shows
• Attend and participate in all production and needed administrative meetings assigned by the Production Manager
• Give clear directions to the Stage Managers on how and what rehearsal items they have to utilize, how to set up materials and how to store materials at the end of the rehearsal each day.
• Clear communication with Stage Managers on if they need any additional items or when they are no longer in need of an item
• Review and respond as needed to daily rehearsal reports to the show company and OTF Executive Staff
• Act promptly to any notes given for props
• Attend technical rehearsals under the management of the Production Manager
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Qualifications

• Experience working on a variety of projects such as musicals, straight plays, cabarets and new work is preferred
• Strong organizational, leadership, time management, administrative and mentoring skills
• Outstanding judgment and ability to prioritize varying tasks efficiently and safely
• Ability to work under pressure while multitasking
• Able to coordinate timely responses between internal departments
• Must be able to work extended hours, nights and weekends
• Experience maintaining relationships with artists, designers and stagehands
• Ability to coordinate with production on needed design elements on the director’s behalf
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• High level of computer proficiency with knowledge of Google Suite
  
  

Safety

• We are committed to the health and safety of all of our artists, employees and guests. In order to maintain the safest environment possible, all Obsidian Theatre Festival staff, artists, creative teams, crews, and ushers are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid 19 (both rounds of vaccinations and the booster shot.) The only exception to mandatory vaccination is providing a physician note due to a qualifying disability or a statement of religious exemption.
• Maintain safe work conditions in keeping with OTF’s health and safety guidelines and COVID19 protocols throughout the production process
  
  

SCHEDULE: The Properties Supervisor estimated workload averages 10-15 hours per week prior to rehearsal weeks, with a possible increase to 15-20 hrs during rehearsal weeks and 30+ hours during the technical rehearsals/the production week. Looking for someone to start by April 17th.

Schedule

Interviews: Beginning late March

Virtual Rehearsal (Main Stage Only): Starts May 22nd

In Person Rehearsal (Main Stage Only): Starts May 30th

In Person Rehearsal (MT Showcase/Obsidian Cabaret): Starts June 12th

Tech: Begins June 17th (MS); June 20 (MT)

Performances: June 22nd-June 25th

Strike/Load Out: June 26th-June 28th

COMPENSATION: Commensurates with experience. Flat Fee: $2000.

APPLICATION INFORMATION: Please fill out the Google Form (link below) and submit your Cover Letter and Resume per the instructions inside the form by March 24th.

Properties Supervisor Google Form: https://forms.gle/mbAg2QuvbV6VMrfk6

If you have any questions please email, gm@ghostlightinc.com

For more information about The Obsidian Theatre Festival please visit www.obsidianfest.org

Salary: $2000 Flat Fee