Do you love the theatre? Are you looking for an opportunity to contribute to our local culture? Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe might be the perfect fit for your next career move. We offer benefits for all full-time employees, including 15 days PTO for vacation and sick days, 11 paid holidays, health insurance, a 403(b) Retirement Plan and show tickets.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or military status in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, employment and casting, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services to our patrons and students. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our staff, patrons, students, volunteers, subcontractors and vendors.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Current Open Position
We are sad to say that our current Properties Artisan Manager, who has been with us for many years, will be retiring at the end of our 2025-2026 Season. Her leaving WBTT opens up an opportunity for someone else. If this position interests you, please see below.
Properties Artisan Manager
Reporting Relationship: Director of Production, Artistic Director, and Executive Director and Guest Directors
Theatrical Credits: The Properties Artisan Manager will receive front page creative credit for Properties Design and have their bio included in the playbill for all shows on which they work and be listed as Resident Properties Artisan Manager in all staff lists.
Time Requirements: Full-time Position, Some nights & weekend hours during tech weeks of productions.
Starting Date: September 1, 2026
Design, Creation and Resourcing of Theatre Properties:
The Properties Artisan Manager will lead the design, creation, sourcing and building of Props that help create the mood for Mainstage and Blackbox theatrical productions and convey the Director’s vision for the production to the audience. The Properties Artisan Manager reads the script prior to the first production meeting, attends the production meetings and confers with the Director regarding interpretation and prop requirements. The Properties Artisan Manager will create or resource (through purchase or rental) the Properties needed for the production within a budget provided per production, and ensure the safe and timely completion and installation of those elements.
Inventory and Maintenance of Properties:
As Properties Artisan Manager, you will assist with keeping the backstage Property areas organized, Properties inventoried and serve as an on-site liaison for our guest designers to the theatre facility and resources. You may also facilitate rentals of our Properties to other theatres.
Requirements: The candidate should have excellent communication and organizational skills, demonstrated artistic ability and must be self–motivated, efficient, and creative.
In general, WBTT produces 5 major shows each year, 1 or 2 Blackbox Productions, and a Stage of Discovery Youth theatre show, along with smaller education and offsite productions.
The following are the main duties and responsibilities of the Properties Artisan Manager:
- responsible for making, gathering, borrowing and placement of all props that meet the design requirements of the show, lead in properties load-in and load-out for all productions assuring adherence to WBTT safety and procedure policies,
- responsible for ensuring that all necessary props for a given production are completed by the first Dress Rehearsal. This is generally Tuesday of Tech week. Provide “do fors” at first week of rehearsals,
- responsible for creating a property table at the behind stage at the performance venue and setting it up with the props. The Prop Master is also responsible for ensuring the props are stored at night as necessary,
- must attend all tech week and dress rehearsals and be available to make repairs or changes to any props that are needed during rehearsal weeks and be available throughout the run of the show for repairs as needed,
- work within the allotted budget and make purchases that are necessary to complete the prop plot of the show. All receipts must be provided to the WBTT finance manager within one week of the close of the show,
- provide to the Marketing Team a listing of any individuals or entities that should be listed in the show program for acknowledgement and/or appreciation,
- responsible for ensuring all props are removed from the performance venue at the end of the last show. The Prop Master is also responsible for ensuring that within 1 week after the last performance and strike of the set, the prop pieces are returned to the WBTT workshop,
- responsible for returning any rented or borrowed prop pieces to their rightful owners within a month of production closing unless an earlier date is specified in the rental agreement,
- responsible for keeping the prop area organized and cleaned,
- Supervision of Properties assistants (may share production assistants with other departments, may have a properties intern (s)),
- attend Production and Staff meetings (usually 1/week) via zoom
- Other related responsibilities as requested by supervisors.
QUALIFICATIONS:
– Must have BA or BFA in Theatre or comparable professional experience with training in technical theatre production including prop construction.
– Working knowledge of a variety of construction methods, materials and techniques including wood, fabric, metal, and plastics.
– Comprehensive training in the safe operation of stationery and portable power tools, hand tools.
– Computer proficiency as it relates to technical theatre.
– Ability/willingness to collaborate and work as a team member, while maintaining a positive attitude with a diverse staff through strong verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
– Must be able to carry 25 pounds.
– Must be able to climb and work from ladders.
– Must have the vision and dexterity to safely operate stationery and portable power tools, hand tools, stage rigging and equipment.
– This position has irregular hours with regular night and weekend responsibilities.
Compensation provided upon request and depending upon experience.
Benefits: As a full-time exempt employee, you have access to our company health plan, we pay 90% of the premium for the employee and you are covered by Workmen’s Compensation insurance. You will accrue 15 days of paid personal time-off each year (Oct 1- Sept 30). Up to one week of that may be saved for pay-in-lieu of time-off; we observe Federal Holidays as paid holidays. You will be eligible to participate in our 403 (b) retirement plan with annual company contributions (currently 3% of pay).
If you are interested in this position, please email your resume to Roland Black, Director of Production at rblack@westcoastblacktheatre.org.